Ramayana — Yuddha Kanda, Sarga 46, Shloka 49
शरबन्धनम् (The Binding by Arrows) / Indrajit’s Illusory Assault and the Vanaras’ Consolation
उपाघ्रायचतंमूद् र्नेनंपप्रच्छप्रीतमानसः ।।6.46.48।।पृच्छतेचयथावृत्तंपित्रेतस्मैसर्वंन्यवेदयत् ।यथातौशरबन्धेननिश्चेष्टौनिष्प्रभौकृतौ ।।6.46.49।।
pṛcchate ca yathāvṛttaṁ pitre tasmai sarvaṁ nyavedayat |
yathā tau śarabandhena niścēṣṭau niṣprabhau kṛtau ||6.46.49||
Nang tanungin ng ama ang buong nangyari, isinalaysay niya ang lahat nang detalyado—kung paanong silang dalawa, na nabigkis sa lambat ng mga palaso, ay napaurong sa pagkilos at napahina ang kanilang ningning.
Delighted Ravana kissed his son on the forehead and enquired of him of the details. Indrajith presented details saying that both Rama and Lakshmana were stunned in the network of arrows, and lost splendour.
FAQs
The episode contrasts factual reporting (a form of satya in speech) with unrighteous intent; Dharma teaches that truthfulness is highest when joined to right purpose, not merely accurate narration used to serve adharma.
Indrajit gives Rāvaṇa a detailed battle report, claiming that Rāma and Lakṣmaṇa have been immobilized by an arrow-weapon.
Indrajit’s tactical confidence and clarity in reporting; yet the larger narrative frames it as prowess employed in the service of an unjust war.