Shloka 2.7.28

मन्थराप्रवेशः — Manthara Observes Ayodhya and Incites Kaikeyi

Devanagari script

यथा हि कुर्यात्सर्पो वा शत्रुर्वा प्रत्युपेक्षितः।राज्ञा दशरथेनाद्य सपुत्रा त्वं तथा कृता।।।।

Transliteration

yathā hi kuryāt sarpo vā śatrur vā pratyupekṣitaḥ | rājñā daśarathenādya saputrā tvaṃ tathā kṛtā ||

Translation

Just as a neglected snake—or a neglected enemy—would act, so today King Daśaratha has treated you, together with your son.

Context

King Dasaratha has done to you and to your son the same thing as a snake or anenemy would do when ignored.

Characters & Entities

• Mantharā
• Kaikeyī
• Daśaratha
• Bharata
• Snake (metaphor)
• Enemy (metaphor)

FAQs

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

It frames neglect as ethically dangerous; dharma in relationships and rule requires attentive fairness, not disregard that breeds hostility.

What is the narrative situation?

Mantharā argues that Kaikeyī and Bharata are being strategically ignored, likening it to provoking a snake/enemy.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Respectful attention to obligations is the implied virtue—presented as lacking in Daśaratha, according to Mantharā.