Valmiki Ramayana 2.7.15 — Ayodhya Kanda, Sarga 7, Shloka 15
मन्थराप्रवेशः
Manthara Observes Ayodhya and Incites Kaikeyi
अनिष्टे सुभगाकारे सौभाग्येन विकत्थसे।चलं हि तव सौभाग्यं नद्यास्स्रोत इवोष्णगे।।।।
aniṣṭe subhagākāre saubhāgyena vikatthase | calaṃ hi tava saubhāgyaṃ nadyās srota ivōṣṇage ||
Wahai engkau yang sebenarnya tidak dikasihi, meski berwajah seolah permaisuri yang bertuah—engkau bermegah dengan tuahmu. Namun “tuah” itu tidak tetap, laksana arus sungai di panas musim kemarau.
At these harsh words of the furious, evil-eyed hunchback Kaikeyi fell into great despondency.
FAQs
It warns against unethical speech that breeds distrust: slander and insinuation corrode dharma by breaking bonds of loyalty and truth (satya) within the family and court.
Mantharā attacks Kaikeyī’s sense of security, claiming her status and favor are unstable to push her toward rash action.
The virtue implied is humility and clear-sightedness; Mantharā instead exploits pride and insecurity, showing how vanity can be weaponized.
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