Shloka 15

रावण-सारथि-संवादः

Ravana and the Charioteer: Counsel, Omens, and Battlefield Conduct

Devanagari script

श्रमंतवावगच्छामिमहतारणकर्मणा ।न हितेवीर्यसौमुख्यंप्रकर्षंवोपधारये ।।।।

Transliteration

śramaṃ tavāvagacchāmi mahatā raṇa-karmaṇā | na hite vīrya-saumukhyaṃ prakarṣaṃ vopadhāraye ||

Translation

Ich erkenne deine Erschöpfung aus der großen Mühsal des Kampfes; und in dieser Lage sehe ich nicht, dass dein Heldenmut seinen früheren Vorteil oder seine Überlegenheit zeigt.

Word by Word

श्रमम्fatigue, exertion

तवyour

अवगच्छामिI understand, I recognize

महताby great

रणकर्मणाby the work of battle

नnot

हितेin (your) welfare / as beneficial

वीर्यसौमुख्यम्valor and graciousness

प्रकर्षम्superiority, excellence

वाor

उपधारयेI consider/attribute

Context

"Great Ravana! After the strenuous task in the battle, there was no exhibition of your valour, and I did not cognize any superiority in your action."

Characters & Entities

Rāvaṇa

battle (raṇa)

FAQs

What is the core ethical principle (Dharma) in this verse?

Dharma includes sober assessment: honest recognition of fatigue and diminished effectiveness prevents reckless harm and supports responsible leadership.

What is the narrative situation?

The charioteer explains that Rāvaṇa is worn down and not currently displaying decisive superiority in battle, implying withdrawal is prudent.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Truthful, welfare-driven counsel—speaking difficult facts for the leader’s protection.