Shloka 2.8.1

मन्थराकैकेयीसंवादः — Mantharā’s Counsel to Kaikeyī (Ayodhyā’s Succession Alarm)

Devanagari script

मन्थरा त्वभ्यसूयैनामुत्सृज्याभरणं च तत्।उवाचेदं ततो वाक्यं कोपदुःखसमन्विता।।2.8.1।।

Transliteration

mantharā tv abhyasūyainām utsṛjya ābharaṇaṃ ca tat | uvāca idaṃ tato vākyaṃ kopa-duḥkha-samanvitā || 2.8.1 ||

Translation

But Mantharā, resentful toward her, cast away that ornament; then, filled with anger and sorrow, she spoke these words.

Context

Annoyed with Kaikeyi and filled with rage and sorrow, Manthara discarded the ornament (gifted to her) and said these words:

Characters & Entities

• Manthara
• Kaikeyi
• ornament (ābharaṇa)

FAQs

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

The verse warns that envy and resentment distort judgment; when emotions govern speech, dharma and truth are easily undermined.

What is the narrative situation?

Mantharā begins to manipulate Kaikeyi: she rejects the gift and, in agitation, prepares to deliver provocative counsel.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

By contrast (implicitly), the virtue needed is self-control (dama); Mantharā is shown as lacking it, driven by kopa and duḥkha.