Shloka 2.9.5

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

Devanagari script

हन्तेदानीं प्रवक्ष्यामि कैकेयि श्रूयतां च मे।यथा ते भरतो राज्यं पुत्रः प्राप्स्यति केवलम्।।।।

Transliteration

mukhe ca tilakaṃ citraṃ jātarūpamayaṃ śubham |

kārayiṣyāmi te kubje śubhāny ābharaṇāni ca ||

Translation

O hunchback, I will have a splendid, auspicious tilaka of gold made for your face, and I will also commission fine ornaments for you.

Context

O Kaikeyi, what a joy! I shall now tell you how your son Bharata alone will secure the kingdom. Listen to me:

Characters & Entities

• Kaikeyī
• Mantharā
• Tilaka
• Ornaments

FAQs

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

External adornment is used to validate harmful counsel. Dharma teaching: inner integrity and truthful intention matter more than rewards and display.

What is the narrative situation?

Kaikeyī continues promising status-symbols to Mantharā as payment for her plotting and persuasion.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Misplaced generosity—giving is separated from righteousness, showing how a good impulse becomes ethically compromised when serving adharma.