Shloka 14
रावण-सारथि-संवादः
Ravana and the Charioteer: Counsel, Omens, and Battlefield Conduct
श्रूयतांप्रतिदास्यामियन्निमित्तंमयारथः ।नदीवेगइवामंभोभिेसंयुगेविनिवर्तितः ।।।।
śrūyatāṃ pratिदāsyāmi yan-nimittaṃ mayā rathaḥ | nadī-vega ivāmbhobhiḥ saṃyuge vinivartitaḥ ||
“Dengarlah, akan kujawab sebab mengapa aku memutar balik kereta dari medan laga—seperti orang mengalihkan derasnya arus sungai menuju lautan.”
"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.
FAQs
Dharma favors accountable action: decisions in war must be explainable through reason and welfare, not mere impulse—hence the charioteer offers a clear rationale.
The charioteer prepares to justify why he withdrew/turned the chariot in the midst of battle.
Prudence and composure—responding to accusation with orderly explanation.