Shloka 2.9.52
मन्थराप्रेरणा—वरद्वय-स्मरणं च (Manthara’s Provocation and the Recalling of Two Boons)
तवापि कुब्जाः कुब्जायास्सर्वाभरणभूषिताः।पादौ परिचरिष्यन्ति यथैव त्वं सदा मम।।।।
iti praśasyamānā sā kaikeyīm idam abravīt |
śayānāṃ śayane śubhre vedyām agniśikhām iva ||
Thus praised, Mantharā spoke these words to Kaikeyī, who lay upon a radiant white couch, blazing like a flame upon a sacrificial altar.
Other hunchbacks adorned with all sorts of ornament shall also serve you in the same manner as you are serving me.
The verse frames how flattery can inflame destructive resolve. Dharma requires vigilance over emotions so that anger and desire do not overrun truth and duty.
After being praised and promised rewards, Mantharā proceeds to speak further to Kaikeyī, who is portrayed as intensely charged—like ritual fire.
The scene emphasizes intensity and susceptibility to provocation rather than virtue, serving as a warning about how easily judgment can be kindled away from dharma.