Shloka 3.71.8

दनु-शापकथा तथा सीताहरण-प्रश्नः (Danu’s Curse Narrative and Rama’s Inquiry about Sita)

Devanagari script

अहं हि तपसोग्रेण पितामहमतोषयम्।।3.71.8।।दीर्घमायुस्स मे प्रादात्ततो मां विभ्रमोऽस्पृशत्।

Transliteration

ahaṃ hi tapasogreṇa pitāmaham atoṣayam | dīrgham āyus sa me prādāt tato māṃ vibhramo 'spṛśat ||

Translation

For by severe austerities I pleased Pitāmaha (Brahmā); he granted me long life—yet thereafter delusion and pride seized me.

Context

I pleased the creator Brahma with great penance. He blessed me with long life. Then this pride and confusion overtook me.

Characters & Entities

• Brahmā (Pitāmaha)
• Kabandha

FAQs

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

Spiritual attainment (tapas and boons) must be paired with humility; otherwise, gifts become fuel for adharma through delusion and pride.

What is the narrative situation?

Kabandha narrates that he gained a boon of long life from Brahmā after austerities, but then became overpowered by delusion.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Truthfulness and moral introspection: Kabandha openly admits his inner failing rather than blaming fate alone.