Shloka 1.64.10

रम्भा-प्रलोभनम् — Rambhā’s Temptation and Viśvāmitra’s Curse

Devanagari script

अथ तस्य च शब्देन गीतेनाप्रतिमेन च।दर्शनेन च रम्भाया मुनिस्सन्देहमागत:।।1.64.10।।

Transliteration

atha tasya ca śabdena gītenāpratimena ca | darśanena ca rambhāyā muniḥ sandeham āgataḥ || 1.64.10 ||

Translation

Hearing that bird’s incomparable song, and also seeing Rambhā present there, doubt arose in the sage’s mind.

Context

On hearing the sound of the incomparable song of the cuckoo along with the sight of Rambha, a doubt arose in the mind of the ascetic.

Characters & Entities

• Rambhā
• muni (Viśvāmitra implied)

FAQs

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

Dharma here points to vigilance and discernment: when sensory allure appears, one must recognize the possibility of deception and guard one’s vows (especially the dharma of tapas and self-restraint).

What is the narrative situation?

During Viśvāmitra’s austerities, a captivating sound and the appearance of Rambhā create suspicion in the sage that a divine test or interference is underway.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Discernment (viveka) and alertness in the face of temptation—an early sign that the sage is not merely charmed but is evaluating the situation.