Ramayana — Ayodhya Kanda, Sarga 7, Shloka 25
मन्थराप्रवेशः
Manthara Observes Ayodhya and Incites Kaikeyi
उपस्थितः प्रयुञ्जानस्त्वयि सान्त्वमनर्थकम्।अर्थेनैवाद्य ते भर्ता कौसल्यां योजयिष्यति।।।।
upasthitaḥ prayuñjānas tvayi sāntvam anarthakam | arthenaivādya te bhartā kausalyāṃ yojayiṣyati ||
તે તારી પાસે આવી નિર્થેક સાંત્વનવચનો જ બોલે છે; પરંતુ આજે તારો પતિ સાચો લાભ તો માત્ર કૌસલ્યાને જ આપશે.
When your husband approaches you he swears in meaningless, appeasing words. But today he is going to bestow benefit on Kausalya only.
FAQs
It contrasts empty speech with meaningful action; dharma values truthful intent and fair conduct over mere soothing words.
Mantharā claims Kaikeyī is being placated while Kausalyā receives the true benefit through Rāma’s elevation.
Justice/fairness is the implied standard—used here as a grievance to provoke Kaikeyī.