Shloka 2.7.21

मन्थराप्रवेशः — Manthara Observes Ayodhya and Incites Kaikeyi

Devanagari script

साऽस्म्यगाधे भये मग्ना दुःखशोकसमन्विता।दह्यमानाऽनलेनेव त्वद्धितार्थमिहागता।।।।

Transliteration

sā 'smy agādhe bhaye magnā duḥkhaśokasamanvitā | dahyamānā 'nalen eva tvaddhitārtham ihāgatā ||

Translation

I am plunged in unfathomable fear, filled with grief and sorrow; burning as though in fire, I have come here for your welfare.

Context

Plunged in unfathomable fear and stricken with grief and tears I am here seeking your well-being and yet consumed as though by fire.

Characters & Entities

• Mantharā
• Kaikeyī

FAQs

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

It shows how claims of 'welfare' can be used to justify agitation; dharmically, intention (bhāva) must align with truth (satya), not merely emotional display.

What is the narrative situation?

Mantharā intensifies her warning by presenting herself as distressed and acting 'for Kaikeyī’s good' to gain trust.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

The verse performs the appearance of concern; it primarily illustrates rhetorical strategy rather than a genuine virtue.