Shloka 1.48.18

अहल्याशापवर्णनम् (The Account of Ahalyā’s Curse and the Deserted Hermitage near Mithilā)

Devanagari script

ऋतुकालं प्रतीक्षन्ते नार्थिनस्सुसमाहिते।सङ्गमं त्वहमिच्छामि त्वया सह सुमध्यमे।।

Transliteration

ṛtukālaṃ pratīkṣante nārthinaḥ susamāhite | saṅgamaṃ tv aham icchāmi tvayā saha sumadhyame ||

Translation

O fair-limbed one, those driven by desire do not wait for the proper season; O slender-waisted lady, I desire union with you.

Context

'O most beautiful one! those overtaken by passion would not await the completion of the menstrual period (favourable for copulation). O woman of fine waist! I desire union with you.'

Characters & Entities

• Indra (implied via prior verse)
• Ahalyā

FAQs

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

It illustrates adharma: desire is presented as overriding restraint and propriety. The Ramayana frames such speech—especially under disguise—as a breach of satya and self-control.

What is the narrative situation?

Indra, disguised as a sage, attempts to persuade Ahalyā to accept sexual union immediately.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

The virtue highlighted by contrast is self-restraint (dama) and fidelity to dharma; the verse shows what happens when kāma tries to dominate conduct.