Shloka 2.7.31

मन्थराप्रवेशः — Manthara Observes Ayodhya and Incites Kaikeyi

Devanagari script

मन्थाराया वचश्श्रुत्वा शयाना सा शुभानना।उत्तस्थौ हर्षसम्पूर्णा चन्द्रलेखेव शारदी।।।।

Transliteration

manthārāyā vacaś śrutvā śayānā sā śubhānanā |

uttasthau harṣasampūrṇā candralekheva śāradī || 2.7.31 ||

Translation

Hearing Mantharā’s words, Kaikeyī—reclining at ease, her face fair—rose up filled with delight, like the bright crescent moon of the autumn season.

Context

Hearing the words of Manthara, Kaikeyi of charming countenance lying in her couch rose, full of joy, like the autumnal streak of the Moon's crescent.

Characters & Entities

• Mantharā
• Kaikeyī
• moon (metaphor)

FAQs

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

Dharma is tested at the level of inner response: joy at politically charged counsel can signal attachment and delusion, which later conflicts with truth and fairness.

What is the narrative situation?

Kaikeyī physically and emotionally shifts from repose to eager engagement after hearing Mantharā, indicating readiness to be influenced.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Aesthetic charm is highlighted, but ethically the emphasis is on susceptibility—how quickly emotion can override steadiness of judgment.