Shloka 1.64.15
रम्भा-प्रलोभनम् — Rambhā’s Temptation and Viśvāmitra’s Curse
तस्य शापेन महता रम्भा शैली तदाऽभवत्।वचश्शृत्वा च कन्दर्पो महर्षेस्स च निर्गत:।।1.64.15।।
tasya śāpena mahatā rambhā śailī tadā ’bhavat | vacaḥ śrutvā ca kandarpo maharṣeś ca nirgataḥ || 1.64.15 ||
By that great curse, Rambhā at once became rock-like; and hearing the great seer’s words, Kandarpa (and the instigator) withdrew and fled.
This mighty curse, of the great saint transformed Rambha into a rock and sent Kamadeva and Indra to their heels.
Actions driven by disturbed emotions create lasting consequences; dharma urges restraint because one moment of anger can impose long suffering on others.
The curse takes effect immediately—Rambhā becomes a rock—and Kāma (and the divine plotters) retreat after the sage’s pronouncement.
The verse underscores the potency of tapas and speech (vāg-śakti), while implicitly urging responsibility in using such power.