Shloka 9
रम्भा
प्रलोभनम् — Rambhā’s Temptation and Viśvāmitra’s Curse
कोकिलस्य च शुश्राव वल्गु व्याहरत: स्वनम्।सम्प्रहृष्टेन मनसा तत एनामुदैक्षत।।1.64.9।।
kokilasya ca śuśrāva valgu vyāharataḥ svanam |
samprahṛṣṭena manasā tata enām udaikṣata || 1.64.9 ||
उसने कोयल की मधुर, मनोहर कूजन ध्वनि सुनी; तब हर्षित मन होकर उसने उसे देखा।
O Rambha! displaying many (romantic) gestures and assuming a fascinating form, distract the mighty ascetic, Kausika (Viswamitra)'.
FAQs
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.