Shloka 24
कपोती-विलापः स्वर्गसंयोगश्च
The Dove’s Lament and Celestial Reunion
वर्षके वेगसे बहुतेरे पक्षी मरकर धरतीपर लोट गये थे। कितने ही अपने घोंसलोंमें छिपे बैठे थे। मृग, सिंह और सूअर स्थल-भूमिका आश्रय लेकर सो रहे थे ।।
mahatā vātavarṣeṇa trāsitās te vanaukasaḥ | bhayāt tṛṣṇā-kṣudhārtāś ca babhramuḥ sahitā vane ||
Bhīṣma dit : Épouvantées par le grand vent et la pluie battante, les créatures de la forêt—tourmentées par la peur, la soif et la faim—erraient ensemble, par bandes, au cœur des bois.
भीष्म उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights the shared vulnerability of living beings: when overwhelming conditions arise, fear and basic needs (thirst and hunger) dominate, and creatures naturally seek safety through togetherness. In the ethical frame of Śānti Parva, such imagery supports compassion and restraint by reminding the listener that all beings are subject to distress.
Bhishma describes a violent storm and heavy rain that terrify the forest animals. Afflicted by fear, thirst, and hunger, they move about in groups within the forest, portraying a scene of widespread natural calamity and its impact on life.