Shloka 24
The Description of Mandara (Mandaropavarṇanam) in the Mohinī Narrative
श्रुत्वैव गीतं हि दिगम्बरस्तु तेनैव रूपेण वरांगनायाः । कामातुरो भोक्तुमनाश्चचाल तां मोहिनीं पार्वतिदृष्टिलज्जः ॥ २४ ॥
śrutvaiva gītaṃ hi digambarastu tenaiva rūpeṇa varāṃganāyāḥ | kāmāturo bhoktumanāścacāla tāṃ mohinīṃ pārvatidṛṣṭilajjaḥ || 24 ||
Vừa nghe khúc ca ấy, vị khổ hạnh lõa thể (Digambara) liền mang ngay hình tướng của một mỹ nữ. Bị dục vọng thiêu đốt và muốn hưởng lạc, ông bước về phía Mohinī mê hoặc kia—nhưng vẫn thẹn thùng, nhớ đến ánh nhìn của Pārvatī.
Suta (narrative voice within the Purana’s story-frame; verse describes events rather than direct dialogue)
Vrata: none
Primary Rasa: shringara
Secondary Rasa: hasya
FAQs
It highlights how sensory attraction and kāma can overturn even an ascetic’s self-image, showing the Purāṇic warning that inner discipline—not outer appearance—protects one from मोह (delusion).
By implication, it contrasts unstable desire-driven mind with steadiness gained through devotion and remembrance; bhakti is presented across the Purāṇas as a safeguard against मोहिनी-like delusions that derail dharma.
No specific Vedāṅga technique is taught in this verse; the practical takeaway aligns with dharma-śāstra ethics—guarding the senses (indriya-nigraha) and maintaining modesty and self-restraint in all settings, including sacred tīrthas.