Shloka 2.8.24

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

Devanagari script

तस्माज्ज्येष्ठे हि कैकेयि राज्यतन्त्राणि पार्थिवाः।स्थापयन्त्यनवद्याङ्गि गुणवत्स्वितरेष्वपि।।2.8.24।।

Transliteration

tasmāj jyeṣṭhe hi kaikeyi rājyatantrāṇi pārthivāḥ | sthāpayanty anavadyāṅgi guṇavatsv itareṣv api || 2.8.24 ||

Translation

Therefore, O Kaikeyī—O faultless-limbed lady—kings entrust the workings of rule to the eldest son, or else to another son who is endowed with virtues.

Context

O Kaikeyi of beautiful limbs, for that reason kings bestow the governance of the kingdom either on the eldest or on other virtuous sons.

Characters & Entities

• Kaikeyī

FAQs

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

It gestures to rājadharma: rulers should ensure competent, legitimate governance by entrusting rule to the rightful/qualified heir—yet the ethical test is whether this principle is applied truthfully and without malice.

What is the narrative situation?

Mantharā presents a generalized political rule about succession to make Kaikeyī believe Bharata’s interests must be secured immediately.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

The invoked virtue is governance by merit and legitimacy; the scene contrasts that ideal with the brewing intent to subvert rightful succession.