Shloka 2.7.13

मन्थराप्रवेशः — Manthara Observes Ayodhya and Incites Kaikeyi

Devanagari script

सा दह्यमाना कोपेन मन्थरा पापदर्शिनी।शयानामेत्य कैकेयीमिदं वचनमब्रवीत्।।।।

Transliteration

dhātryās tu vacanaṃ śrutvā kubjā kṣipram amarṣitā | kailāsaśikharākārāt prāsādād avarohata ||

Translation

Hearing the maid’s words, the hunchback, seized with fury, quickly descended from the palace that rose like the peak of Mount Kailāsa.

Context

The malevolent Manthara on fire with fury reached Kaikeyi lying upon her couch and said:

Characters & Entities

• Mantharā (kubjā)
• royal maid (dhātrī)
• Mount Kailāsa
• palace (prāsāda)

FAQs

What is the core ethical principle (Dharma) in this verse?

The verse foreshadows how uncontrolled resentment disrupts dharma: indignation becomes the motive force that soon undermines rightful succession and family harmony.

What is the narrative situation?

Mantharā, angered by the news of Rāma’s installation, hastens down from the palace to act.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

A negative trait is highlighted—Mantharā’s impulsive anger—serving as a moral contrast to Rāma’s jitakrodha.