Shloka 2.8.13

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

Devanagari script

तां दृष्ट्वा परमप्रीतां ब्रुवन्तीं मन्थरां ततः।रामस्यैव गुणान्देवी कैकेयी प्रशशंस ह।।2.8.13।।

Transliteration

tāṃ dṛṣṭvā paramaprītāṃ bruvantīṃ mantharāṃ tataḥ | rāmasyaiva guṇān devī kaikeyī praśaśaṃsa ha || 2.8.13 ||

Translation

Seeing Mantharā so greatly pleased and speaking thus, Queen Kaikeyī praised only Rama’s virtues.

Context

Having seen that morose Manthara speaking thus, Kaikeyi commended the virtues of Rama.

Characters & Entities

• Manthara
• Kaikeyi
• Rama

FAQs

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

Even amid provocation, truth about virtue can be acknowledged—Kaikeyi initially recognizes Rama’s righteousness, aligning with dharma in speech.

What is the narrative situation?

Mantharā begins her agitation, but Kaikeyi’s immediate response is to affirm Rama’s good qualities rather than accept suspicion.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Recognition of merit (guṇa-jñatā)—the ability to honor virtue in another.