Ramayana — Ayodhya Kanda, Sarga 35, Shloka 36
सुमन्त्रस्य कैकेयी-निन्दा
Sumantra’s Reproof of Kaikeyi in the Royal Assembly
इति सान्त्वैश्च तीक्ष्णैश्च कैकेयीं राजसंसदि। सुमन्त्रः क्षोभयामास भूय एव कृताञ्जलिः।।2.35.36।।
iti sāntvaiś ca tīkṣṇaiś ca kaikeyīṃ rāja-saṃsadi | sumantraḥ kṣobhayām āsa bhūya eva kṛtāñjaliḥ ||2.35.36||
ಹೀಗೆ ರಾಜಸಭೆಯಲ್ಲಿ ಸುಮಂತ್ರನು ಕೈಕೇಯಿಯನ್ನು ಸಾಂತ್ವನದ ಮಾತುಗಳನ್ನೂ ತೀಕ್ಷ್ಣ ಮಾತುಗಳನ್ನೂ ಬಳಸಿ ಕದಲಿಸಲು ಯತ್ನಿಸಿದನು; ನಂತರ ಮತ್ತೆ ಕೈಜೋಡಿಸಿ ನಿಂತನು.
Sumantra tried with words both gentle and sharp to make Kaikeyi regret. And then stood with folded palms in the presence of the king.
FAQs
Dharma of counsel and decorum: one may admonish firmly for righteousness, yet maintain respectful conduct in the royal presence.
After arguing with Kaikeyi in court, Sumantra alternates between persuasion and rebuke, then resumes a posture of respectful supplication.
Sumantra’s loyalty and propriety: he speaks for dharma while observing court etiquette.