Shloka 2.8.4

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

Devanagari script

शोचामि दुर्मतित्वं ते का हि प्राज्ञा प्रहर्षयेत्।अरेस्सपत्नीपुत्रस्य वृद्धिं मृत्योरिवागताम्।।2.8.4।।

Transliteration

sa te sukhocito bālo rāmasya sahajo ripuḥ |

samṛddhārthasya naṣṭārtho jīviṣyati kathaṃ vaśe || 2.8.35 ||

Translation

That boy—your Bharata—accustomed to ease, is by nature a rival to Rāma. Stripped of all means, how will he live under the sway of a prosperous Rāma?

Context

I pity your false notion. Will any wise woman rejoice at the prosperity of the son of a co-wife who is like an enemy? This is like (courting) death.

Characters & Entities

• Mantharā
• Kaikeyī
• Bharata
• Rāma

FAQs

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

It implicitly warns that attachment to comfort and status makes one vulnerable; dharma calls for restraint and truthfulness, whereas this counsel pushes suspicion and hostility.

What is the narrative situation?

Mantharā tries to convince Kaikeyī that Bharata cannot endure subordination if Rāma rules, thereby urging Kaikeyī to intervene.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

By contrast (negatively), it highlights the need for equanimity and humility; the verse assumes Bharata’s dependence on luxury as a weakness.