Shloka 2.8.27

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

Devanagari script

ध्रुवं तु भरतं रामः प्राप्य राज्यमकण्टकम्।देशान्तरं वा नयिता लोकान्तरमथाऽपि वा।।2.8.27।।

Transliteration

dhruvaṃ tu bharataṃ rāmaḥ prāpya rājyam akaṇṭakam |

deśāntaraṃ vā nayitā lokāntaram athāpi vā ||2.8.27||

Translation

Surely, once Rāma gains the kingdom free of all ‘thorns’—all rivals—he will drive Bharata into exile in another land, or even send him to the next world.

Context

Rama, having secured the thornless kingdom, will banish Bharata from the country or else send him to the other world. This is certain.

Characters & Entities

• Rāma
• Bharata
• rājya (the kingdom of Ayodhyā—implicit)

FAQs

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

It warns how adharma spreads through unverified accusations—speech that abandons satya (truth) and aims to inflame fear can destabilize righteous order.

What is the narrative situation?

Mantharā predicts harm to Bharata if Rāma becomes king, using extreme claims (exile or death) to alarm Kaikeyī and push her toward demanding boons.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

The implied virtue is satya-vākya (truthful speech); Mantharā’s rhetoric exemplifies its opposite—manipulative, divisive counsel.