Shloka 1.64.18

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

Devanagari script

अथवा नोच्छवसिष्यामि संवत्सरशतान्यपि।अहं विशोषयिष्यामि ह्यात्मानं विजितेन्द्रिय:।।1.64.18।।

Transliteration

athavā nocchavasiṣyāmi saṃvatsaraśatāny api | ahaṃ viśoṣayiṣyāmi hy ātmānaṃ vijitendriyaḥ || 1.64.18 ||

Translation

“Or else, for hundreds of years I shall not even breathe; having conquered my senses, I shall dry up this body through austerity.”

Context

"Further, I shall not even inhale for hundreds of years. I shall conquer my senses and dry up this body.

Characters & Entities

• Viśvāmitra
• Rāma

FAQs

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

Dharma is pursued through disciplined practice: sense-control and austerity are presented as tools to restore integrity after moral lapse.

What is the narrative situation?

Viśvāmitra intensifies his resolve, proposing extreme breath-restraint and bodily austerity to regain mastery and spiritual strength.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Austerity joined with determination—commitment to inner conquest rather than outward retaliation.