Ramayana — Ayodhya Kanda, Sarga 7, Shloka 31
मन्थराप्रवेशः
Manthara Observes Ayodhya and Incites Kaikeyi
मन्थाराया वचश्श्रुत्वा शयाना सा शुभानना।उत्तस्थौ हर्षसम्पूर्णा चन्द्रलेखेव शारदी।।।।
manthārāyā vacaś śrutvā śayānā sā śubhānanā |
uttasthau harṣasampūrṇā candralekheva śāradī || 2.7.31 ||
Entendant les paroles de Mantharā, Kaikeyī—étendue, au visage gracieux—se leva, toute remplie de joie, telle la claire faucille de la lune en l’automne.
Hearing the words of Manthara, Kaikeyi of charming countenance lying in her couch rose, full of joy, like the autumnal streak of the Moon's crescent.
FAQs
Dharma is tested at the level of inner response: joy at politically charged counsel can signal attachment and delusion, which later conflicts with truth and fairness.
Kaikeyī physically and emotionally shifts from repose to eager engagement after hearing Mantharā, indicating readiness to be influenced.
Aesthetic charm is highlighted, but ethically the emphasis is on susceptibility—how quickly emotion can override steadiness of judgment.