Shloka 2.9.19
मन्थराप्रेरणा—वरद्वय-स्मरणं च (Manthara’s Provocation and the Recalling of Two Boons)
अनभिज्ञाम्ह्यहं देवि त्वयैव कथिता पुरा।।2.9.18।।कथैषा तव तु स्नेहान्मनसा धार्यते मया।रामाभिषेकसम्भारान्निगृह्य विनिवर्तय।।2.9.19।।
anabhijñā hy ahaṃ devi tvayaiva kathitā purā ||
kathaiṣā tava tu snehān manasā dhāryate mayā |
rāmābhiṣeka-sambhārān nigṛhya vinivartaya ||
“O queen, I truly did not know this; you yourself had told me of it earlier. Yet, out of affection for you, I kept this matter in my heart. Now, forcibly restrain and stop the preparations for Rāma’s consecration.”
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.
It warns how ‘affection’ can be misused as justification for unethical action; true dharma requires restraint, truthfulness, and non-harm, not coercion for political ends.
Mantharā reminds Kaikeyī of an earlier conversation and urges her to obstruct Rāma’s coronation preparations by force.
The verse primarily showcases the absence of virtue—strategic persuasion and coercive intent—serving as a negative ethical example.