Shloka 2.9.22

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

Devanagari script

क्रोधागारं प्रविश्याऽद्य क्रुद्धेवाश्वपतेस्सुते।शेष्वाऽनन्तर्हितायां त्वं भूमौ मलिनवासिनी।।।।

Transliteration

mā smainaṃ pratyudīkṣethā mā cainam abhibhāṣathāḥ |

rudantī cāpi taṃ dṛṣṭvā jagatyāṃ śokalālasā ||

Translation

Do not even look back at him, and do not speak to him. Seeing him, remain in tears—lying on the ground, intent on grief.

Context

O Kaikeyi ,daughter of Ashwapati enter now the chamber of wrath like one in angry mood, wearing soiled garments and lie down on the bare ground.

Characters & Entities

• Daśaratha (implied as 'him')
• Kaikeyī
• chamber-of-wrath setting (implied)

FAQs

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

It highlights unethical communication: refusing dialogue and using staged suffering to control outcomes contradicts satya (truthfulness) and righteous conduct.

What is the narrative situation?

Mantharā instructs Kaikeyī to pressure Daśaratha through silence, tears, and refusal to engage.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

The verse underscores (negatively) the need for honest speech and transparent intent in relationships.