Ramayana — Ayodhya Kanda, Sarga 8, Shloka 39
मन्थराकैकेयीसंवादः — Mantharā’s Counsel to Kaikeyī
Ayodhyā’s Succession Alarm
यदा हि रामः पृथिवीमवाप्स्यतिध्रुवं प्रणष्टो भरतो भविष्यति।अतो हि सञ्चिन्तय राज्यमात्मजे परस्य चैवाद्य विवासकारणम्।।2.8.39।।
yadā hi rāmaḥ pṛthivīm avāpsyati
dhruvaṃ praṇaṣṭo bharato bhaviṣyati |
ato hi sañcintaya rājyam ātmaje
parasya caivādya vivāsakāraṇam || 2.8.39 ||
ラーマがこの大地を得るなら、バラタは必ずや滅びよう。ゆえに今こそ、わが子のための王権を思い定め、また競う者ラーマを追放する因と策をも案じよ。
Rama is learned in the duties of a kshatriya. He is wise enough to do what he should at the appropriate time. While reflecting the fate of your son, I am trembling with fear.
FAQs
It shows a direct breach of dharma and satya: plotting unjust exile for a righteous heir. The Ramayana uses such counsel to illustrate how adharma begins with calculated, self-serving plans.
Mantharā culminates her persuasion by urging Kaikeyī to secure the throne for Bharata immediately and to arrange Rāma’s banishment.
In negative relief, it emphasizes the virtue of righteous counsel (hitopadeśa aligned with dharma). Mantharā’s advice exemplifies its opposite: manipulative, fear-based policy.