Kaikeyi Invokes Bharata's Name and Asks for the Truth
Ayodhya Kanda, Doha 15
Doha 15 · Movement 2 of 2
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Manthara's distress remains unexplained, so Kaikeyi invokes the strongest trust between them. By Bharata's name, she commands the maid to abandon concealment and speak truthfully.
Why should sorrow appear in an hour of joy? The queen cannot reconcile the celebration she welcomes with the grief performed before her.
The oath opens the door that rebuke had nearly closed. Bharata, whom Kaikeyi loves, becomes the very name used to admit words that will estrange her from Ram. A bond is turned into leverage, and the queen leans toward the answer believing that truth has now been secured.
By invoking Bharata, Kaikeyi unknowingly gives deception the key fashioned from her deepest love.
Read the passage from the Manas
भरत सपथ तोहि सत्य कहु परिहरि कपट दुराउ। हरष समय बिसमउ करसि कारन मोहि सुनाउ।।15।।
I adjure you by Bharat's oath: speak the truth, setting aside all deceit and concealment. In this hour of joy you show dismay. Tell me the reason.