Beholding the festivities and finding Kausalya bestowing large fights of money on the Brahmanas, Manthara, a hunchback hereditary maid-servant of Queen Kaikeyi, who had accidentally ascended the roof of the palace, inquires of Sri Rama's erstwhile nurse the occasion for the festivities and, on being told of Sri Rama's forthcoming installation, feels enraged and, approaching Kaikeyi instigates her to stop the installation. Kaikeyi, on the other hand, feels rejoiced over the news and gifts her a jewel as a token of her pleasure.
Recitation: 
Translation:&nbsp;

Ayodhya Kanda Sarga 8 "Manthara Durbodaha" (Book 2, canto 8)

This podcast includes an authentic Sanskrit recitation and the reading of a genuine translation in English by Gita Press, Gorakhpur, India. This is not a western translation of the Valmiki Ramayana, nor a re-telling in any form. It is translated by Hindus from within the tradition, and it is thereby recommended as the most authentic recitation and English reading available.

The Ramayana recitation by Sriram-ghanapaathi HariSitaramamurti-ghanapathi is taken from archive.org. The reading is from the English version of Srimad Valmiki Ramayan translation by Gita Press, Gorakhpur, India.