Valmiki Ramayana 2.7.27: Ayodhya Kanda, Sarga 7, Shloka 27
मन्थराप्रवेशः · Manthara Observes Ayodhya and Incites Kaikeyi
शत्रुः पतिप्रवादेन मात्रेव हितकाम्यया ।
आशीविष इवाङ्केन बाले परिधृतस्त्वया ॥२७॥
śatruḥ patipravādena mātreva hitakāmyayā |
āśīviṣa ivāṅkena bāle paridhṛtas tvayā ||27||
बेटी, तुमने उसको अपना पति समझ के गोद में बिठा लिया। पर वो तुम्हारा दुश्मन है। जैसे कोई ज़हरीला साँप हो, वैसे ही वो है।
O innocent lady! with the intention of doing good like a mother to your husband who is your enemy, you are holding on your lap a venomous serpent.
FAQs
It cautions that relationships must be grounded in truth and just conduct; dharma includes discerning whether trust is deserved.
Mantharā uses a striking metaphor to portray Daśaratha as a hidden threat, urging Kaikeyī to stop trusting him.
Prudence (apramāda) is emphasized—though weaponized here to erode marital trust.
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