Shloka 6.53.7
युद्धकाण्डे त्रिपञ्चाशः सर्गः — धूम्राक्षवधश्रवणं, वज्रदंष्ट्रप्रेषणं, अङ्गद-राक्षसयुद्धम् (Ravana Dispatches Vajradamshtra; Portents and Angada’s Assault)
पताकालङ्कृतंदीप्तंतप्तकाञ्चनभूषितम् ।रथंप्रदक्षिणंकृत्वासमारोहच्चमूपतिः ।।।।
patākālaṅkṛtaṃ dīptaṃ taptakāñcanabhūṣitam |
rathaṃ pradakṣiṇaṃ kṛtvā samārohat camūpatiḥ ||6.53.7||
The commander of the host, after reverently circling his flag-adorned chariot clockwise, mounted it—radiant and ornamented with gleaming gold fittings.
The general went ascending the chariot shining with well polished shining gold, decked with flags after going around clockwise.
Dharma here appears as disciplined conduct before action: the commander performs an auspicious, respectful pradakṣiṇā, suggesting that even in war one should act with reverence, order, and self-control rather than impulsiveness.
On the battlefield sequence, a military leader prepares to engage by mounting a splendid, bannered chariot after performing a clockwise circumambulation.
Military decorum and steadiness—readiness for duty combined with ritual propriety (maryādā) before entering combat.