Shloka 2.8.15

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

Devanagari script

भ्रातृ़न्भृत्यांश्च दीर्घायुः पितृवत्पालयिष्यति।सन्तप्स्यसे कथं कुब्जे श्रुत्वा रामाभिषेचनम्।।2.8.15।।

Transliteration

bhrātṝn bhṛtyāṃś ca dīrghāyuḥ pitṛvat pālayiṣyati | santapsyase kathaṃ kubje śrutvā rāmābhiṣecanam || 2.8.15 ||

Translation

Long-lived, he will protect his brothers and servants like a father. O hunchback, why do you grieve on hearing of Rama’s consecration?

Context

Blessed with a long life, Rama will protect his brothers and the servants like afather. O hunchback, hearing Rama's coronation why are you aggrieved?

Characters & Entities

• Kaikeyi
• Manthara
• Rama
• brothers (Rama’s brothers, implied)
• servants/retainers (bhṛtya)
• coronation/anointing (abhiṣeka)

FAQs

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

A ruler’s dharma is protective care: Kaikeyi describes ideal kingship as fatherly guardianship of family and dependents, grounded in truth and benevolence.

What is the narrative situation?

Kaikeyi challenges Mantharā’s distress, arguing that Rama’s coronation should be good news because of his just nature.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Rama’s compassion and responsibility—governance as protection (pālana) rather than domination.