Shloka 2.8.5

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

Devanagari script

भरतादेव रामस्य राज्यसाधारणाद्भयम्।तद्विचिन्त्य विषण्णाऽस्मि भयं भीताऽद्धि जायते।।2.8.5।।

Transliteration

abhidrutam ivāraṇye siṃhena gajayūthapam |

pracchādyamānaṃ rāmeṇa bharataṃ trātum arhasi || 2.8.36 ||

Translation

As a leader of an elephant herd in the forest is assailed by a lion, so will Bharata be overpowered by Rāma; it is right that you save him.

Context

Since Bharata and Rama have equal claim to the kingdom, Bharata is a source of fear for Rama. Having thought over this matter, I am dejected. Danger springs from one who is in fear.

Characters & Entities

• Mantharā
• Kaikeyī
• Bharata
• Rāma
• Araṇya (forest, as simile setting)
• Siṃha (lion, simile)
• Gajayūthapa (elephant herd leader, simile)

FAQs

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

It appeals to a mother’s protective duty, but redirects it toward unjust rivalry. Dharma would protect children without violating truth and fairness toward others.

What is the narrative situation?

Mantharā uses a vivid animal simile to intensify Kaikeyī’s fear that Rāma will dominate Bharata.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Protectiveness is invoked as a virtue, though the verse shows how that impulse can be manipulated into adharma when paired with suspicion.