Kaikeyi Falls for Manthara's Manipulation

Witness Kaikeyi's manipulation by Manthara in the Ramayana. As Rama's coronation looms, deceit and ambition threaten to tear the royal family apart, setting the stage for an epic journey. 

Manthara Incites Kaikeyi (Shlokas 2.9.1 - 2.9.5)

Instigated by Manthara, Kaikeyi entered the chamber of wrath. Her face burned with anger as she breathed a deep, hot sigh and addressed Manthara:

"Today, I shall:

1. Quickly banish Rama to the forest

2. Have Bharata crowned as the heir-apparent without delay

Now, Manthara, tell me how Bharata can secure the kingdom instead of Rama."

Manthara, harboring evil intentions, responded to Kaikeyi with the aim of harming Rama's interests:

"O Kaikeyi, listen carefully. I'll now reveal how your son Bharata alone will secure the kingdom."

Manthara's Cunning Plan (Shlokas 2.9.6 - 2.9.10)

Manthara continued, "O Kaikeyi, have you forgotten what I'm about to tell you, or are you pretending not to know? If you wish to hear it from me, I'll explain. Pay close attention and consider my words carefully."

After listening to Manthara's speech, Kaikeyi sat up slightly from her well-spread bed and replied:

"O hunchback, I never realized you possessed such wisdom or decision-making skills. You truly are the most intelligent among all hunchbacks in this world. You've consistently shown interest in my affairs and sought my welfare. Without you, I might have remained unaware of the king's deceptive intentions."

Kaikeyi Praises Manthara (Shlokas 2.9.11 - 2.9.21)

Flattered by Manthara's words, Kaikeyi began to praise her physical appearance:

"Many hunchbacks in this world are terribly ugly with misshaped and crooked bodies. However, you, Manthara, are different:

• You look beautiful, like a lotus bent by the breeze

• Your breasts are full

• Your waist is slender

• Your hips are rounded

• Your face is as bright as the moon

How passionate you appear, Manthara!"

Kaikeyi continued to describe Manthara's gait and promised her rewards:

"When you walk before me in silk garments, you resemble a royal swan. All the deceitful tricks of Sambara (an asura king) reside within you. Once Rama is sent to the forest and Bharata is crowned, I shall:

• Drape your hump with a golden garland

• Smear it with the finest liquid gold

• Adorn your face with a golden tilaka (forehead mark)

• Gift you beautiful ornaments"

Manthara's Further Manipulation (Shlokas 2.9.22 - 2.9.33)

Encouraged by Kaikeyi's praise, Manthara instructed her:

1. Enter the chamber of wrath, feigning anger

2. Lie on the bare ground in soiled garments

3. When the king arrives, do not look at him or speak to him

4. Remind him of the two boons he promised during the war between gods and demons

5. Ask for:

   • Rama's exile to the forest for fourteen years

   • Bharata's coronation as king

Manthara explained the benefits of this plan:

"If Rama is exiled for fourteen years, your son Bharata will:

1. Firmly establish himself in the kingdom

2. Win the people's hearts

3. Develop deep roots in the kingdom

4. Gain support from friends

5. Be accepted by the people

By the time Rama returns, Bharata's position will be unshakeable."

Kaikeyi, swayed by Manthara's words, agreed to the plan, declaring:

"I shall either witness Bharata secure the kingdom after Rama's banishment to the forest, or I shall end my life here. If Rama is crowned king, I desire neither:

• Gold

• Gems

• Ornaments

• Nor even life itself"

This concludes the ninth chapter (sarga) of Ayodhyakanda, the second book of the Ramayana, the great epic composed by the sage Valmiki.