Ramayana — Yuddha Kanda, Sarga 106, 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 ||
வீரியத்தில் புகழ்பெற்றதும், பராக்கிரமத்தில் மனம் கவர்வதுமான அந்த எதிரியின் முன்னிலையில், பார்த்துக் கொண்டிருந்த எனை—போரில் ஆசை கொண்டவனாக இருந்தும்—நீ கோழை போல ஆக்கிவிட்டாய்.
"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.