Shloka 12
ऐन्द्ररथप्रदानम्
Indra’s Chariot Offered to Rāma; The Duel Intensifies
ततःकाञ्चनचित्राङ्गःकिङ्किणीशतभूषितः ।।6.103.10।।तरुणादित्यसङ्काशोवैदूर्यमयकूबरः ।सदश्वैःकाञ्चनापीडैर्युक्तश्श्वेतप्रकीर्णकैः ।।6.103.11।।हरिभिःसूर्यसङ्काशैर्हेमजालविभूषितैः ।रुक्मवेणुध्वज्श्रीमन्देवराजरथोवरः ।।6.103.12।।देवराजेनन्दिष्टोरथमारुह्यमातलिः ।अभ्यवर्ततकाकुत्स्थमवतीर्यत्रिवष्टपात् ।।6.103.13।।
rukmaveṇudhvajāḥ śrīmān devarājaratho varaḥ |
Kereta utama milik Raja para Dewa (Indra) itu tampak amat cemerlang, dengan tiang panji terbuat dari bambu emas.
Thereafter, Matali brought the glorious chariot of Lord of Devas. It was decked with charming gold wheels, body fitted with hundreds of gold bells that shone like the early morning sun, decked with gold on top, green horses with white whisks shining like the Sun, decked with golden net, the horses yoked to staff, and the flag fitted on golden bamboo staff. Descending from the chariot, like from heaven, Matali went towards Kakuthsa.
FAQs
Symbols (like banners) gain meaning through righteous purpose: the standard signifies sanctioned, orderly warfare in service of dharma.
The narration highlights a key identifying feature of Indra’s chariot—the golden banner-staff—within the larger arrival scene.
Maryādā (propriety): the chariot’s regalia reflects disciplined kingship and legitimate conduct in battle.