Shloka 16
इति तद् राजवचन प्रतिश्रुत्याथ मन्थरा । कैकेयीमभिगम्येदं काले वचनमब्रवीत्,राजाकी यह बात मन्थराने भी सुन ली। वह ठीक समयपर कैकेयीके पास जाकर यों बोली--
iti tad rājavacanaṁ pratiśrutyātha mantharā | kaikeyīm abhigamyedaṁ kāle vacanam abravīt ||
Kaya nga, nang marinig at tanggapin ang mga salita ng hari, si Mantharā ay lumapit kay Kaikeyī sa pinakatamang sandali at nagsalita sa kanya. Itinatanghal ng taludtod ang isang pagbaling na mabigat sa moral: isang lihim na payo, sinadyang itinakda ang oras, na maglilihis sa hangarin ng palasyo at magpapasimula ng mga bunga para sa dharma, kaayusan ng angkan, at kaharian.
मार्कण्डेय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights how speech and counsel, especially when delivered with strategic timing (kāla), can reshape ethical outcomes. It implicitly warns that accepting or acting on words without discernment can trigger far-reaching consequences for dharma and social order.
After hearing the king’s words, Mantharā approaches Queen Kaikeyī at a calculated moment and begins to speak—setting up the persuasive conversation that will influence Kaikeyī’s decisions and alter the course of events.