Shloka 20
आपद्धर्मनिर्णयः — विश्वामित्र-श्वपचसंवादः
Apaddharma Determination: Dialogue of Viśvāmitra and the Śvapaca
स्कन्धवान् मेघसड्काश: शीतच्छायो मनोरम: । अरण्यमभितो जात: स तु व्यालमृगाकुल:,वह अपनी मोटी-मोटी डालियोंसे हरा-भरा होनेके कारण मेघके समान दिखायी देता था। उसकी छाया शीतल थी। वह मनोरम वृक्ष वनके समीप होनेके कारण बहुत-से सर्पों तथा पशुओंका आश्रय बना हुआ था
skandhavān meghasaṅkāśaḥ śītacchāyo manoramaḥ | araṇyam abhito jātaḥ sa tu vyālamṛgākulaḥ ||
Bhīṣma said: “A tree had grown there, thick-limbed and cloud-like in its lushness. Its shade was cool and pleasing. Standing by the forest, it had become a refuge and gathering-place for many serpents and wild beasts.”
भीष्म उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse primarily uses vivid natural imagery: what appears beautiful and comforting (a cool, charming tree) can simultaneously be a dwelling for dangerous beings. In ethical reflection, it supports the Shanti Parva’s broader tendency to examine appearances versus realities and the mixed consequences of any ‘shelter’ or ‘support’ in the world.
Bhīṣma is describing a particular tree near a forest—its thick branches, cloud-like greenness, and cool shade—while noting that it is surrounded by and inhabited by serpents and wild animals, setting the scene for the surrounding discussion or exemplum.