ऐन्द्ररथप्रदानम्
Indra’s Chariot Offered to Rāma; The Duel Intensifies
चिच्छेदकेतुमुद्धिश्यशरेणैकेनरावणः ।पातयित्वारथोपस्थेरथात्केतुं च काञ्चनम् ।।।।ऐन्द्रानपिजघानाश्वान्शरजालेनरावणः ।
ciccheda ketum uddiśya śareṇaikena rāvaṇaḥ |
pātayitvā rathopasthe rathāt ketuṃ ca kāñcanam |
aindrān api jaghānāśvān śarajālena rāvaṇaḥ ||
Menyasar panji pada kereta, Rāvaṇa memutusnya dengan sebatang anak panah, menjatuhkan tunggul emas dari pelantar kereta; kemudian, dengan hujan panah bagaikan jala, dia memanah bahkan kuda-kuda Indra.
Seated in the chariot, the ten headed Ravana showered thunderbolt like shafts just as rain cloud showers on a huge mountain and struck.
The verse shows the use of intimidation and disabling tactics in war; Dharma in the epic framework evaluates not only victory but the manner of fighting—whether power is used with restraint and right intent.
Rāvaṇa targets the chariot’s emblem and then attacks the divine horses, attempting to weaken Rāma’s mobility and morale.
Rāma’s side is tested for courage and steadiness—maintaining resolve even when symbols of strength (banner, horses) are assaulted.
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