Shloka 11
Bhaṅgāśvanopākhyāna — On comparative affection in strī–puruṣa union (भङ्गाश्वनोपाख्यानम्)
इस प्रकार श्रीमहाभारत अनुशासनपरव्वके अन्तर्गत दानधर्मपर्वमें लक्ष्मी और रुक्मिणीका संवादविषयक ग्यारहवाँ अध्याय पूरा हुआ,आत्मानं स्त्रीकृतं दृष्टवा व्रीडितो नृपसत्तम: । चिन्तानुगतसर्वात्मा व्याकुलेन्द्रियचेतन:
ātmānaṃ strīkṛtaṃ dṛṣṭvā vrīḍito nṛpasattamaḥ | cintānugata-sarvātmā vyākulendriya-cetanaḥ ||
Thus, in the Śrī Mahābhārata, within the Anuśāsana Parva and the Dāna-dharma Parva, the eleventh chapter concerning the dialogue between Lakṣmī and Rukmiṇī came to its end. Seeing himself transformed into a woman, the foremost of kings was overcome with shame. His whole being sank into anxious reflection, and his senses and mind became agitated and unsettled.
भीष्म उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights the ethical psychology of shame and inner turmoil: when one’s identity and social self-image are suddenly overturned, the mind and senses become disturbed. It implicitly points toward the need for steadiness, self-governance, and reflection so that one’s conduct remains aligned with dharma even amid disorienting change.
In Bhishma’s narration, an eminent king witnesses himself changed into a woman. The shock produces embarrassment and intense worry; his entire inner life becomes absorbed in anxious thought, and his sensory and mental faculties are thrown into agitation.