Shloka 14

रावण-सारथि-संवादः

Ravana and the Charioteer: Counsel, Omens, and Battlefield Conduct

Devanagari script

श्रूयतांप्रतिदास्यामियन्निमित्तंमयारथः ।नदीवेगइवामंभोभिेसंयुगेविनिवर्तितः ।।।।

Transliteration

śrūyatāṃ pratिदāsyāmi yan-nimittaṃ mayā rathaḥ | nadī-vega ivāmbhobhiḥ saṃyuge vinivartitaḥ ||

Translation

“ಕೇಳಿರಿ—ಯಾವ ಕಾರಣದಿಂದ ನಾನು ರಥವನ್ನು ಯುದ್ಧದಿಂದ ಹಿಂದಕ್ಕೆ ತಿರುಗಿಸಿದೆನೋ ಅದನ್ನು ಉತ್ತರವಾಗಿ ಹೇಳುತ್ತೇನೆ; ನೀರಿನಿಂದ ನದಿಯ ವೇಗವನ್ನು ಸಮುದ್ರದ ಕಡೆಗೆ ತಿರುಗಿಸುವಂತೆ.”

Word by Word

श्रूयताम्let it be heard / please listen

प्रतिदास्यामिI will answer/repay (with an explanation)

यत्which

निमित्तम्reason, cause

मयाby me

रथःthe chariot

नदीवेगःthe rush of a river

इवlike

अम्भोभिःby waters

संयुगेin battle

विनिवर्तितःwas turned back, withdrawn

Context

"O yes! I will answer you. Please listen. like the river entering the ocean speedily is diverted, I have taken back the chariot from the battle.

Characters & Entities

Rāvaṇa

chariot (ratha)

battle (saṃyuga)

river (nadī)

FAQs

What is the core ethical principle (Dharma) in this verse?

Dharma favors accountable action: decisions in war must be explainable through reason and welfare, not mere impulse—hence the charioteer offers a clear rationale.

What is the narrative situation?

The charioteer prepares to justify why he withdrew/turned the chariot in the midst of battle.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Prudence and composure—responding to accusation with orderly explanation.