Shloka 2.9.36
मन्थराप्रेरणा—वरद्वय-स्मरणं च (Manthara’s Provocation and the Recalling of Two Boons)
अनर्थमर्थरूपेण ग्राहिता सा ततस्तया।।।।हृष्टा प्रतीता कैकेयी मन्थरामिदमब्रवीत्।
evam uktā tayā devyā mantharā pāpa-darśinī |
rāmārtham upahiṁsantī kaikeyīm idam abravīt ||
Thus addressed by Queen Kaikeyī, Mantharā—evil in her outlook—spoke these words to Kaikeyī, intent on harming Rāma’s cause.
Thus, having been made to accept the evil design as a beneficial objective, Kaikeyi understood (the entire matter) and in delight spoke to Manthara.
The verse warns that adharma often begins with intention: when speech is driven by malice and envy, it becomes a force that harms the righteous (here, Rāma’s rightful cause).
Kaikeyī has engaged Mantharā in conversation; the narration signals that Mantharā is about to deliver a manipulative speech aimed at obstructing Rāma.
By contrast (implicitly), Rāma’s dharmic legitimacy is highlighted—his “interest/cause” is something that can be harmed only through deceit and intrigue.