Shloka 2.9.27

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

Devanagari script

मणिमुक्तं सुवर्णानि रत्नानि विविधानि च।दद्याद्दशरथो राजा मास्म तेषु मनः कृथाः।।।।

Transliteration

maṇimuktaṃ suvarṇāni ratnāni vividhāni ca | dadyād daśaratho rājā mā sma teṣu manaḥ kṛthāḥ ||

Translation

King Daśaratha may offer you gems, pearls, gold, and many kinds of precious stones—do not let your mind be drawn to them.

Context

King Dasaratha may give you gems, pearls, gold and different kinds of precious stones. Do not pay them any attention.

Characters & Entities

• Daśaratha
• Kaikeyī
• gems (maṇi)
• pearls (mukta)
• gold (suvarṇa)
• precious stones (ratna)

FAQs

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

It frames a warning about being swayed by material gifts; ethically, it highlights how desire can distract from one’s chosen aim—though here it is used manipulatively rather than virtuously.

What is the narrative situation?

Mantharā coaches Kaikeyī to stay focused on securing her political objective, anticipating that Daśaratha may try to appease her with wealth.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Not a virtue but a tactical ‘steadfastness of intention’ is urged—steadfastness divorced from dharma, showing how resolve can be ethically misdirected.