Shloka 6.108.6

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

Devanagari script

समापतन्तंसहसास्वनवन्तंमहाध्वजम् ।।6.108.4।।रथंराक्षसराजस्यनरराजोददर्श ह ।कृष्णवाजिसमायुक्तंयुक्तंरौद्रेणवर्चसा ।।6.108.5।।दीप्यमानमिवाकाशेविमानंसूर्यवर्चसं ।तडित्पताकागहनंदर्शितेन्द्रायुधप्रभम् ।।6.108.6।।

Transliteration

girervajrābhimṛṣṭasya dīryataḥ sadṛśasvanam | vispārayan vai vegena bālacandrānataṃ dhanuḥ || uvāca sārathiṃ rāmaḥ sahasrākṣasya mātalim ||

Translation

Drawing his bow swiftly into a crescent like the young moon, Rāma made a sound like a mountain splitting when struck by a thunderbolt; then he spoke to Mātali, the charioteer of the thousand-eyed Indra.

Context

The chariot bells fixed to the huge flag post were making sounds, yoked to dark horses, and was shining with splendor with rage. It was glowing like a bright sun in the sky displaying its splendor, like the aerial chariot. It looked like a cloud holding water, releasing water of arrows from Rakshasa king's bow. The king of humans saw this chariot.

Characters & Entities

• Rāma
• Mātali
• Indra (Sahasrākṣa)

FAQs

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

Power is disciplined by purpose: Rāma’s might is shown as controlled readiness, used in service of restoring dharma rather than mere rage.

What is the narrative situation?

Under an intense arrow-shower, Rāma draws his bow and turns to consult Mātali in the battle-moment.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Composed valor—strength expressed with control and strategic communication.