Shloka 2.9.12
मन्थराप्रेरणा—वरद्वय-स्मरणं च (Manthara’s Provocation and the Recalling of Two Boons)
तव दैवासुरे युद्धे सह राजर्षिभिः पतिः।अगच्छत्त्वामुपादाय देवराजस्य साह्यकृत्।।2.9.11।।दिशमास्थाय वै देवि दक्षिणां दण्डकान्प्रति।वैजयन्तमिति ख्यातं पुरं यत्र तिमिध्वजः।।2.9.12।।
sa śambara iti khyātaḥ śatamāyo mahāsuraḥ | dadau śakrasya saṅgrāmaṃ devasaṅghair anirjitaḥ ||
That mighty asura, famed as Śambara—master of a hundred deceits—challenged Śakra (Indra) to battle, unconquered even by the hosts of the gods.
O queen during the war between gods and asuras, your husband went with royal saints intending to render assistance to Indra, king of the gods, taking you along with him. He set off in the southern direction of Dandaka forest to a renowned city called Vaijayanta where asura Timidhvaja lived.
Dharma is framed through cosmic conflict: deceitful power (māyā) aligned with adharma challenges rightful order, requiring steadfast resistance.
Mantharā describes the formidable asura Śambara and the threat posed to Indra, setting the stage for Daśaratha’s involvement.
Courage and perseverance in the face of overwhelming, deceptive opposition.