Manthara, the housemaid of Queen Kaikeyi, played a pivotal and infamous role in the epic Ramayana. She had been with Kaikeyi since the queen’s childhood and was deeply trusted by her. When King Dasharatha announced his decision to crown Rama, his eldest son by his first wife Kausalya, as the heir-apparent to the throne of Ayodhya, the entire kingdom rejoiced. Even Kaikeyi, who loved Rama as her own son, was delighted with the news. However, it was Manthara who sowed seeds of discord and insecurity in the queen’s mind.
Manthara’s influence over Kaikeyi was so profound that, despite her initial happiness, the queen soon began to perceive her son Bharata‘s future in a different light. Manthara convinced Kaikeyi that once Rama became king, Bharata and Kaikeyi would be relegated to a lesser position in the royal court, becoming, as she put it, “second-class citizens.” She warned Kaikeyi that Kausalya would rise in power and that Kaikeyi would lose her influence, and so would Bharata.
The Boons and Dasharatha’s Promise
Manthara’s manipulation led Kaikeyi to remember the two boons that King Dasharatha had promised her long ago. These boons were granted after a battlefield incident in which Kaikeyi had saved Dasharatha’s life by steering his chariot during a fierce battle. At that time, in gratitude, Dasharatha had offered her two boons to be redeemed whenever she wished. Acting under Manthara’s influence, Kaikeyi chose this moment to cash in on these boons.
One of the boons Kaikeyi demanded was that Bharata, her own son, be crowned as the heir-apparent instead of Rama. The second was that Rama be exiled to the forest for fourteen years, ensuring that Bharata’s position would be secure during this time. Kaikeyi’s demands devastated King Dasharatha, who had no choice but to honor his promise despite his deep love for Rama. The fulfillment of this promise set in motion the events that led to the Ramayana’s central narrative—the exile of Rama.
Rama’s Exile and Dasharatha’s Grief
When Rama was informed of his exile, he accepted it with grace and humility, honoring the wishes of his father. His loyalty to his father’s word exemplifies the core values of Dharma (righteousness), a recurring theme in Hindu mythology. Rama’s decision to leave without protest, along with his wife Sita and brother Lakshmana, marked the beginning of their fourteen-year sojourn in the forest.
Dasharatha, however, was unable to bear the thought of his beloved son being sent away under such cruel circumstances. The deep sorrow over Rama’s exile consumed the aging king, and he died of grief soon after. His death not only marked the end of his reign but also symbolized the breaking of a once harmonious royal household, all set into motion by Manthara’s machinations.
Manthara’s Role in the Ramayana and Its Symbolism
Manthara’s role in the Ramayana is often seen as a catalyst for the epic’s events. Her manipulative words transformed Kaikeyi from a loving stepmother into the cause of Rama’s exile, which eventually led to the downfall of Ravana, the demon king of Lanka. In many interpretations, Manthara is viewed as a symbol of ignorance, greed, and ill-intentioned advice that disrupts the natural order of life. Her actions also highlight the vulnerability of even the most well-meaning individuals when they fall prey to selfish counsel.
In Hindu mythology, the character of Manthara is often linked with other instances of negative influences or advisors who steer their kings or patrons toward harmful decisions. Her actions are sometimes compared to the deceitful advice given by Shakuni to Duryodhana in the Mahabharata, where he manipulates the Kaurava prince into enmity with his cousins, the Pandavas. In both cases, the consequences of these advisors’ manipulations result in great upheaval and destruction, underscoring the importance of wise counsel in governance and leadership.
The Consequences for Kaikeyi and Bharata
Manthara’s manipulation did not result in the outcomes she predicted. While Kaikeyi succeeded in securing the throne for Bharata, the aftermath was far from what either she or Manthara envisioned. Bharata, upon learning of his mother’s actions and the exile of his beloved brother Rama, was horrified. Bharata refused to accept the throne, calling out his mother for her treachery and swearing allegiance to Rama as the rightful king.
Bharata’s rejection of the throne and his deep love for Rama further accentuated the nobility of the family, in stark contrast to the greed and shortsightedness of Manthara’s influence. Bharata eventually took Rama’s padukas (sandals) and placed them on the throne, ruling the kingdom in Rama’s name, while he awaited Rama’s return from exile.
Symbolic Representation of Manthara in Hindu Mythology
Manthara represents more than just a character in the Ramayana—she embodies the destructive potential of envy, selfishness, and misguided ambition. Her actions led to significant upheaval, not just for the royal family of Ayodhya but for the cosmic balance that Rama’s eventual return would restore. In many ways, her character serves as a cautionary tale, warning against the dangers of allowing personal greed and manipulation to cloud one’s judgment.
Her role as the instigator of Rama’s exile, however, is also seen as part of the divine plan in some interpretations. In the grand narrative of the Ramayana, Rama’s exile is necessary for him to fulfill his destiny of defeating Ravana and restoring Dharma to the world. Thus, while Manthara’s actions appear nefarious, they are woven into the larger cosmic order, ultimately leading to Rama’s victory and the triumph of good over evil.
In a broader sense, Manthara’s role is often juxtaposed with that of righteous and wise counselors in other stories of Hindu mythology. Her deceit contrasts with the wisdom of advisors like Vidura in the Mahabharata, who consistently gave truthful and moral guidance to the Pandavas and Kauravas. In this way, Manthara’s character stands out as a representation of negative influence, reminding readers of the importance of discerning good advice from bad.
Conclusion: The Legacy of Manthara
Manthara’s actions set in motion the events of the Ramayana, leading to Rama’s exile, the fall of Ravana, and the eventual restoration of Dharma. Her manipulation of Kaikeyi serves as a timeless reminder of the consequences of envy, greed, and selfish counsel. Through her role, we see how the forces of ignorance and manipulation can disrupt even the most righteous paths, but ultimately, the cosmic order is restored as good triumphs over evil.
Manthara’s legacy in the Ramayana continues to be a powerful lesson on the dangers of ill-intentioned advice and the ripple effects that such advice can have on individuals and societies at large.