Shloka 6
नारायणीयमाख्यानम् (Nārāyaṇīyam Ākhyānam) — Nārada’s Return and Hymnic Consolidation
न बभासे सहस्रांशुर्न जज्वाल च पावक: । हृदाश्न सरितश्वैव चुक्षुभु:ः सागरास्तथा
na babhāse sahasrāṁśur na jajvāla ca pāvakaḥ | hradāś ca saritaś caiva cukṣubhuḥ sāgarās tathā ||
Bhīṣma said: “The thousand-rayed Sun did not shine, nor did the fire blaze. Lakes and rivers were thrown into agitation, and the oceans too heaved in turmoil.”
भीष्म उवाच
Educational Q&A
When dharma is under strain, the tradition often frames the moment through portents in nature: the disruption of sun, fire, and waters symbolizes moral and social imbalance, urging vigilance, restraint, and a return to righteous order.
Bhīṣma describes extraordinary disturbances in the natural world—sunlight failing, fire not blazing, and waters churning—presenting them as ominous signs accompanying a grave turning point in events.