Shloka 11
Bhaṅgāśvanopākhyāna — On comparative affection in strī–puruṣa union (भङ्गाश्वनोपाख्यानम्)
इस प्रकार श्रीमहाभारत अनुशासनपरव्वके अन्तर्गत दानधर्मपर्वमें लक्ष्मी और रुक्मिणीका संवादविषयक ग्यारहवाँ अध्याय पूरा हुआ,आत्मानं स्त्रीकृतं दृष्टवा व्रीडितो नृपसत्तम: । चिन्तानुगतसर्वात्मा व्याकुलेन्द्रियचेतन:
ātmānaṃ strīkṛtaṃ dṛṣṭvā vrīḍito nṛpasattamaḥ | cintānugata-sarvātmā vyākulendriya-cetanaḥ ||
Ainsi, dans le Śrī Mahābhārata, au sein de l’Anuśāsana Parva, dans le Dāna-dharma Parva, s’acheva le onzième chapitre consacré au dialogue entre Lakṣmī et Rukmiṇī. Se voyant changé en femme, le plus éminent des rois fut saisi de honte. Tout son être s’abîma dans une méditation inquiète, et ses sens comme son esprit devinrent agités, sans stabilité.
भीष्म उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights the ethical psychology of shame and inner turmoil: when one’s identity and social self-image are suddenly overturned, the mind and senses become disturbed. It implicitly points toward the need for steadiness, self-governance, and reflection so that one’s conduct remains aligned with dharma even amid disorienting change.
In Bhishma’s narration, an eminent king witnesses himself changed into a woman. The shock produces embarrassment and intense worry; his entire inner life becomes absorbed in anxious thought, and his sensory and mental faculties are thrown into agitation.