Shloka 2.9.21

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

Devanagari script

चतुर्दश हि वर्षाणि रामे प्रव्राजिते वनम्।प्रजाभावगतस्नेहस्स्थिरः पुत्रो भविष्यति।।।।

Transliteration

krodhāgāraṃ praviśyādya kruddhevāśvapateḥ sute |

śeṣvānantarhitāyāṃ tvaṃ bhūmau malinavāsinī ||

Translation

O daughter of Aśvapati, go today into the chamber of wrath; like one truly enraged, lie down there on the ground, unadorned and wearing soiled garments.

Context

If Rama is banished into the forest for fourteen years your son will be firmly established in the kingdom by affectionately winning the hearts of the people.

Characters & Entities

• Kaikeyī
• Aśvapati
• chamber of wrath (krodhāgāra)
• soiled garments

FAQs

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

It demonstrates the adharma of emotional coercion—using performative anger and social pressure to bend another’s will rather than seeking truth and fairness.

What is the narrative situation?

Mantharā coaches Kaikeyī in a courtly tactic: the ‘krodhāgāra’ protest to compel Daśaratha.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

The implied virtue is self-control (dama); the verse shows its opposite being strategically cultivated.