Shloka 6.106.18

रावण-सारथि-संवादः (Ravana and the Charioteer: Counsel, Omens, and Battlefield Conduct)

Devanagari script

देशकालौ च विज्ञेयौलक्षणानीङ्गितानि च ।दैन्यंहर्षश्चखेदश्चरथिनश्चबलाबलम् ।।।।

Transliteration

deśa-kālau ca vijñeyau lakṣaṇānīṅgitāni ca |

dainyaṃ harṣaś ca khedaś ca rathinaś ca balābalam ||

Translation

One must judge the place and time, the signs and omens, the warrior’s dejection, exhilaration, and fatigue—and also the strength and weakness of the one mounted in the chariot.

Context

"Propitious and unpropitious, time and place, good and evil signs and omens, depression and liveliness of the warrior as well as strength and weakness of the one in the chariot must be ascertained."

Characters & Entities

• Rāvaṇa

FAQs

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

Responsible action (dharma in governance/war) requires informed judgment—considering context, signs, and the condition of one’s forces rather than acting from impulse.

What is the narrative situation?

Rāvaṇa articulates criteria for strategic assessment in battle, emphasizing observation of omens and the combatant’s condition.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Prudence and situational awareness (yukti, avadhāna)—competencies expected in righteous leadership, even if Rāvaṇa applies them self-servingly.