Shloka 3.4.18

विराधवधः — The Slaying (Burial) of Viradha

Devanagari script

अनुपस्थीयमानो मां स क्रुद्धो व्याजहार ह।इति वैश्रवणो राजा रम्भासक्तमुवाच ह।।।।

Transliteration

anupasthīyamāno māṃ sa kruddho vyājahāra ha |

iti vaiśravaṇo rājā rambhāsaktam uvāca ha ||

Translation

When I failed to attend upon him, he grew angry and spoke thus—King Vaiśravaṇa (Kubera) addressed me, for I was infatuated with Rambhā.

Context

When king Kubera saw me absent (from duty) as I was infatuated with Rambha, he got angry and cursed me.

Characters & Entities

• Virādha/Tumburu
• Kubera (Vaiśravaṇa)
• Rambhā

FAQs

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

Neglect of duty under the pull of desire leads to downfall; dharma requires steadiness in one’s responsibilities and self-restraint.

What is the narrative situation?

Virādha explains that Kubera cursed him because he neglected service, being absorbed in Rambhā.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

By contrast, the virtue implied is discipline—control over passion so that obligations are not abandoned.