Shloka 1.64.7
रम्भा-प्रलोभनम् — Rambhā’s Temptation and Viśvāmitra’s Curse
त्वं हि रूपं बहुगुणं कृत्वा परमभास्वरम्।तमृषिं कौशिकं रम्भे भेदयस्व तपस्विनम्।।1.64.7।।
kokilasya ca śuśrāva valgu vyāharataḥ svanam |
samprahṛṣṭena manasā tata enām udaikṣata || 1.64.9 ||
He heard the sweet, charming call of the cuckoo; and then, his mind stirred with delight, he looked upon her.
O Rambha! displaying many (romantic) gestures and assuming a fascinating form, distract the mighty ascetic, Kausika (Viswamitra)'.
It shows how sense-contact (sound) can agitate the mind; dharma in ascetic life requires guarding attention so that delight does not become downfall.
As part of Indra’s plan, the cuckoo-call is heard; Viśvāmitra’s attention shifts, and he looks toward Rambhā.
The verse primarily highlights a vulnerability rather than a virtue: the mind’s susceptibility—an instructive contrast to the virtue of unwavering concentration.