Srimad Bhagavatam — Navama Skandha, Shloka 21
Śrī Rāmacandra-avatāra — Vow, Exile, Laṅkā-vijaya, and Rāma-rājya
Concise Bhāgavata Account
रक्ष:पति: स्वबलनष्टिमवेक्ष्य रुष्ट आरुह्य यानकमथाभिससार रामम् । स्व:स्यन्दने द्युमति मातलिनोपनीते विभ्राजमानमहनन्निशितै: क्षुरप्रै: ॥ २१ ॥
rakṣaḥ-patiḥ sva-bala-naṣṭim avekṣya ruṣṭa āruhya yānakam athābhisasāra rāmam svaḥ-syandane dyumati mātalinopanīte vibhrājamānam ahanan niśitaiḥ kṣurapraiḥ
Daraufhin sah Rāvaṇa, der König der Rākṣasas, den Untergang seines Heeres und geriet in rasenden Zorn. Er bestieg sein mit Blumen geschmücktes Luftfahrzeug und stürmte auf den Herrn Rāmacandra zu, der auf dem strahlenden Wagen saß, den Mātali, Indras Wagenlenker, gebracht hatte. Dann traf Rāvaṇa Rāma mit scharfen, rasiermessergleichen Pfeilen.
FAQs
This verse describes Ravana’s rage after his forces are destroyed and shows Rama, aided by the celestial chariot brought by Matali, striking Ravana with sharp arrows—highlighting divine justice in Rama-lila.
Mātali is the charioteer of Indra. Here he brings a radiant celestial chariot for Rama, indicating the devas’ support for Rama’s dharmic mission against Ravana.
The verse shows how attachment to power and pride leads to destructive anger, whereas alignment with dharma and divine purpose brings protection and victory—encouraging self-control and righteous action.