Ramayana — Yuddha Kanda, Sarga 103, Shloka 30
ऐन्द्ररथप्रदानम्
Indra’s Chariot Offered to Rāma; The Duel Intensifies
चिच्छेदकेतुमुद्धिश्यशरेणैकेनरावणः ।पातयित्वारथोपस्थेरथात्केतुं च काञ्चनम् ।।।।ऐन्द्रानपिजघानाश्वान्शरजालेनरावणः ।
ciccheda ketum uddiśya śareṇaikena rāvaṇaḥ |
pātayitvā rathopasthe rathāt ketuṃ ca kāñcanam |
aindrān api jaghānāśvān śarajālena rāvaṇaḥ ||
Auf das Banner des Wagens zielend, trennte Rāvaṇa es mit einem einzigen Pfeil ab und ließ das goldene Feldzeichen vom Wagenpodest herabstürzen; dann traf er mit einem pfeilnetzgleichen Hagel sogar Indras Pferde.
Seated in the chariot, the ten headed Ravana showered thunderbolt like shafts just as rain cloud showers on a huge mountain and struck.
FAQs
The verse shows the use of intimidation and disabling tactics in war; Dharma in the epic framework evaluates not only victory but the manner of fighting—whether power is used with restraint and right intent.
Rāvaṇa targets the chariot’s emblem and then attacks the divine horses, attempting to weaken Rāma’s mobility and morale.
Rāma’s side is tested for courage and steadiness—maintaining resolve even when symbols of strength (banner, horses) are assaulted.