Ramayana — Yuddha Kanda, Sarga 106, Shloka 16
रावण-सारथि-संवादः
Ravana and the Charioteer: Counsel, Omens, and Battlefield Conduct
रथोद्वहनखिन्नाश्चभग्नामेरथवाजिनः ।दीनाघर्मपरिश्रान्तागावोवर्षहताइव ।।।।
rathodvahana-khinnāś ca bhagnā me ratha-vājinaḥ | dīnā gharma-pariśrāntā gāvo varṣa-hatā iva ||
My chariot-horses are worn out from hauling the chariot; they are broken down—wretched and spent by the heat—like cattle battered by rain.
"The horses of my chariot were exhausted by dragging, broken down, worn out by the hot sun, and desperate like cows lashed by rain."
FAQs
Dharma extends to care for those who serve—animals and dependents included; pushing exhausted horses is cruelty and imprudence, undermining righteous conduct and effective action.
The charioteer cites the physical condition of the horses as a concrete reason for withdrawing/turning back the chariot.
Responsible stewardship and compassion—recognizing limits and preventing needless suffering.