Ravana’s Chariot returns to the Battle Field
Ravana thought ‘I became unconscious while fighting with the Enemy’ this angered him and since his time had neared (for Death) showed that anger on his Charioteer “Hey Fool! Did you think that I lost my Vitality (fertility) & Manliness? Or did you consider me a coward who with his Aura and strength blunted and runs away from Battle field out of fear? Or did you think My Mayaa (Mystic / Sorceer and Magician / Hypnotic/exponent in deception with ability to vanish into thin air and appear in sky far away or nearby) knowledge have vanished? Have my Asthras gone? You with disdain did not consider me and didn’t you act on your own will and brought me here away from the battle field? Didn’t you insult me in presence of my Enemy? Till now I had the confidence instilled in me that My matchless Fame, Vigour and Vitality , Aura and a warrior who never retracts form Battle field . This had been earned over a long period of time You Lowly born you have besmirched same in one minute. Is my Enemy ordinary? He is famous as Great Warrior; I wanted to FIGHT him with my PARAKRAM (Achievement,Might, Puissance,Exploits,Valor,Heroism, Gallantry, Prowess, Ability, Valour). Despite knowing well I am fond of Battle, while he was looking at me, you have given room for people of the world to disparage me as though I am a coward, courageless fellow, meek& Timid. I am forced to think by your behavior ‘instead of keeping my Chariot in Enemy’s presence, you have brought me here way from Battle field’ that you have taken bribe from the enemy and you are acting on his behalf. Will my Friends and my well wishers do this act? What you did was totally in correct.Before my Enemy comes here and challenges me return the Chariot back to it’splace.If you are my friend and if you have not forgotten the Upakaram (Help, Service, carei have tended to you) till now do not allow me to be insulted by my Enemy” thus Ravana spoke foolishly indicting the Charioteer who was in fact his well wisher.
Since the Rakshasaa Charioteer was intelligent was aware of Ravana’s habit with humility counseled Ravana ‘I did not fear; Nor did my intellect waver. I have not been bought by my Enemy;I am not careless; it is not that I do not have affection for you; I haven’t forgotten the Uapakar ( help / gratia / recognition / rewards, care, Help you have tended to me from time to time); I am your well wisher and Your Fame should never be diminished and protect same. Due to the affinity I have for you, with my Heart reaching out I did like this. I thought that would please you. Now I have understood it is not as per your wish. In this matter I seek your well being. Person who is born in a Clan which does not have identity of Place or Name, you are considering me to be of Alpa (Insignificant, Puny, small, ignorable, measly / meagre, trivial) intellect wicked person thus you should not attribute accusations against me. Like the River flowing from Pure place, please hear me out the reason for bringing you away from the battle field. You had done miraculous War exploits today and you were tired. Your face wasn’t bright. I understood you weren’t happy in Manam { Chitha (Memory) + Inner Conscience Mind + Intellect (Bhuddhi) +Ego}. Further the Horses which are tied to the Chariot were tired of pulling it.Like the Cows which have been under rain, horses were tired of the heat and Sun and had gone pale. I found the Omens- indications were unfavourable to us. The Charioteer who rides should look out for Time, Place, environment, Good Bad omens, clarity in face, noticing the Dhukkam (Sadness / sorrow / grief / harassment), less courage, be aware of the increase or decrease of Motivation, Hapiness, strength for the Battle Warrior, be aware of ups , downs and equal surface , be aware of the time to Fight the battle, notice the weakness of Enemy, going near him, away from him, standing in front of him, back track all these ought to be well known to the Charioteer. Unless yours and Horses tiredness are removed you will be insulted by the enemy I took the Chariot from this gory battle field. You should not think I have desire or happiness to do this. I did this out of affection for you and no other reason. I am now ready to obey your command. Other wise for the Upakar (help / gratia / recognition / rewards, care, Help you have tended to me from time to time) I have received from you which other way can I repay you?” said Ravana’s Charioteer.
Hearing that Ravana was happy, appreciated him many ways, enthused to fight the Battle said ‘Charioteer! Very quickly go and park this vehicle in front of Rama. Without destroying the enemy Ravana will not return from Battle field’ and gave him a very special ornament which he was wearing to him as a reward of appreciation. That Charioteer very quickly drove the vehicle and parked it in front of Rama. (Slokas 29)
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