Shloka 2.9.15

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

Devanagari script

तत्राकरोन्महद्युद्धं राजा दशरथस्तदा।असुरैश्च महाबाहुश्शस्त्रैश्च शकलीकृतः।।।।

Transliteration

apavāhya tvayā devi saṅgrāmān naṣṭacetanaḥ | tatrāpi vikṣataḥ śastraiḥ patis te rakṣitas tvayā ||

Translation

O queen, when your husband lost consciousness, you carried him away from the battlefield and protected him; and even there, though wounded by weapons, your lord was saved by you.

Context

There in that great battle the mighty-armed king Dasaratha lay wounded with weapons (used) by the asuras.

Characters & Entities

• Kaikeyī
• Daśaratha

FAQs

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

Dharma is expressed as protective care and loyalty in crisis; saving a life at personal risk becomes a moral ground for rightful gratitude.

What is the narrative situation?

Mantharā recalls how Kaikeyī rescued Daśaratha from the battlefield when he was unconscious and wounded.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Courageous devotion and readiness to protect—acting decisively to preserve life.