Shloka 2.8.6

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

Devanagari script

लक्ष्मणो हि महेष्वासो रामं सर्वात्मना गतः।शत्रुघ्नश्चापि भरतं काकुत्स्थं लक्ष्मणो यथा।।2.8.6।।

Transliteration

darpān nirākṛtā pūrvaṃ tvayā saubhāgyavattayā |

rāmamātā sapatnī te kathaṃ vairaṃ na śātayet || 2.8.37 ||

Translation

Earlier, in pride—because you were favored—you slighted your co-wife, Rāma’s mother. How would she not seek to repay that enmity?

Context

Lakshmana who wields a great bow has taken refuge with all his heart in Rama adescendant of Kakutstha dynasty. So does Satrughna in Bharata.

Characters & Entities

• Mantharā
• Kaikeyī
• Kausalyā (as Rāma’s mother)
• Rāma

FAQs

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

It underscores karmic/social consequence: pride and humiliation within relationships breed resentment. Dharma recommends humility and reconciliation rather than perpetuating cycles of retaliation.

What is the narrative situation?

Mantharā reminds Kaikeyī of past slights against Kausalyā to suggest that Kausalyā (through Rāma) will retaliate if Rāma gains power.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

The implied virtue is humility (amānitva) and restraint; the verse highlights how arrogance destabilizes household harmony.