Shloka 2.9.49
मन्थराप्रेरणा—वरद्वय-स्मरणं च (Manthara’s Provocation and the Recalling of Two Boons)
मुखे च तिलकं चित्रं जातरूपमयं शुभम्।।।।कारयिष्यामि ते कुब्जे शुभान्याभरणानि च।
jātyena ca suvarṇena suniṣṭaptena manthare |
labdhārthā ca pratītā ca lepayiṣyāmi te sthagu ||
O Mantharā, when my purpose is achieved and I am satisfied, I will anoint your hump with the finest, well-refined gold.
O Manthara, I shall get a tilaka made of gold for your auspicious, lovely face and shall also order exquisite ornaments (for you).
The verse illustrates how greed and reward can motivate unethical action. Dharma emphasizes counsel given for righteousness, not for payment or personal gain.
Kaikeyī promises lavish, even extravagant, rewards to Mantharā to secure her continued support in the plot.
The absence of virtue is underscored—material inducement replaces moral discernment, showing how desire can eclipse satya and fairness.