Shloka 2.9.9

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

Devanagari script

कथय त्वं ममोपायं केनोपायेन मन्थरे।भरतः प्राप्नुयाद्राज्यं न तु रामः कथञ्चन।।।।

Transliteration

kathaya tvaṃ mamopāyaṃ kenopāyena manthare | bharataḥ prāpnuyādrājyaṃ na tu rāmaḥ kathañcana ||

Translation

O Mantharā, tell me the means—by what device may Bharata obtain the kingdom, and Rāma not obtain it by any means whatsoever?

Context

O Manthara, tell me the means by which Bharata and not Rama will secure the kingdom in any circumstances.

Characters & Entities

• Manthara
• Bharata
• Rama

FAQs

What is the context of Kaikeyi's request to Manthara in this verse?

Kaikeyi, having been successfully instigated by her maid Manthara regarding the alleged dangers of Rama's coronation, now asks Manthara for a specific political strategy to ensure her own son, Bharata, receives the throne instead.

How does this verse relate to the concept of Dharma?

This verse represents a deviation from Kuladharma (family duty) and Rajadharma (royal duty) driven by attachment (moha). Kaikeyi seeks to manipulate the succession, ignoring the primogeniture right of Rama and the King's will, setting the stage for the conflict between personal desire and righteous conduct.