Shloka 2.7.24

मन्थराप्रवेशः — Manthara Observes Ayodhya and Incites Kaikeyi

Devanagari script

धर्मावादी शठो भर्ता श्लक्ष्णवादी च दारुणः।शुद्धभावे न जानीषे तेनैव मतिसन्धिता।।।।

Transliteration

dharmāvādī śaṭho bhartā ślakṣṇavādī ca dāruṇaḥ | śuddhabhāve na jānīṣe tenaiva matisandhitā ||

Translation

Your husband speaks of dharma, yet is deceitful; he speaks gently, yet is cruel. Because you are innocent in disposition, you do not recognize it, and your judgment is ensnared by him.

Context

Your husband speaks morals publicly but in private he is deceitful. He speaks gently but acts cruelly. Because of your innocent nature you are beguiled by him. You do not understand this.

Characters & Entities

• Mantharā
• Kaikeyī
• Daśaratha
• Dharma (as rhetoric)

FAQs

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

It warns against using dharma-language without satya (truth) and integrity; dharma is not merely speech but consistent conduct.

What is the narrative situation?

Mantharā maligns Daśaratha’s character to break Kaikeyī’s trust and justify opposition to Rāma’s consecration.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Discernment (viveka) is implicitly demanded: one must judge actions, not be swayed by sweet words.