Shloka 24
The Description of Mandara (Mandaropavarṇanam) in the Mohinī Narrative
श्रुत्वैव गीतं हि दिगम्बरस्तु तेनैव रूपेण वरांगनायाः । कामातुरो भोक्तुमनाश्चचाल तां मोहिनीं पार्वतिदृष्टिलज्जः ॥ २४ ॥
śrutvaiva gītaṃ hi digambarastu tenaiva rūpeṇa varāṃganāyāḥ | kāmāturo bhoktumanāścacāla tāṃ mohinīṃ pārvatidṛṣṭilajjaḥ || 24 ||
Als er jenes Lied hörte, nahm der nackte Asket (Digambara) sogleich die Gestalt einer schönen Frau an. Von Begierde gequält und auf Genuss aus, ging er auf die betörende Mohinī zu—doch mit Scham, eingedenk des Blickes Pārvatīs.
Suta (narrative voice within the Purana’s story-frame; verse describes events rather than direct dialogue)
Vrata: none
Primary Rasa: shringara
Secondary Rasa: hasya
FAQs
It highlights how sensory attraction and kāma can overturn even an ascetic’s self-image, showing the Purāṇic warning that inner discipline—not outer appearance—protects one from मोह (delusion).
By implication, it contrasts unstable desire-driven mind with steadiness gained through devotion and remembrance; bhakti is presented across the Purāṇas as a safeguard against मोहिनी-like delusions that derail dharma.
No specific Vedāṅga technique is taught in this verse; the practical takeaway aligns with dharma-śāstra ethics—guarding the senses (indriya-nigraha) and maintaining modesty and self-restraint in all settings, including sacred tīrthas.