Shloka 2.9.43

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

Devanagari script

जघनं तव निर्घुष्टं रशनादामशोभितम्।।।।जङ्घे भृशमुपन्यस्ते पादौ चाप्यायतावुभौ।

Transliteration

jaghanaṁ tava nirghuṣṭaṁ raśanā-dāma-śobhitam |

jaṅghe bhṛśam upanyaste pādau cāpy āyatāv ubhau ||

Translation

Your hips, adorned with a jingling girdle, resound as you move; your calves are firmly set and strong, and both your feet are long and well formed.

Context

Your hips, glitter with the jingling girdle. Strong are the calfs of your legs and long are your feet.

Characters & Entities

• Kaikeyī
• Mantharā

FAQs

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

It indirectly shows how attention can be diverted from truth and duty to sensual admiration; dharma requires guarding the mind from such derailments when critical decisions approach.

What is the narrative situation?

Kaikeyī continues her praise, strengthening Mantharā’s influence over her at the very moment a grave decision is forming.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

The implied virtue is mindfulness and moral alertness—maintaining clarity rather than being carried by admiration and emotional bonding.