Viswamitra's Transformation from King (contd)

Viswamitra's journey from anger to asceticism unfolds as Indra and Rambha's plan backfires. Witness the sage's powerful curse and his vow for spiritual transformation in this Ramayana tale. 

Indra's Request to Rambha (Shlokas 1.64.1 - 1.64.3)

Indra, the king of the gods, approached Rambha, a celestial nymph, with an important task. He said:

• "O Rambha, you must entice Viswamitra with lust and passion.

• This crucial work must be done by you for the benefit of the gods."

Feeling bashful, Rambha replied to Indra with folded hands:

• "O Lord of the gods, the great sage Viswamitra is a formidable person.

• He will surely unleash his terrible anger upon me if I attempt this.

• I fear his wrath, my Lord. Please reconsider your request."

Indra's Reassurance (Shlokas 1.64.4 - 1.64.7)

Seeing Rambha trembling with fear, Indra reassured her:

• "Do not be afraid, Rambha. I assure your safety.

• Carry out my order.

• I will stay by your side in the form of a cuckoo, accompanied by Kamadeva (the god of love).

• When the trees look beautiful in spring, I will captivate Viswamitra's heart with my song."

Indra continued, "O Rambha, assume a form of irresistible beauty. Display many alluring gestures to distract the mighty ascetic Viswamitra from his penance."

Rambha's Attempt to Seduce Viswamitra (Shlokas 1.64.8 - 1.64.10)

Following Indra's instructions:

1. Rambha transformed herself into a form of exceptional beauty.

2. With a bright smile, she set out to allure Viswamitra.

3. The sage, excited by the charming warble of the cuckoo (Indra in disguise), opened his eyes.

4. The combination of the cuckoo's incomparable song and Rambha's presence caused doubt to arise in the ascetic's mind.

Viswamitra's Realization and Curse (Shlokas 1.64.11 - 1.64.13)

Viswamitra, the eminent ascetic and son of Kushika, quickly realized this was Indra's doing. Seized with anger, he cursed Rambha:

• "O unfortunate Rambha, you attempted to distract me from my goal of conquering desire and anger.

• As a consequence, you shall turn into a rock and remain so for ten thousand years."

He added, "A powerful brahmin (priest), endowed with the strength of asceticism, will eventually liberate you from this state into which you have fallen due to my anger."

Viswamitra's Remorse and Resolution (Shlokas 1.64.14 - 1.64.20)

After uttering this curse, Viswamitra experienced remorse for his inability to control his anger. His powerful curse transformed Rambha into a rock and sent Kamadeva and Indra fleeing.

Troubled by the loss of his ascetic merit due to his outburst, Viswamitra found no peace of mind. He resolved:

1. "I shall never again give in to anger, nor shall I speak.

2. I will not even breathe for hundreds of years.

3. I shall conquer my senses and emaciate this body until I attain the status of a brahmin through my austerities."

He vowed, "I shall remain without breathing or eating for innumerable years. While performing penance, my body shall not deteriorate."

Thus, the great sage Viswamitra took an unprecedented vow to practice intense penance for a thousand years, determined to achieve his goal of becoming a brahmin sage.

Thus ends the Sixty Fourth sarga (chapter) of Balakanda (The Book of Youth) of the holy Ramayana, the first epic composed by sage Valmiki.