Shloka 2.7.8

मन्थराप्रवेशः — Manthara Observes Ayodhya and Incites Kaikeyi

Devanagari script

उत्तमेनाभिसंयुक्ता हर्षेणार्थपरा सती।राममाता धनं किन्नु जनेभ्यस्सम्प्रयच्छति।।।।

Transliteration

uttamenābhisaṃyuktā harṣeṇārthaparā satī |

rāmamātā dhanaṃ kiṃ nu janebhyaḥ samprayacchati || 2.7.8 ||

Translation

Why is Rāma’s mother—known to be intent on wealth—now, filled with exceptional joy, distributing riches among the people?

Context

Why is Rama's mother, forever interested in the accumulation of money gifting away her wealth to men with great joy?

Characters & Entities

• Mantharā
• Rāma
• Rāma-mātā (typically Kauśalyā in context)
• janāḥ (people)

FAQs

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

The verse contrasts two impulses: dharmic dāna (generosity) as a response to auspicious events, and the tendency to interpret virtue through suspicion—warning how bias can distort moral perception.

What is the narrative situation?

Mantharā, unsettled by the celebration, notices gifts being distributed and questions the attendant about why Rāma’s mother is giving away wealth so joyfully.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Generosity (implied in the act of giving), though filtered through Mantharā’s doubtful framing—foreshadowing her manipulative role later.