Shloka 1.63.6
विश्वामित्रस्य तपोविघ्नः, मेनकाप्रसङ्गः, महर्षिपदप्रदानम् (Visvamitra’s Austerity Obstructed; Menaka Episode; Conferment of Maharshi Status)
दृष्ट्वा कन्दर्पवशगो मुनिस्तामिदमब्रवीत्।अप्सरस्स्वागतं तेऽस्तु वस चेह ममाश्रमे।।।।अनुगृह्णीष्व भद्रं ते मदनेन सुमोहितम्।
ity uktā sā varārohā tatra vāsam athākarot | tasyāṃ vasantyāṃ varṣāṇi pañca pañca ca rāghava | viśvāmitrāśrame rāma sukhena vyaticakramuḥ ||
Thus addressed, that noble lady took up residence there; and while she lived in Viśvāmitra’s hermitage, O Rāghava—O Rāma—ten years passed away in ease.
On seeing her (Menaka) Viswamitra came under the influence of the god of love (fell in love with her). He said, O Apsara! welcome to my hermitage stay here. I am infatuated with you: Oblige me. Wish you well.
Sustained discipline is central to Dharma: prolonged indulgence can undo years of spiritual effort, so one must protect vows over time.
This line repeats the account that ten years passed with Menakā residing in Viśvāmitra’s hermitage (as represented in the provided Southern Recension input).
The need for steadiness (sthiti) and restraint, highlighted by the implied loss of ascetic focus.