Shloka 2.9.51
मन्थराप्रेरणा—वरद्वय-स्मरणं च (Manthara’s Provocation and the Recalling of Two Boons)
परिधाय शुभे वस्त्रे देवतेव चरिष्यसि।।2.9.50।।चन्द्रमाह्वयमानेन मुखेनाप्रतिमानना।गमिष्यसि गतिं मुख्यां गर्वयन्ती द्विषज्जनम्।।2.9.51।।
tavāpi kubjāḥ kubjāyāḥ sarvābharaṇabhūṣitāḥ |
pādau paricariṣyanti yathaiva tvaṃ sadā mama ||
Even other hunchbacks, adorned with every ornament, will attend upon your feet—just as you have always attended upon mine.
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 of eminence amidst your enemies.
The verse shows how power can distort values: service becomes a currency for domination rather than care. Dharma teaches humility and responsibility, not prideful reversal.
Kaikeyī promises Mantharā a future of elevated status where others will serve her as she has served Kaikeyī.
The desired trait is not virtue but superiority; it contrasts with the epic’s ideal of dignified service grounded in devotion and righteousness.