Shloka 2.9.1

मन्थराप्रेरणा—वरद्वय-स्मरणं च (Manthara’s Provocation and the Recalling of Two Boons)

Devanagari script

एवमुक्ता तु कैकेयी क्रोधेन ज्वलितानना।दीर्घमुष्णं विनिश्वस्य मन्थरामिदमब्रवीत्।।।।

Transliteration

evamuktā tu kaikeyī krodhena jvalitānanā | dīrgham uṣṇaṃ viniśvasya mantharām idam abravīt ||

Translation

Thus addressed, Kaikeyī—her face aflame with anger—breathed out a long, hot sigh and spoke these words to Mantharā.

Context

Thus spoken to, Kaikeyi, her face burning with anger, breathed a deep, hot sigh and said these words to Manthara:

Characters & Entities

• Kaikeyī
• Mantharā

FAQs

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

It warns that anger (krodha) distorts judgment and speech; dharma requires inner restraint before speaking or acting.

What is the narrative situation?

After Mantharā’s words, Kaikeyī becomes inflamed with anger and begins responding—marking the turn toward the coming crisis.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

By contrast (through its absence), the verse highlights the virtue of self-control (dama/saṃyama) as essential to dharmic conduct.