Shloka 6
रावण-सारथि-संवादः
Ravana and the Charioteer: Counsel, Omens, and Battlefield Conduct
प्रख्यातवीर्यस्यरञ्जनीयस्यविक्रमैः ।पश्यतोयुद्धलुब्धोऽहंकृतंकापुरुषस्त्वया ।।।।
prakhyātavīryasya rañjanīyasya vikramaiḥ | paśyato yuddhalubdho 'haṃ kṛtaṃ kāpuruṣas tvayā ||
ವೀರ್ಯದಲ್ಲಿ ಪ್ರಖ್ಯಾತನೂ ಪರಾಕ್ರಮದಲ್ಲಿ ಮನೋಹರನೂ ಆದ ಪ್ರತಿದ್ವಂದ್ವಿಯ ಎದುರು, ಯುದ್ಧಾಸಕ್ತನಾದ ನಾನು ನೋಡುತ್ತಿದ್ದರೂ, ನೀನು ನನ್ನನ್ನು ಕಾಪುರುಷನಂತೆ ತೋರಿಸಿದ್ದೆ.
"While my adversary's valour is widely known, you brought me back like a timid one, while I love war, while I am to be praised in the presence of my enemy."
FAQs
It reflects the kṣatriya ideal of steadfastness and public courage; withdrawing without cause is seen as adharma in the martial code because it signals fear and undermines duty.
Rāvaṇa complains that the charioteer’s action made him look cowardly before a renowned opponent.
Courage and steadfastness in confrontation—maintaining composure and position when facing a worthy enemy.