Shloka 2.78.5
अष्टसप्ततितमः सर्गः — Śatrughna’s Fury and Bharata’s Restraint (Mantharā Episode)
इति सम्भाषमाणे तु शत्रुघ्ने लक्ष्मणानुजे।प्राग्द्वारेऽभूत्तदा कुब्जा सर्वाभरणभूषिता।।।।
iti sambhāṣamāṇe tu śatrughne lakṣmaṇānujе |
prāgdvāre 'bhūt tadā kubjā sarvābharaṇabhūṣitā ||
As Shatrughna, the younger brother of Lakshmana, was conversing in this way, the hunchback Manthara—adorned with every kind of ornament—appeared at the eastern entrance.
While Satrughna, brother of Lakshmana was conversing thus, the hunchback Manthara decorated with all kinds of ornaments arrived at the entrance.
The verse sets up moral accountability: outward adornment can mask inner intent, reminding the listener to judge actions by dharma (conduct and consequences), not appearance.
While Śatrughna is engaged in conversation, Mantharā arrives at the palace entrance, initiating the next confrontation.
Discernment (viveka): the need to see beyond external display to the ethical weight of a person’s deeds.