Shloka 6.110.12
रामरावणयोर्युद्धवैषम्यं तथा रावणशिरश्छेदनम् (Rama–Ravana Duel Intensifies; Ravana’s Heads Severed and Reappear)
मातलेस्तुमहावेगाश्शरीरेपतिताश्शराः ।।।।न सूक्ष्ममपिसम्मोहंव्यथांवाप्रददुर्युधि ।
cikṣepa ca punar bāṇān vajrapātasama-svanān |
sārathiṃ vajrahastasya samuddiśya daśānanaḥ ||
Then Daśānana, whose hands were like thunderbolts, again hurled arrows that roared like lightning-strikes, aiming at Mātali, the charioteer of the thunderbolt-armed warrior, Rāma.
Even though the arrows fell on Matali's body at great speed, he did not feel perturbed or experience even slight suffering.
The verse highlights a contrast: dharmic combat prioritizes rightful targets and fairness, while targeting the charioteer suggests a lapse toward adharma—an attempt to weaken the opponent indirectly.
Rāvaṇa intensifies the duel by shooting thunderous arrows specifically at Mātali, Rāma’s charioteer.
By implication, Rāma’s reliance on a righteous ally (Mātali) and the importance of loyal service; the verse also foregrounds Rāvaṇa’s aggressive, destabilizing strategy.