Shloka 2.7.7

मन्थराप्रवेशः — Manthara Observes Ayodhya and Incites Kaikeyi

Devanagari script

प्रहर्षोत्फुल्लनयनां पाण्डुरक्षौमवासिनीम्।अविदूरे स्थितां दृष्ट्वा धात्रीं पप्रच्छ मन्थरा।।।।

Transliteration

praharṣotphullanayanāṃ pāṇḍurakṣaumavāsinīm |

avidūre sthitāṃ dṛṣṭvā dhātrīṃ papraccha mantharā || 2.7.7 ||

Translation

Noticing nearby a royal maid, clad in pale-white silk and with eyes widened in delight, Mantharā questioned her.

Context

Seeing a royal maid clad in white silk garment and standing not very far with her eyes expanded in delight Manthara enquired:

Characters & Entities

• Mantharā
• dhātrī (royal maid/attendant)

FAQs

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

A dharmic response to sudden public change is careful inquiry rather than rumor: the verse introduces questioning as the first step toward understanding events.

What is the narrative situation?

After witnessing the city’s celebration, Mantharā approaches a nearby attendant whose joyful demeanor suggests significant news, and she begins to ask what is happening.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Attentiveness and responsiveness: the maid’s visible joy signals communal feeling, while Mantharā’s alertness drives the plot forward through questioning.