Shloka 2.9.31
मन्थराप्रेरणा—वरद्वय-स्मरणं च (Manthara’s Provocation and the Recalling of Two Boons)
चतुर्दश हि वर्षाणि रामे प्रव्राजिते वनम्।रूढश्च कृतमूलश्च शेषं स्थास्यति ते सुतः।।।।
caturdaśa hi varṣāṇi rāme pravrājite vanam | rūḍhaś ca kṛtamūlaś ca śeṣaṃ sthāsyati te sutaḥ ||
For when Rāma has been exiled to the forest for fourteen years, your son will have grown strong and taken deep root; thereafter he will remain secure for the rest of his time.
After Rama has been exiled into the forest for fourteen years your son grown strong and deep-rooted will remain (king) for the rest of his life.
It contrasts dharma with realpolitik: stability gained through another’s unjust suffering is portrayed as ‘rooting’ power, revealing the adharmic logic of consolidation.
Mantharā argues that a long exile will allow Bharata to become firmly established, making any later challenge ineffective.
No virtue is celebrated; instead, it underscores strategic patience and consolidation—skills that can serve either dharma or adharma depending on intent.