Ramayana — Ayodhya Kanda, Sarga 78, Shloka 5
अष्टसप्ततितमः सर्गः — Śatrughna’s Fury and Bharata’s Restraint
Mantharā Episode
इति सम्भाषमाणे तु शत्रुघ्ने लक्ष्मणानुजे।प्राग्द्वारेऽभूत्तदा कुब्जा सर्वाभरणभूषिता।।।।
iti sambhāṣamāṇe tu śatrughne lakṣmaṇānujе |
prāgdvāre 'bhūt tadā kubjā sarvābharaṇabhūṣitā ||
इस प्रकार लक्ष्मण के अनुज शत्रुघ्न के बोलते ही, उसी समय पूर्व-द्वार पर सब प्रकार के आभूषणों से सजी कुब्जा मंथरा प्रकट हुई।
While Satrughna, brother of Lakshmana was conversing thus, the hunchback Manthara decorated with all kinds of ornaments arrived at the entrance.
FAQs
The verse sets up moral accountability: outward adornment can mask inner intent, reminding the listener to judge actions by dharma (conduct and consequences), not appearance.
While Śatrughna is engaged in conversation, Mantharā arrives at the palace entrance, initiating the next confrontation.
Discernment (viveka): the need to see beyond external display to the ethical weight of a person’s deeds.