Shloka 23
Bhaṅgāśvanopākhyāna — On comparative affection in strī–puruṣa union (भङ्गाश्वनोपाख्यानम्)
एवमुक््त्वा पुत्रशतं वनमेव जगाम ह | गत्वा चैवाश्रमं सा तु तापसं प्रत्यपद्यत,अपने सौ पुत्रोंसे ऐसा कहकर राजा वनको चले गये। वह स्त्री किसी आश्रममें जाकर एक तापसके आश्रयमें रहने लगी
evam uktvā putraśataṃ vanam eva jagāma ha | gatvā caivāśramaṃ sā tu tāpasaṃ pratyapadyata ||
Après avoir ainsi parlé à ses cent fils, le roi partit pour la forêt. Quant à cette femme, elle se rendit dans un āśrama et se plaça sous la protection d’un ascète.
भीष्म उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights a dharmic pivot: when worldly obligations reach a decisive point, one may choose withdrawal into disciplined life (vana/āśrama), while those left behind seek protection and guidance through legitimate spiritual refuge (tāpasa). It underscores restraint, accountability, and the ethical role of ascetic institutions as shelters.
After addressing his hundred sons, the king leaves for the forest. The woman then goes to a hermitage and places herself under the care of an ascetic, indicating a shift from royal/household circumstances to an āśrama-based life of austerity and protection.