Ramayana — Ayodhya Kanda, Sarga 9, Shloka 18
मन्थराप्रेरणा—वरद्वय-स्मरणं च
Manthara’s Provocation and the Recalling of Two Boons
अनभिज्ञाम्ह्यहं देवि त्वयैव कथिता पुरा।।।।कथैषा तव तु स्नेहान्मनसा धार्यते मया।रामाभिषेकसम्भारान्निगृह्य विनिवर्तय।।।।
anabhijñā hy ahaṃ devi tvayaiva kathitā purā ||
kathaiṣā tava tu snehān manasā dhāryate mayā |
rāmābhiṣeka-sambhārān nigṛhya vinivartaya ||
「王妃よ、わたしはまことに知らなかった。以前それを告げたのは汝自身であった。だが汝への情ゆえに、このことを胸に秘してきた。今こそ、ラーマ灌頂の支度を抑え、力をもってでも止めよ。」
O queen I did not know this indeed. Only you had related it to me earlier. Because of my affection towards you, I have retained it in my memory. (Now) prevent preparations for Rama's consecration by force.
FAQs
It warns how ‘affection’ can be misused as justification for unethical action; true dharma requires restraint, truthfulness, and non-harm, not coercion for political ends.
Mantharā reminds Kaikeyī of an earlier conversation and urges her to obstruct Rāma’s coronation preparations by force.
The verse primarily showcases the absence of virtue—strategic persuasion and coercive intent—serving as a negative ethical example.