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 ||
Aun en el caso de quien ha cometido una falta terrible, si se mantiene amparado en el dharma, su culpa queda encubierta, como una montaña oculta por masas de nubes oscuras. En el consejo de Kaṇika, la postura exterior de rectitud se presenta como un medio para velar ante el público incluso los yerros más graves.
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.