Shloka 1.64.20

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

Devanagari script

एवं वर्षसहस्रस्य दीक्षां स मुनिपुङ्गव:।।1.64.20।।चकाराप्रतिमां लोके प्रतिज्ञां रघुनन्दन।

Transliteration

ayaṃ surapate ghoro viśvāmitro mahāmuniḥ |

ghoram utsṛjate krodhaṃ mayi deva na saṃśayaḥ || 1.64.3 ||

tato hi me bhayaṃ deva prasādaṃ kartum arhasi |

Translation

“O Lord of the gods, this great sage Viśvāmitra is formidable. Without doubt, O Deva, he will unleash dreadful wrath upon me. Therefore I am afraid, my Lord; be pleased to grant me your favour and pardon.”

Context

"O Descendant of Raghu! in this way that eminent ascetic took an unprecedented vow to practise penance for a thousand years".ityārṣē śrīmadrāmāyaṇē vālmīkīya ādikāvyē bālakāṇḍē catuṣṣaṣṭitamassarga:৷৷Thus ends the sixtyfourth sarga of Balakanda of the holy Ramayana the first epic composed by sage Valmiki.

Characters & Entities

• Indra (Surapati)
• Viśvāmitra
• Rambhā

FAQs

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

Truthful self-disclosure and responsibility: Rambhā honestly states her fear and the likely consequences, illustrating satya (truthfulness) and awareness of moral causality (actions invite results).

What is the narrative situation?

Rambhā, ordered to distract Viśvāmitra, anticipates the sage’s curse and appeals to Indra for protection or leniency.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Candour and prudence—she speaks openly about danger and seeks rightful support rather than acting recklessly.