Shloka 2.9.50

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

Devanagari script

परिधाय शुभे वस्त्रे देवतेव चरिष्यसि।।।।चन्द्रमाह्वयमानेन मुखेनाप्रतिमानना।गमिष्यसि गतिं मुख्यां गर्वयन्ती द्विषज्जनम्।।।।

Transliteration

paridhāya śubhe vastre devateva cariṣyasi |

candram āhvayamānena mukhenāpratimānanā |

gamiṣyasi gatiṃ mukhyāṃ garvayantī dviṣajjanam ||

Translation

Clad in auspicious garments, you will move about like a goddess. With a peerless face, as though challenging the moon itself, you will attain high eminence—proud amid those who oppose you.

Context

You shall move about wearing lovely garments like a goddess. With a peerless countenance, as if challenging the Moon and feeling proud, you will attain a state ofeminence amidst your enemies.

Characters & Entities

• Kaikeyī
• Mantharā
• Moon (Candra)

FAQs

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

The verse warns that pride and social elevation gained through unethical means are unstable. Dharma values honor earned through truth and right action, not through intrigue.

What is the narrative situation?

Kaikeyī elaborates the grandeur and public prestige Mantharā will enjoy once their political goal is achieved.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

The trait emphasized is vanity (garva) rather than virtue, highlighting how ego can be used as fuel for morally harmful decisions.