Shloka 2.8.17

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

Devanagari script

सा त्वमभ्युदये प्राप्ते वर्तमाने च मन्थरे।भविष्यति च कल्याणे किमर्थं परितप्यसे।।2.8.17।।

Transliteration

sā tvam abhyudaye prāpte vartamāne ca manthare | bhaviṣyati ca kalyāṇe kimarthaṃ paritapyase || 2.8.17 ||

Translation

O Mantharā, you have attained prosperity, you possess it even now, and well-being will endure in the future—why, then, do you grieve?

Context

Manthara, we have enjoyed prosperity in the past, we are enjoying it now and we will enjoy it in future. Then why are you aggrieved?

Characters & Entities

• Mantharā

FAQs

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

Dharma here aligns with steadiness of mind and right discernment: one should not fall into needless grief when circumstances are secure, but evaluate emotions in light of reality.

What is the narrative situation?

Kaikeyī questions Mantharā’s distress, believing the palace situation is favorable and stable, and asks why she is troubled.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Pragmatic composure and confidence—Kaikeyī presents a rational, outwardly calm assessment of their present and future security.