Ramayana — Bala Kanda, Sarga 64, Shloka 10
रम्भा
प्रलोभनम् — Rambhā’s Temptation and Viśvāmitra’s Curse
अथ तस्य च शब्देन गीतेनाप्रतिमेन च।दर्शनेन च रम्भाया मुनिस्सन्देहमागत:।।1.64.10।।
atha tasya ca śabdena gītenāpratimena ca | darśanena ca rambhāyā muniḥ sandeham āgataḥ || 1.64.10 ||
अथ तस्य पक्षिणः अप्रतिमेन गीतेन शब्देन च, रम्भायाश्च दर्शनेन, मुनिः सन्देहमागतः।
On hearing the sound of the incomparable song of the cuckoo along with the sight of Rambha, a doubt arose in the mind of the ascetic.
FAQs
Dharma here points to vigilance and discernment: when sensory allure appears, one must recognize the possibility of deception and guard one’s vows (especially the dharma of tapas and self-restraint).
During Viśvāmitra’s austerities, a captivating sound and the appearance of Rambhā create suspicion in the sage that a divine test or interference is underway.
Discernment (viveka) and alertness in the face of temptation—an early sign that the sage is not merely charmed but is evaluating the situation.