Shloka 2.9.10

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

Devanagari script

एवमुक्ता तया देव्या मन्थरा पापदर्शिनी।रामार्थमुपहिंसन्ती कुब्जा वचनमब्रवीत्।।।।

Transliteration

evamuktā tayā devyā mantharā pāpadarśinī | rāmārtham upahiṃsantī kubjā vacanam abravīt ||

Translation

Thus spoken to by the queen, Mantharā—the hunchback, evil in outlook—replied, intent on harming Rāma’s cause.

Context

Thus addressed by the queen (Kaikeyi), the evil-eyed hunchback, Manthara, said with the intention to damage Rama's interest.

Characters & Entities

• Mantharā
• Kaikeyī
• Rāma

FAQs

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

Dharma rejects speech driven by malice; intentional harm to the righteous (here, Rāma’s welfare) is presented as adharma.

What is the narrative situation?

Mantharā responds to Kaikeyī, positioning her counsel as a deliberate attempt to derail Rāma’s prospects.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

The verse foregrounds the opposite of virtue—goodwill and truthfulness—by depicting calculated ill-intent and corrosive counsel.