Even as Rambha, the beautiful Apsara, was taking a leisurely walk in the mountains, Ravana was roaming the skies on his Pushpaka Vimana, enjoying the scenery even as the cool wind soothed his body. He was the master of the universe, and he felt like one. Hundreds of kingdoms were under his subjugation willingly or by force. 

The subjgated kingdoms were either paying tribute to the Lord of Lanka or were annexed to his empire. There was none to touch his power. He could have anything or anyone he pleased. He was truly at the peak of his success.

Ravana Spies the Beautiful Rambha

He looked down, haughtiness and arrogance clearly evident on his face, although he himself believed it to be confidence. Suddenly, he spied one of the most beautiful women he had ever seen walking through the winding path of a small hill. Seeing her filled him with desirous lust.

He quickly manoeuvred his Vimana and landed close to the gorgeous lady. Startled by the sudden appearance of a flying chariot, the lady stopped in her tracks. She found herself staring at a very handsome, strong Asura, whom she recognised immediately, given his fame and her own powers.

“Welcome, Lord Ravana. I am Rambha, one of the prominent Apsaras of Indraloka. What can I do for you today?”

“Aah ha! Rambha! That explains your unparalleled beauty and grace. I was attracted by you and got down to speak to you, dear lady.”

“Thank you for your kind praise. Not only I, but every Apsara is beautiful. After all, we were created by Lord Brahma in this way. Again, I ask what can I do for you?”

“Aren’t Apsaras made for the pleasure of all?” Ravana’s question irked the Apsara. Her rage was evident in her response, which was both angry and calm.

“Not only for the pleasure of all. Yes, we are well-trained in that area. We know how to please and do what is ordained by the gods. By the way, watching us dance and sing is also a pleasure many men and women have. And these people want nothing more than that pleasure. We offer pleasure through our conversation, too. What kind of pleasure are you talking about, Lord of Lanka?”

Rambha Says No – Ravana Does Not Heed

Ravana laughed haughtily. “Indeed! You are a master of social graces. But you know what pleasure I seek from you?” Saying thus, he tried to grab Rambha. 

She jumped out of his reach and warned him. “I don’t think you realise what grievous calamity you intend to do. Even women like me have our rights. No one is allowed to touch us without our consent.”

“Crap! I am the lord of the world. Everyone lives in fear of me. My wish is everyone’s command. Otherwise, they face the consequences of saying no to me. Come here, you beauty. I must have you.”

Rambha ran from there. Ravana chased her, continuously laughing. “You know you are merely enhancing my desire for you. Give in to me, and this will be over soon.”

She responded, pleaded. “I am like your daughter-in-law, Ravana,” dropping all pretences of respect for the vile man. “I am married to your brother, Lord Kubera’s son, Nalakubara. Would you treat your daughter-in-law like this?”

Again, the Lord of Lanka laughed derisively. “Women like you don’t belong to any one man. You are meant for anyone who desires you.”

By now, he had caught up with her and held her in his vice-like grip. Livid rage emanated from Rambha’s eyes. She said, “Even if that were true, you should not touch me without my consent. You will pay for your vileness if you don’t leave me alone.”

Like a hyena, and without heeding her warning, he pounced upon her and ravished her, even as she felt violated. She screamed, her voice ringing with a horrible mixture of rage, helplessness, and a sense of foreboding that he missed, caught up so much in his vile act.

When he was done, Ravana left her there and went on his way, an evil smile of satisfaction turning his face into the demon he was. 

Rambha’s Husband Curses Ravana

Rambha lay there for a long time before she got up and went to her husband, Nalakubara, whose rage matched hers when he heard the wretched tale of his uncle’s obnoxious behaviour. He went to his uncle, and they had a showdown. Ravana repeated the unsavoury things he told Rambha.

Nalakubara, giving vent to his anger, cursed Ravana. “What you have done by touching a woman without consent is an unpardonable sin. I curse you that if you ever try to touch another woman without her consent, your head will explode into a thousand pieces.”

Ravana laughed at what he took to be his nephew’s audacity. Yet, as he watched Nalakubara walk out of his court, he found himself sweating with fear. 

What if that curse came true! I better be careful and not touch another woman without her consent.

Author’s Note:

Nalakubara’s curse, borne out of the love for his wife, Rambha, is the weapon that kept Sita safe from Ravana when he kept her captive in Ashoka Vatika. This story appears in Uttara Khanda of Valmiki Ramayana. In some versions. Rambha herself curses Ravana. 

This post is a part of BlogchatterA2Z Challenge 2026

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