Shloka 2.8.37
मन्थराकैकेयीसंवादः — Mantharā’s Counsel to Kaikeyī (Ayodhyā’s Succession Alarm)
दर्पान्निराकृता पूर्वं त्वया सौभाग्यवत्तया।राममाता सपत्नी ते कथं वैरं न शातयेत्।।2.8.37।।
lakṣmaṇo hi maheṣvāso rāmaṃ sarvātmanā gataḥ |
śatrughnaś cāpi bharataṃ kākutsthaṃ lakṣmaṇo yathā || 2.8.6 ||
Lakṣmaṇa, the great archer, is devoted to Rāma with his whole being; and Śatrughna likewise is devoted to Bharata—just as Lakṣmaṇa is to the Kakutstha, Rāma.
Being fortunate (being the favourite wife of your husband) you slighted your co-wifeearlier with pride. How will she, Rama's mother (Kausalya) remain without retaliating?
The verse acknowledges strong fraternal loyalties; dharmically, such loyalty is admirable when aligned with righteousness, but can be weaponized in court intrigue when driven by factionalism.
Mantharā maps the household’s alliance structure—Lakṣmaṇa with Rāma and Śatrughna with Bharata—to intensify Kaikeyī’s sense of political stakes.
Devotion and steadfast loyalty (bhakti/niṣṭhā) among brothers is highlighted, especially Lakṣmaṇa’s wholehearted commitment.