Ramayana — Ayodhya Kanda, Sarga 7, Shloka 16
मन्थराप्रवेशः
Manthara Observes Ayodhya and Incites Kaikeyi
एवमुक्ता तु कैकेयी रुष्टया परुषं वचः।कुब्जया पापदर्शिन्या विषादमगमत्परम्।।।।
evam uktā tu kaikeyī ruṣṭayā paruṣaṃ vacaḥ | kubjayā pāpadarśinyā viṣādam agamat param ||
கோபமுற்ற பாபமனம் கொண்ட கூனியின் கடுஞ்சொற்களை கேட்ட கைகேயி மிகுந்த மனவெதும்பலில் ஆழ்ந்தாள்.
Kaikeyi said to the hunchback, O Manthara! isn't all well with you? I can mark it from your dejected face how greatly distressed you feel, indeed!.
FAQs
It highlights the dharmic importance of right speech: cruel or manipulative words can unseat another’s mental balance, leading them away from righteous decision-making.
Mantharā’s verbal attack successfully unsettles Kaikeyī, plunging her into anxiety and sorrow.
The need for emotional steadiness and discernment; Kaikeyī’s vulnerability to despair becomes the opening for further manipulation.