Shloka 1.64.6

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

sā śrutvā vacanaṃ tasya kṛtvā rūpam anuttamam |

lobhayāmāsa lalitā viśvāmitraṃ śucismitā || 1.64.8 ||

Translation

Hearing his words, she assumed an incomparable form; graceful and bright-smiling, she set about enticing Viśvāmitra.

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

• Rambhā
• Viśvāmitra
• Indra (implied by “his words”)

FAQs

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

Dharma here is the necessity of inner vigilance: external beauty can be intentionally used to provoke desire, so righteousness depends on mastery of mind rather than circumstances.

What is the narrative situation?

Rambhā obeys Indra’s instruction and begins the act of tempting Viśvāmitra by adopting extraordinary beauty.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Obedience to command is shown by Rambhā; the implied counter-virtue being tested is the sage’s restraint.