Shloka 2.78.14

अष्टसप्ततितमः सर्गः — Śatrughna’s Fury and Bharata’s Restraint (Mantharā Episode)

Devanagari script

आमन्त्रयत कृत्स्न श्च तस्या स्सर्व स्सखीजनः।यथाऽयं समुपक्रान्तो निश्शेषां नः करिष्यति।।।।

Transliteration

āmantrayata kṛtsnaś ca tasyāḥ sarvaḥ sakhījanaḥ | yathāyaṃ samupakrānto niḥśeṣāṃ naḥ kariṣyati ||

Translation

All her companions conferred together: “From how he has begun, this man will make an end of us completely—leaving none.”

Context

All her companions conversed among themselves. The way he began, it looks he will finish all of us.

Characters & Entities

• Śatrughna (implied as 'ayam')
• Mantharā (implied by tasyāḥ)
• sakhījana (companions)

FAQs

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

The verse reflects a social ethic: when power turns to rage, the vulnerable seek protection. Dharma requires that strength be tempered by fairness and restraint.

What is the narrative situation?

The attendants, frightened by Śatrughna’s aggressive action, urgently discuss how to save themselves.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Practical prudence under danger—seeking a way to survive by finding lawful refuge rather than escalating conflict.