Shloka 2.9.4

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

Devanagari script

एवमुक्ता तया देव्या मन्थरा पापदर्शिनी।रामार्थमुपहिंसन्ती कैकेयीमिदमब्रवीत्।।।।

Transliteration

tvam eva tu mamārtheṣu nitya-yuktā hitaiṣiṇī |

na ahaṁ samavabudhyeyaṁ kubje rājñaś cikīrṣitam ||

Translation

O hunchback, you alone are ever attentive to my affairs, seeking my welfare; without you I might not have understood what the king intends to do.

Context

Thus addressed by queen Kaikeyi, that evil minded Manthara said this to Kaikeyi in order to spoil the interest of Rama:

Characters & Entities

• Kaikeyī
• Mantharā
• Daśaratha

FAQs

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

It highlights the danger of confusing ‘personal welfare’ with dharma. True welfare aligns with righteousness and truth, not with suspicion and manipulation.

What is the narrative situation?

Kaikeyī credits Mantharā as her trusted adviser and accepts Mantharā’s interpretation of the king’s intentions.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Trustworthiness in counsel is being (mistakenly) attributed to Mantharā; the verse invites reflection on the virtue of choosing morally sound advisers.