Manthara's Evil Counsel (Ramayana Series 16)

Born somewhere, raised elsewhere, and finally serving Queen Kaikeyi after accompanying her from her father’s house, there was a maid named Manthara. One day, with freedom, she climbed up to the palace terrace, which gleamed with the brilliance of the full moon.

At that very moment, the city of Ayodhya was being purified with flowing waters, as preparations were underway for Shri Rama’s coronation. Everywhere, the streets were adorned with fragrant flowers. From the palace rooftop, Manthara gazed at the magnificent Ayodhya. Banners and grand flags fluttered. Brahmins, holding garlands and sweets meant to be offered to Shri Rama, were chanting joyously: “Shri Ramo Jayatu, Rama Rama Jayatu!” Temples were festooned with floral decorations. Auspicious instruments echoed in every corner. Citizens, thrilled by the news of Rama’s coronation, filled the streets with celebration.

Struck with amazement, Manthara beheld the splendor of the city. Just then, a maid standing nearby, eyes lit with happiness, revealed the cause of her joy. With great excitement, she said:“Manthara! Tomorrow, under the auspicious Pushya constellation, King Dasharatha will anoint Shri Rama — the conqueror of anger, the master of his senses, sinless, and the remover of others’ sins — as Crown Prince of Ayodhya!”

Hearing this, Manthara was overcome with torment, as though struck by a calamity. She could not even bear to listen further. Instantly, she turned away from the maid and descended from the palace rooftop, her wicked eyes burning with jealousy. Consumed with rage, she rushed to Kaikeyi’s chamber, where the queen lay asleep. In a harsh voice, she cried:“Foolish one! Wake up! Why do you still sleep? Can you not see that danger surrounds you? Misfortune is about to engulf you. O favored queen! You think yourself fortunate and proud, as though more powerful than even the chief queen. But your prosperity is like a river in summer — destined to dry up. Disaster is upon you!”

Hearing these bitter words, Kaikeyi grew anxious. She asked gently:“Manthara! Has some calamity occurred? Are any of our kin unwell? Why do you appear so distressed and sorrowful?”

Though her words were kind, Manthara, sharp-tongued and cunning, seized the chance. She began to feign concern for Kaikeyi, speaking in a way that would make it seem she was her only true well-wisher:“Queen! A ruin, beyond doubt, awaits you. Do you know what it is? King Dasharatha is about to crown Rama as heir-apparent. This, my lady, will be your destruction! The very thought of Rama’s coronation burns my heart like fire. I have come rushing to you only out of love, determined to protect your interests. If you fall into misfortune, how can I remain at peace? You are born of royal lineage. You are the king’s wife. Do you not realize? By placing Rama on the throne, the king is discarding both you and your son Bharata. His display of affection for you is but a pretense. In truth, by exalting Rama, he condemns you and your son to ruin. O noble lady! Though I speak of such peril, your face shows no fear, no anger, no jealousy. Instead, you look at me in wonder! This is not the time to remain passive. Act swiftly, before it is too late. Protect your son, protect yourself — do not ignore this danger!”

Thus, with venom hidden in her words of seeming affection, Manthara planted the seeds of doubt and ruin in Queen Kaikeyi’s heart.