Shloka 1.64.11

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

Devanagari script

सहस्राक्षस्य तत्कर्म विज्ञाय मुनिपुङ्गव:।रम्भां क्रोधसमाविष्ट श्शशाप कुशिकात्मज:।।1.64.11।।

Transliteration

sahasrākṣasya tat karma vijñāya munipuṅgavaḥ | rambhāṃ krodhasamāviṣṭaḥ śaśāpa kuśikātmajaḥ || 1.64.11 ||

Translation

Recognizing it as the work of Sahasrākṣa (Indra), the foremost of sages—Kuśika’s son—seized by anger, cursed Rambhā.

Context

Son of Kushika, the eminent ascetic knew it was the work of Indra. Seized with anger,he cursed Rambha:

Characters & Entities

• Indra (Sahasrākṣa)
• Rambhā
• Kuśika
• Viśvāmitra

FAQs

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

The verse warns that even a great ascetic can fall from dharma through anger; righteous living requires mastery over krodha, not merely recognition of wrongdoing.

What is the narrative situation?

Viśvāmitra identifies Indra’s interference behind the seduction attempt and, reacting in anger, directs a curse at Rambhā.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Moral clarity is present (he recognizes Indra’s scheme), but the verse highlights the lapse of self-control—showing how anger can overpower even the eminent.