Shloka 16
रावण-सारथि-संवादः
Ravana and the Charioteer: Counsel, Omens, and Battlefield Conduct
रथोद्वहनखिन्नाश्चभग्नामेरथवाजिनः ।दीनाघर्मपरिश्रान्तागावोवर्षहताइव ।।।।
rathodvahana-khinnāś ca bhagnā me ratha-vājinaḥ | dīnā gharma-pariśrāntā gāvo varṣa-hatā iva ||
ರಥವನ್ನು ಎಳೆಯುತ್ತ ಎಳೆಯುತ್ತ ನನ್ನ ರಥದ ಕುದುರೆಗಳು ಬಹಳ ಕ್ಲಾಂತಗೊಂಡಿವೆ; ಅವು ಕುಗ್ಗಿಹೋಗಿವೆ—ದೀನವಾಗಿ, ಬಿಸಿಲಿನ ತಾಪದಿಂದ ಶ್ರಮಿತವಾಗಿ—ಮಳೆಯ ಹೊಡೆತದಿಂದ ಪೀಡಿತವಾದ ಹಸುಗಳಂತೆ.
"The horses of my chariot were exhausted by dragging, broken down, worn out by the hot sun, and desperate like cows lashed by rain."
FAQs
Dharma extends to care for those who serve—animals and dependents included; pushing exhausted horses is cruelty and imprudence, undermining righteous conduct and effective action.
The charioteer cites the physical condition of the horses as a concrete reason for withdrawing/turning back the chariot.
Responsible stewardship and compassion—recognizing limits and preventing needless suffering.