Shloka 2.8.39

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

Devanagari script

यदा हि रामः पृथिवीमवाप्स्यतिध्रुवं प्रणष्टो भरतो भविष्यति।अतो हि सञ्चिन्तय राज्यमात्मजे परस्य चैवाद्य विवासकारणम्।।2.8.39।।

Transliteration

viduṣaḥ kṣatracāritre prājñasya prāptakāriṇaḥ |

bhayāt pravepe rāmasya cintayantī tavātmajam || 2.8.8 ||

Translation

Rāma is learned in the conduct of a kṣatriya, wise, and one who acts at the proper time; thinking of your son, I tremble with fear of him.

Context

When Rama obtains this earth, Bharata will be certainly ruined. Therefore, right now think of the kingdom for your son and the means of banishment for your enemy, Rama.ityārṣē śrīmadrāmāyaṇē vālmīkīya ādikāvyē ayōdhyākāṇḍē aṣṭamassargaḥ৷৷Thus ends the eighth sarga of Ayodhyakanda of the holy Ramayana, the first epic composed by sage Valmiki.

Characters & Entities

• Mantharā
• Kaikeyī
• Rāma
• Bharata (implied as 'your son')
• Kṣatriya-dharma

FAQs

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

It recognizes kṣatriya-dharma: timely, decisive action for order and justice. Yet it is framed as a threat, showing how virtues can be misconstrued under envy and fear.

What is the narrative situation?

Mantharā portrays Rāma as capable and decisive, implying he could neutralize Bharata’s prospects if Kaikeyī delays.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Rāma’s prudence and timely action (prāptakāritva), a key royal virtue, is explicitly emphasized.