Shloka 2.7.16

मन्थराप्रवेशः — Manthara Observes Ayodhya and Incites Kaikeyi

Devanagari script

एवमुक्ता तु कैकेयी रुष्टया परुषं वचः।कुब्जया पापदर्शिन्या विषादमगमत्परम्।।।।

Transliteration

aniṣṭe subhagākāre saubhāgyena vikatthase | calaṃ hi tava saubhāgyaṃ nadyās srota ivōṣṇage ||

Translation

O you who are truly unloved though you wear the look of a favored queen—you boast of your fortune. Yet your “good fortune” is fickle, like a river’s current in the heat of summer.

Context

At these harsh words of the furious, evil-eyed hunchback Kaikeyi fell into great despondency.

Characters & Entities

• Mantharā
• Kaikeyī
• Daśaratha (implied as husband whose favor is in question)

FAQs

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

It warns against unethical speech that breeds distrust: slander and insinuation corrode dharma by breaking bonds of loyalty and truth (satya) within the family and court.

What is the narrative situation?

Mantharā attacks Kaikeyī’s sense of security, claiming her status and favor are unstable to push her toward rash action.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

The virtue implied is humility and clear-sightedness; Mantharā instead exploits pride and insecurity, showing how vanity can be weaponized.