Ramayana — Yuddha Kanda, Sarga 108, Shloka 8
रावणरथवैभव–निमित्तदर्शन–राममातलिसंवादः
Ravana’s Chariot, Portents, and Rama–Matali Instructions
शराधाराविमुञ्चन्तंधारासारमिवाम्बुदम् ।तंदृष्टवामेघसङ्काशमापतन्तंरथंरिपोः ।।6.108.7।।गिरेर्वज्राभिमृष्टस्यदीर्यतस्सदृशस्वनम् ।विस्पारयन्वैवेगेनबालचन्द्रानतंधनुः ।।6.108.8।।उवाचसारथिंरामंसहस्राक्षस्यमातलिम् ।
girervajrābhimṛṣṭasya dīryataḥ sadṛśasvanam | vispārayan vai vegena bālacandrānataṃ dhanuḥ || uvāca sārathiṃ rāmaḥ sahasrākṣasya mātalim ||
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.
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.
FAQs
Power is disciplined by purpose: Rāma’s might is shown as controlled readiness, used in service of restoring dharma rather than mere rage.
Under an intense arrow-shower, Rāma draws his bow and turns to consult Mātali in the battle-moment.
Composed valor—strength expressed with control and strategic communication.