Shloka 2.77.13

और्ध्वदैहिकक्रिया-शोकविलापः (Obsequies for Daśaratha and the Brothers’ Lament)

Devanagari script

मन्थराप्रभवस्तीव्रः कैकेयीग्राहसङ्कुलः।।।।वरदानमयोऽक्षोभ्योऽमञ्जयच्छोकसागरः।

Transliteration

mantharāprabhavas tīvraḥ kaikeyīgrāhasaṅkulaḥ |

varadānamayo 'kṣobhyo 'mañjayac chōkasāgaraḥ ||2.77.13||

Translation

A dreadful sea of sorrow has engulfed us—born of Mantharā, thronged with Kaikeyī as its crocodile, taking the form of irrevocable boons, and unshaken in its force.

Context

With Manthara as the source, Kaikeyi as a crocodile, this terrible sea of sorrow which has submerged all of us lies unruffled.

Characters & Entities

• Mantharā
• Kaikeyī
• Boons (varas / वरदान)

FAQs

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

It warns that adharma—manipulative counsel and selfish desire—can unleash far-reaching suffering; dharma requires discernment, restraint, and truthfulness in royal decision-making.

What is the narrative situation?

In the aftermath of Daśaratha’s death and Rāma’s exile, Śatrughna (or a grieving prince) describes the calamity metaphorically as an ocean caused by Mantharā and Kaikeyī’s actions.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

By contrast, the verse emphasizes the need for विवेक (discernment) and steadfast adherence to dharma in accepting counsel and granting boons.