Ramayana — Bala Kanda, Sarga 64, Shloka 2
रम्भा
प्रलोभनम् — Rambhā’s Temptation and Viśvāmitra’s Curse
तथोक्ता साऽप्सरा राम सहस्राक्षेण धीमता।व्रीडिता प्राञ्जलिर्वाक्यं प्रत्युवाच सुरेश्वरम्।।1.64.2।।
tathoktā sā ’psarā rāma sahasrākṣeṇa dhīmatā |
vrīḍitā prāñjalir vākyaṃ pratyuvāca sureśvaram || 1.64.2 ||
Wahai Rāma, demikianlah setelah dinasihati oleh Indra yang bijaksana, sang apsarā—dengan malu dan kedua telapak tangan terkatup memohon—menjawab Sang Penguasa para dewa.
O Rama, to these words of the sagacious, thousand-eyed Lord of the gods (Indra) that apsara with folded hands bashfully replied:
FAQs
The verse highlights respectful conduct toward rightful authority: Rambhā responds with humility (folded hands, bashfulness), showing disciplined speech and decorum even in tense circumstances.
Indra has spoken to the apsaras (Rambhā), and she now replies—hesitant and modest—within Indra’s plan to obstruct Viśvāmitra’s austerities.
Humility and propriety in communication—expressed through bashfulness and a supplicant posture—are emphasized in Rambhā’s response.