Ramayana — Yuddha Kanda, Sarga 110, Shloka 11
रामरावणयोर्युद्धवैषम्यं तथा रावणशिरश्छेदनम्
Rama–Ravana Duel Intensifies; Ravana’s Heads Severed and Reappear
चिक्षेप च पुनर्भाणान्वज्रपातसमस्वनान् ।।।।सारथिंवज्रहस्तस्यसमुद्दिश्यदशाननः ।
cikṣepa ca punar bāṇān vajrapātasama-svanān |
sārathiṃ vajrahastasya samuddiśya daśānanaḥ ||
Muling pinakawalan ni Daśānana, na ang mga kamay ay tila kidlat, ang mga palasong umuugong na gaya ng bagsak ng kulog—tinutudla ang sarathi ni Rāma, si Mātali.
Even though the arrows fell on Matali's body at great speed, he did not feel perturbed or experience even slight suffering.
FAQs
The verse highlights a contrast: dharmic combat prioritizes rightful targets and fairness, while targeting the charioteer suggests a lapse toward adharma—an attempt to weaken the opponent indirectly.
Rāvaṇa intensifies the duel by shooting thunderous arrows specifically at Mātali, Rāma’s charioteer.
By implication, Rāma’s reliance on a righteous ally (Mātali) and the importance of loyal service; the verse also foregrounds Rāvaṇa’s aggressive, destabilizing strategy.