Shloka 6.106.26

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

Devanagari script

एवमुक्त्वाततस्तुष्टोरावणोराक्षसेश्वरः ।ददौतस्यशुभंह्येकंहस्ताभरणमुत्तमम् ।।।।श्रुत्वारावणवाक्यानिसारथिस्सन्यवर्तत ।

Transliteration

evam uktvā tataḥ tuṣṭo rāvaṇo rākṣaseśvaraḥ | dadau tasya śubhaṃ hy ekaṃ hastābharaṇam uttamam | śrutvā rāvaṇavākyāni sārathiḥ sa nyavartata ||

Translation

Having spoken thus, Rāvaṇa—the lord of the Rākṣasas—was satisfied and bestowed upon the charioteer a single excellent and auspicious hand-ornament. Hearing Rāvaṇa’s words, the charioteer turned back in obedience.

Context

Fully satisfied with Charioteer's words, Ravana bestowed him with an excellent auspicious ornament of the hand. On hearing Ravana's words, the charioteer advanced the chariot.

Characters & Entities

• Rāvaṇa
• Rākṣasas
• Sārathi (charioteer)
• hastābharaṇa (hand-ornament)

FAQs

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

The verse highlights the king’s recognition of service and the duty of an attendant to follow a lawful command: obedience to one’s role (svadharma) is affirmed, and merit is acknowledged through reward.

What is the narrative situation?

After earlier harsh words, Rāvaṇa becomes pleased with the charioteer’s response and command, rewards him with a hand-ornament, and the charioteer turns the chariot accordingly.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Professional duty and responsiveness: the charioteer promptly acts upon the king’s directive once it is given.