Shloka 1.64.12

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

Devanagari script

यन्मां लोभयसे रम्भे कामक्रोधजयैषिणम्।दशवर्षसहस्राणि शैली स्थास्यसि दुर्भगे ।।1.64.12।।

Transliteration

yan māṃ lobhayase rambhe kāmakrodhajayaiṣiṇam | daśavarṣasahasrāṇi śailī sthāsyasi durbhage || 1.64.12 ||

Translation

Since you, Rambhā—wretched one—have sought to entice me while I strive to conquer desire and anger, you shall become a rock and remain so for ten thousand years.

Context

'O luckless Rambha, since you have endeavoured to distract me from my desire to conquer wrath and passion, you shall turn into a rock and remain so for ten thousand years'.

Characters & Entities

• Viśvāmitra
• Rambhā

FAQs

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

Dharma is framed as conquest of kāma and krodha; the verse also cautions that punishment issued in anger can itself be a deviation from righteous restraint.

What is the narrative situation?

Viśvāmitra pronounces a curse on Rambhā for attempting to disrupt his austerities and inner discipline.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

The ideal of self-mastery (jaya over desire and anger) is explicitly stated—though the narrative simultaneously shows how difficult that virtue is to uphold.