Shloka 58
Hiḍimba’s Approach and Hiḍimbā’s Warning to Bhīmasena (हिडिम्बागमनम् / हिडिम्बा-भयवचनम्)
अपि घोरापराधस्य धर्ममश्रित्य तिष्ठत: । स हि प्रच्छाद्यते दोष: शैलो मेघैरिवासितै:,धर्मके आचरणका ढोंग करनेसे घोर अपराध करनेवालेका दोष भी उसी प्रकार ढक जाता है, जैसे पर्वत काले मेघोंकी घटासे ढक जाता है
api ghorāparādhasya dharmam āśritya tiṣṭhataḥ | sa hi pracchādyate doṣaḥ śailo meghair ivāsitaiḥ ||
Even in the case of one who has committed a dreadful offense, if he stands taking refuge in dharma, his fault becomes concealed—just as a mountain is hidden by masses of dark clouds. In Kanika’s counsel, the outward posture of righteousness is presented as a means by which even grave wrongdoing can be covered from public view.
कणिक उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse states that adopting the appearance or shelter of dharma can hide even severe wrongdoing from view, like dark clouds hiding a mountain—highlighting how public perception may be managed through displays of righteousness.
Kanika is giving strategic counsel, emphasizing how a person—even after grave offenses—may protect himself socially and politically by aligning outwardly with dharma, thereby obscuring blame.