Shloka 3.11.15

पञ्चाप्सरो-सरः कथनम् तथा अगस्त्याश्रममार्गनिर्देशः (Panchapsara Lake Account and Directions to Agastya)

Devanagari script

तत्र कर्तुं तपोविघ्नं देवैस्सर्वैर्नियोजिताः।।।।प्रधानाप्सरसः पञ्च विद्युच्चलितवर्चसः।

Transliteration

tatra kartuṃ tapovighnaṃ devaiḥ sarvair niyojitāḥ |

pradhānāpsarasaḥ pañca vidyuccalitavarcasaḥ ||

Translation

There, to obstruct the sage’s austerities, all the gods deputed five foremost apsarases, radiant like flickering lightning.

Context

All the gods then engaged five of the important nymphs, glittering like lightning, to disturb the penance of the sage.

Characters & Entities

• devāḥ (gods)
• apsarasaḥ (apsarases)

FAQs

What is the core ethical principle (Dharma) in this verse?

The verse illustrates how dharma can be challenged by deliberate temptation; steadfastness in tapas and self-control is implied as the righteous response.

What is the narrative situation?

The gods decide to sabotage a sage’s penance by sending alluring celestial nymphs.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

The implied virtue is brahmacarya/self-restraint—maintaining dharmic discipline even when beauty and pleasure are presented.