Ramayana — Yuddha Kanda, Sarga 106, Shloka 26
रावण-सारथि-संवादः
Ravana and the Charioteer: Counsel, Omens, and Battlefield Conduct
एवमुक्त्वाततस्तुष्टोरावणोराक्षसेश्वरः ।ददौतस्यशुभंह्येकंहस्ताभरणमुत्तमम् ।।।।श्रुत्वारावणवाक्यानिसारथिस्सन्यवर्तत ।
evam uktvā tataḥ tuṣṭo rāvaṇo rākṣaseśvaraḥ | dadau tasya śubhaṃ hy ekaṃ hastābharaṇam uttamam | śrutvā rāvaṇavākyāni sārathiḥ sa nyavartata ||
Après avoir ainsi parlé, Rāvaṇa, seigneur des Rākṣasas, fut satisfait et donna au cocher un unique ornement de main, excellent et de bon augure. Entendant les paroles de Rāvaṇa, le cocher se retourna et obéit.
Fully satisfied with Charioteer's words, Ravana bestowed him with an excellent auspicious ornament of the hand. On hearing Ravana's words, the charioteer advanced the chariot.
FAQs
The verse highlights the king’s recognition of service and the duty of an attendant to follow a lawful command: obedience to one’s role (svadharma) is affirmed, and merit is acknowledged through reward.
After earlier harsh words, Rāvaṇa becomes pleased with the charioteer’s response and command, rewards him with a hand-ornament, and the charioteer turns the chariot accordingly.
Professional duty and responsiveness: the charioteer promptly acts upon the king’s directive once it is given.