Shloka 2.9.39
मन्थराप्रेरणा—वरद्वय-स्मरणं च (Manthara’s Provocation and the Recalling of Two Boons)
त्वमेव तु ममाऽर्थेषु नित्ययुक्ता हितैषिणी।।।।नाहं समवबुध्येयं कुब्जे राज्ञश्चिकीर्षितम्।
kubje tvāṁ nābhijānāmi śreṣṭhāṁ śreṣṭhābhidhāyinīm |
pṛthivyām asi kubjānām uttamā buddhi-niścaye ||
O hunchback, I did not know you to be so excellent, one who speaks such noble counsel. In this world, among hunchbacks, you are foremost in firmness of judgment.
O hunchback !you alone always show interest in my affairs and seek my welfare. I might not have known the intended (deceptive) action of the king (without you).
The verse illustrates how misplaced praise can validate unethical advice. Dharma requires testing counsel against truth and justice, not against personal liking or novelty.
Having been persuaded, Kaikeyī begins to admire Mantharā’s counsel and openly commends her.
The virtue at stake is discernment in choosing advisers; Kaikeyī’s admiration shows a lapse in evaluating counsel by dharmic standards.