Shloka 2.9.18

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

Devanagari script

अनभिज्ञाम्ह्यहं देवि त्वयैव कथिता पुरा।।।।कथैषा तव तु स्नेहान्मनसा धार्यते मया।रामाभिषेकसम्भारान्निगृह्य विनिवर्तय।।।।

Transliteration

adya rāmam itaḥ kṣipraṃ vanaṃ prasthāpayāmy aham |

yauvarājye ca bharataṃ kṣipram evābhiṣecaye ||

Translation

“Today I will swiftly send Rāma away from here to the forest, and without delay I will have Bharata consecrated as prince-regent.”

Context

O queen! I did not know this indeed. Only you had related it to me earlier. Because of my affection towards you, I have retained it in my memory. (Now) prevent preparations for Rama's consecration by force.

Characters & Entities

• Rāma
• Bharata
• forest (vana)
• consecration (abhiṣeka)
• yauvarājya

FAQs

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

The verse illustrates adharma through political manipulation: personal desire for power is placed above justice, family duty, and rightful succession.

What is the narrative situation?

Mantharā, agitating Kaikeyī, outlines an immediate plan: exile Rāma and secure Bharata’s installation as heir-apparent.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

No virtue is promoted here; rather, the verse highlights the vice of scheming ambition and the corrosive use of influence.