Shloka 7
Śikhaṇḍinī’s Marriage Arrangement and the Daśārṇa Envoy’s Accusation (शिखण्डिनी-विवाह-विप्रलम्भ-प्रसङ्गः)
स्वभावगुप्तं॑ नगरमापत्काले तु भारत | गोपयामास राजेन्द्र सर्वत: समलंकृतम्,भरतनन्दन राजेन्द्र! यद्यपि वह नगर स्वभावसे ही सुरक्षित था, तथापि उस विपत्तिके समय उसको सब प्रकारसे सजा करके उन्होंने उसकी रक्षाके लिये विशेष व्यवस्था की
svabhāvaguptaṁ nagaram āpatkāle tu bhārata | gopayāmāsa rājendra sarvataḥ samalaṅkṛtam ||
Bhīṣma said: “O Bhārata, though the city was by its very nature well-protected, in that time of calamity the king took special care to guard it, adorning and fortifying it on every side.”
भीष्म उवाच
Educational Q&A
Even if a kingdom seems naturally secure, a ruler must exercise vigilance in times of danger—strengthening defenses and arrangements rather than relying on complacent confidence.
Bhīṣma describes how, during a crisis, the king ensured the city’s safety by making special protective arrangements and preparing it thoroughly on all sides, despite its inherent security.