Ramayana — Ayodhya Kanda, Sarga 7, Shloka 24
मन्थराप्रवेशः
Manthara Observes Ayodhya and Incites Kaikeyi
धर्मावादी शठो भर्ता श्लक्ष्णवादी च दारुणः।शुद्धभावे न जानीषे तेनैव मतिसन्धिता।।।।
dharmāvādī śaṭho bhartā ślakṣṇavādī ca dāruṇaḥ | śuddhabhāve na jānīṣe tenaiva matisandhitā ||
Suamimu berbicara tentang dharma, namun berhati licik; ucapannya lembut, namun kejam. Karena hatimu murni, buddhi-mu terjerat olehnya, sehingga engkau tidak menyadarinya.
Your husband speaks morals publicly but in private he is deceitful. He speaks gently but acts cruelly. Because of your innocent nature you are beguiled by him. You do not understand this.
FAQs
It warns against using dharma-language without satya (truth) and integrity; dharma is not merely speech but consistent conduct.
Mantharā maligns Daśaratha’s character to break Kaikeyī’s trust and justify opposition to Rāma’s consecration.
Discernment (viveka) is implicitly demanded: one must judge actions, not be swayed by sweet words.