Shloka 2.8.28

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

Devanagari script

बाल एव हि मातुल्यं भरतो नायितस्त्वया।सन्निकर्षाच्च सौहार्दं जायते स्थावरेष्वपि।।2.8.28।।

Transliteration

bāla eva hi mātulyaṃ bharato nāyitas tvayā |

sannikarṣāc ca sauhārdaṃ jāyate sthāvareṣv api ||2.8.28||

Translation

For Bharata, while still a child, was sent by you to his maternal uncle’s home. And closeness gives rise to affection—even among inanimate things.

Context

Bharata has been sent by you right from his childhood to his maternal uncle's house. Proximity creates friendship even amongst the inanimate objects.

Characters & Entities

• Bharata
• mātula (maternal uncle)
• mātulya (maternal uncle’s residence—Rajagṛha/Kaikeyī’s natal side is implied)

FAQs

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

It points to the ethical power of saṅga (association): relationships deepen through proximity; dharma in family life requires nurturing bonds rather than exploiting distance to create suspicion.

What is the narrative situation?

Mantharā argues that because Bharata has been away, Rāma’s alliances and affections in Ayodhyā have grown stronger—implying Bharata is unsafe if he returns late to a changed political landscape.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

The implied virtue is familial care and responsible parenting/guardianship; Mantharā weaponizes an ordinary fact (Bharata’s upbringing away) for political ends.