Shloka 2.7.32

मन्थराप्रवेशः — Manthara Observes Ayodhya and Incites Kaikeyi

Devanagari script

अतीव सा तु संहृष्टा कैकेयी विस्मयान्विता।एकमाभरणं तस्यै कुब्जायै प्रददौ शुभम्।।।।

Transliteration

atīva sā tu saṃhṛṣṭā kaikeyī vismayānvitā |

ekam ābharaṇaṃ tasyai kubjāyai pradadau śubham || 2.7.32 ||

Translation

Overjoyed and amazed, Kaikeyī gave that hunchback woman a single splendid ornament.

Context

Filled with immense joy and wonder (at the news), Kaikeyi gifted a beauthful ornament to that hunchback.

Characters & Entities

• Kaikeyī
• Mantharā (kubjā)

FAQs

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

It cautions that rewards should follow righteous counsel; gifting in response to manipulative advice can entrench adharma by incentivizing harmful speech.

What is the narrative situation?

Kaikeyī, pleased by what she has heard, immediately rewards Mantharā, strengthening their conspiratorial bond.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Generosity appears outwardly, but the episode underscores misplaced generosity—giving without discerning the moral quality of the act being rewarded.