Shloka 2.9.29

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

Devanagari script

यदातु ते वरं दद्यात्स्वयमुत्थाप्य राघवः।व्यवस्थाप्य महाराजं त्वमिमं वृणुया वरम्।।।।

Transliteration

yadā tu te varaṃ dadyāt svayam utthāpya rāghavaḥ | vyavasthāpya mahārājaṃ tvam imaṃ vṛṇuyā varam ||

Translation

When the Rāghava himself lifts you up and offers you a boon, establish the great king in a firm resolve—and then choose this boon.

Context

When Dasaratha personally lifts you from the floor and asks you what you want you may make him settle down and ask him for these boons:

Characters & Entities

• Daśaratha (Rāghava)
• Kaikeyī
• boon (vara)

FAQs

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

It shows how a righteous commitment (a king’s pledged boon) can be strategically cornered; the dharmic tension is between truth-keeping and the justice of what is demanded.

What is the narrative situation?

Mantharā outlines the precise moment and method by which Kaikeyī should press Daśaratha to grant the intended requests.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Daśaratha’s compassion and honor (lifting her up, offering a boon) are the very qualities being used to bind him.