Manthara's Scheme to Poison Kaikeyi's Mind
Ayodhyakanda - Sarga 7
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Ayodhyakanda - Sarga 7
Manthara's cunning ignites a conflict in Ayodhya as she manipulates Kaikeyi against Rama's coronation. Witness the seeds of discord sown in this pivotal moment of the Ramayana.
Manthara, Kaikeyi's family servant since birth, ascended the palace that gleamed like the moon. From there, she beheld Ayodhya:
Streets sprinkled with water and strewn with flowers
Decorated with costly banners and flags
Filled with people who had finished their ritual baths
Echoing with Vedic chants and musical instruments
Bustling with spirited horses and elephants
Adorned with temples featuring white doors
Surrounded by joyful citizens raising pennants
Astonished by the festive atmosphere, Manthara's curiosity was piqued. She spotted a royal maid nearby, her eyes bright with delight and dressed in white silk.
Intrigued by the unusual sights, Manthara approached the maid and asked:
"Why is Rama's mother, usually so frugal, giving away wealth so joyfully? What's causing this excessive happiness among the people? What is the delighted king planning to do?"
Bursting with joy, the maid replied:
"Tomorrow, under the auspicious Pushya star (a favorable celestial alignment), King Dasharatha will consecrate the blameless Rama, born in Raghu's race, as the heir-apparent (yuvaraja). This event marks a significant moment for the kingdom, as it establishes the line of succession."
Upon hearing this news of Rama's impending coronation, Manthara became furious. She quickly descended from the palace and approached Kaikeyi, who was lying on her couch. Burning with anger, Manthara said:
"Wake up, you fool! Don't you see the danger approaching? You're drowning in a sea of perils, yet you sleep unaware."
Kaikeyi, confused by Manthara's words, asked if everything was alright. Manthara, skilled in speech and filled with anger, replied:
"O Queen, your ruin is imminent and overwhelming. King Dasharatha is crowning Rama as heir-apparent, which threatens your position and Bharata's future."
Manthara continued her manipulation:
"I've come here for your welfare, consumed by fear and grief. Your sorrow is my sorrow, your prosperity is mine. How can you, born in a royal family and the king's consort, not understand the cruelty of statecraft?
Your husband speaks of morals publicly but is deceitful in private. He speaks gently but acts cruelly. You're beguiled by his meaningless, appeasing words. Today, he'll bestow benefits only on Kausalya by making her son the heir.
That evil-minded king has sent Bharata away to your relatives and will install Rama in the kingdom at dawn tomorrow. You've nurtured an enemy believing him to be your husband, like holding a venomous serpent in your lap.
O foolish one, act quickly for your own well-being. Save yourself, your son, and me too."
Hearing Manthara's words, Kaikeyi rose from her couch, full of joy like the autumnal streak of the moon's crescent. Filled with delight, she gifted a beautiful ornament to Manthara and said:
"O Manthara, you've brought me exceedingly pleasant news. What more can I do for you? I see no distinction between Rama and Bharata. I'm content with Rama's consecration in the kingdom.
You've told me something dearer than anything else. Ask for another reward, and I shall grant it to you."
This concludes the seventh chapter (sarga) of Ayodhyakanda, the first book of the Ramayana, the great epic composed by the sage Valmiki.