Shloka 1.64.5

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

Devanagari script

माभैषी रम्भे भद्रं ते कुरुष्व मम शासनम्।।1.64.5।।कोकिलो हृदयग्राही माधवे रुचिरद्रुमे।अहं कन्दर्पसहित स्स्थास्यामि तव पार्श्वत:।।1.64.6।।

Transliteration

tvaṃ hi rūpaṃ bahuguṇaṃ kṛtvā paramabhāsvaram |

tam ṛṣiṃ kauśikaṃ rambhe bhedayasva tapasvinam || 1.64.7 ||

Translation

“You, Rambhā—assuming a most radiant form adorned with many enticing graces—should disrupt that ascetic, the sage Kauśika, and break his concentration.”

Context

'O Rambha! have no fear. Feel safe. Carry out my order. When the trees look so beautiful in spring I shall in captivating the form of a cuckoo, stay by your side in the company of Kamadeva (Cupid).

Characters & Entities

• Indra
• Rambhā
• Kauśika (Viśvāmitra)

FAQs

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

The verse foregrounds the dharmic challenge of sense-control: spiritual effort is tested by external allurements, and dharma requires steadiness against deliberate distraction.

What is the narrative situation?

Indra explicitly commands Rambhā to use beauty and charm to break Viśvāmitra’s austerity.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

By implication, the virtue at stake is tapas (disciplined self-restraint) in Viśvāmitra—precisely what Indra seeks to undermine.