Shloka 13
Cavana’s Tests of Kuśika and the Queen (अध्याय ५३: च्यवन–कुशिक-परिक्षा)
महातेजस्वी नरेश! इस तरह उन्हें पानीमें रहते बहुत दिन बीत गये। तदनन्तर एक समय मछलियोंसे जीविका चलानेवाले बहुत-से मल्लाह मछली पकड़नेका निश्चय करके जाल हाथमें लिये हुए उस स्थानपर आये ।।
vyāyātā balinaḥ śūrāḥ salileṣv anivartinaḥ | abhyāyayuś ca taṃ deśaṃ niścitā jālakarmaṇi ||
Bhīṣma dijo: «Oh rey poderoso, después de pasar muchos días viviendo en el agua, llegó un momento en que numerosos pescadores—cuyo sustento dependía del pescado—acudieron a ese mismo paraje, con redes en la mano, resueltos a tenderlas. Eran hombres de duro esfuerzo, fuertes y valientes, que no rehuían internarse en las aguas; con propósito inquebrantable de cumplir la labor del enmallado, se acercaron a aquel lugar».
भीष्म उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse foregrounds steadfast effort and resolve in one’s chosen work: the fishermen are portrayed as industrious, strong, and unflinching in the face of the demanding element (water). Ethically, it highlights determination (niścaya) and disciplined exertion (vyāyāma) as qualities that enable livelihood and action.
After a long period during which certain beings/persons have been staying in the water, a group of fishermen arrives at that very location with nets, intent on fishing. Their approach sets up an impending encounter or discovery at the spot.