Shloka 2.8.8
मन्थराकैकेयीसंवादः — Mantharā’s Counsel to Kaikeyī (Ayodhyā’s Succession Alarm)
विदुषः क्षत्रचारित्रे प्राज्ञस्य प्राप्तकारिणः।भयात्प्रवेपे रामस्य चिन्तयन्ती तवात्मजम्।।2.8.8।।
yadā hi rāmaḥ pṛthivīm avāpsyati
dhruvaṃ praṇaṣṭo bharato bhaviṣyati |
ato hi sañcintaya rājyam ātmaje
parasya caivādya vivāsakāraṇam || 2.8.39 ||
For when Rāma gains the earth, Bharata will surely be ruined. Therefore, think—right now—of the kingdom for your son, and also of the means to banish your rival, Rāma.
Rama is learned in the duties of a kshatriya. He is wise enough to do what he should at the appropriate time. While reflecting the fate of your son, I am trembling with fear.
It shows a direct breach of dharma and satya: plotting unjust exile for a righteous heir. The Ramayana uses such counsel to illustrate how adharma begins with calculated, self-serving plans.
Mantharā culminates her persuasion by urging Kaikeyī to secure the throne for Bharata immediately and to arrange Rāma’s banishment.
In negative relief, it emphasizes the virtue of righteous counsel (hitopadeśa aligned with dharma). Mantharā’s advice exemplifies its opposite: manipulative, fear-based policy.