Ramayana — Ayodhya Kanda, Sarga 9, Shloka 7
मन्थराप्रेरणा—वरद्वय-स्मरणं च
Manthara’s Provocation and the Recalling of Two Boons
मयोच्यमानं यदि ते श्रोतुं छन्दो विलासिनि।श्रूयतामभिधास्यामि श्रुत्वा चापि विमृश्यताम्।।।।
mayocyamānaṃ yadi te śrotuṃ chando vilāsini। śrūyatāmabhidhāsyāmi śrutvā cāpi vimṛśyatām॥
O lovely one, if it pleases you to hear what I am about to say, then listen—I shall speak; and having heard it, you must also reflect upon it.
O lovely Kaikeyi! if it pleases you to hear from me, I shall tell you. Listen and think over it, too.
FAQs
Manthara is about to present a distorted view of Dharma and politics to incite fear in Kaikeyi regarding Rama's coronation. She asks Kaikeyi to reflect to ensure the manipulation sinks deep into her psyche, turning her affection for Rama into suspicion.
Manthara uses the term 'Vilasini' (lovely or playful woman) to flatter Kaikeyi. By appealing to her vanity and status, Manthara prepares the ground to convince Kaikeyi that her beauty and position are threatened by Kausalya's rise.