Shloka 2.9.20

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

Devanagari script

तौ वरौ याच भर्तारं भरतस्याभिषेचनम्।प्रव्राजनं च रामस्य त्वं वर्षाणि चतुर्दश।।।।

Transliteration

caturdaśa hi varṣāṇi rāme pravrājite vanam |

prajābhāvagata-snehaḥ sthiraḥ putro bhaviṣyati ||

Translation

For if Rāma is exiled to the forest for fourteen years, your son will be firmly established, having won the people’s affection and allegiance.

Context

Ask your husband for those two boons namely consecration of Bharata and banishment of Rama for fourteen years.

Characters & Entities

• Rāma
• Kaikeyī’s son (Bharata)
• the people/subjects (prajā)
• forest (vana)
• fourteen years

FAQs

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

It shows an unethical calculus of legitimacy: dharma-based rule is not gained by removing a righteous rival, but by merit, service, and fairness to subjects.

What is the narrative situation?

Mantharā argues that prolonged exile will shift public affection toward Bharata, stabilizing his claim.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Indirectly, it points to the virtue of earning public trust through conduct—though here it is framed cynically as a political outcome.