Shloka 6.108.15

रावणरथवैभव–निमित्तदर्शन–राममातलिसंवादः (Ravana’s Chariot, Portents, and Rama–Matali Instructions)

Devanagari script

अपसव्यंततःकुर्वन् रावणस्यमहारथम् ।चक्रसम्भूतरसारावणंव्यवदूनयन् ।।।।

Transliteration

apasavyaṃ tataḥ kurvan rāvaṇasya mahāratham |

cakrasambhūtarajasā rāvaṇaṃ vyavadhūnayan ||6.108.15||

Translation

Then, making Rāvaṇa’s mighty chariot wheel about in a reverse course, Mātali shook Rāvaṇa with the dust raised by the rolling wheels.

Context

Then Matali made the chariot turn round and by the dust rising from the rolling wheels of the chariot, Ravana was shaken.

Characters & Entities

• Mātali
• Rāvaṇa
• Chariot
• Wheels (Cakra)
• Dust (Rajas)

FAQs

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

Dharma permits skillful means in a just battle: tactical control and measured force can prevent greater harm and hasten the end of adharma.

What is the narrative situation?

Mātali executes a maneuver that unsettles Rāvaṇa, using the chariot’s motion and dust to disrupt him.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Kauśala (competent skill): Mātali’s mastery in chariot warfare serving a dharmic cause.