Shloka 2.8.20

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

Devanagari script

कैकेयीवचनं श्रुत्वा मन्थरा भृशदुःखिता।दीर्घमुष्णं च विनिश्वस्य कैकेयीमिदमब्रवीत्।।2.8.20।।

Transliteration

kaikeyī-vacanaṃ śrutvā mantharā bhṛśa-duḥkhitā | dīrgham uṣṇaṃ ca viniśvasya kaikeyīm idam abravīt || 2.8.20 ||

Translation

Hearing Kaikeyī’s words, Mantharā became deeply distressed; drawing long, heated breaths, she spoke these words to Kaikeyī.

Context

Having heard Kaikeyi's words Manthara was extremely unhappy. Heaving deep, hot sighs she said to Kaikeyi.

Characters & Entities

• Kaikeyī
• Mantharā

FAQs

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

Dharma is implicit: the verse shows how inner agitation can precede harmful speech; ethical restraint begins with mastery over one’s emotional impulses.

What is the narrative situation?

This is a narrative bridge: Mantharā reacts strongly to Kaikeyī’s reassurance and prepares to respond with a persuasive counter-argument.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

None is celebrated; rather, Mantharā’s intense agitation foreshadows counsel driven by grievance and fear.