Shloka 2.7.26

मन्थराप्रवेशः — Manthara Observes Ayodhya and Incites Kaikeyi

Devanagari script

उपवाह्य स दुष्टात्मा भरतं तव बन्धुषु।काल्ये स्थापयिता रामं राज्ये निहतकण्टके।।।।

Transliteration

upavāhya sa duṣṭātmā bharataṃ tava bandhuṣu | kālye sthāpayitā rāmaṃ rājye nihatakaṇṭake ||

Translation

That wicked-minded man, having sent Bharata away among your relatives, will at dawn install Rāma in a kingdom cleared of all obstacles.

Context

That evil-minded one, having sent Bharata away to your relations house, is going to install Rama unhindered in the kingdom at dawn tomorrow.

Characters & Entities

• Mantharā
• Kaikeyī
• Daśaratha
• Rāma
• Bharata
• Kaikeyī's relatives (maternal kin)

FAQs

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

It raises the ethical issue of sidelining rightful stakeholders through manipulation; dharma in governance requires transparency and fairness in succession.

What is the narrative situation?

Mantharā alleges that Bharata has been intentionally sent away so that Rāma can be installed without resistance.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Vigilance is urged—though the speech is designed to incite suspicion rather than balanced judgment.