Shloka 2.8.14

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

Devanagari script

धर्मज्ञो गुरुभिर्दान्तः कृतज्ञस्सत्यवाक्छुचिः।रामो राज्ञ स्सुतो ज्येष्ठो यौवराज्यमतोऽर्हति।।2.8.14।।

Transliteration

dharmajño gurubhir dāntaḥ kṛtajñaḥ satyavāk śuciḥ | rāmo rājñaḥ suto jyeṣṭho yauvarājyam ato 'rhati || 2.8.14 ||

Translation

Rama knows dharma; trained by elders, he is self-restrained; grateful, truthful in speech, and pure. As the king’s eldest son, he therefore deserves the rank of heir-apparent.

Context

Rama knows righteouness. He has been taught self-restraint by elders. He is grateful and truthful. He is undefiled. He is the eldest son of the king. Therefore, he deserves to be the heir-apparent (of the kingdom).

Characters & Entities

• Kaikeyi
• Manthara
• Rama
• king (Dasharatha, implied)
• yauvarājya (heir-apparent office)

FAQs

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

Legitimate authority rests on virtue and rightful order: Kaikeyi affirms that dharma, truthfulness, and seniority make Rama fit for the crown-princeship.

What is the narrative situation?

In response to Mantharā’s agitation, Kaikeyi defends the decision to anoint Rama by listing his moral qualifications.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Rama’s satya (truthful speech), śauca (purity), and dama (self-restraint), presented as foundations of rajadharma.