Shloka 55
आपद्धर्मनिर्णयः — विश्वामित्र-श्वपचसंवादः
Apaddharma Determination: Dialogue of Viśvāmitra and the Śvapaca
कूजंश्वपलनेत्रो5यं कौशिको मां निरीक्षते | नगशाखाग्रग: पापस्तस्याहं भृशमुद्धविजे,“यह चंचल नेत्रोंवाला पापी उल्लू वृक्षकी डालीपर बैठकर “हू हू” करता मेरी ही ओर घूर रहा है। उससे मुझे बड़ा डर लगता है
kūjaṁśvapalanetro 'yaṁ kauśiko māṁ nirīkṣate | nagaśākhāgragaḥ pāpastasyāhaṁ bhṛśam udvije ||
Bhishma berkata: “Burung hantu jahat ini, dengan mata yang gelisah dan terus berkedip, bertengger di ujung dahan sambil berseru ‘hu-hu’ dan menatap tepat ke arahku. Aku sangat ketakutan karenanya.”
भीष्म उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights how the mind can be shaken by ominous signs and fearful perceptions; it sets up reflection on how one should respond—through steadiness, discernment, and dharmic composure rather than being ruled by anxiety.
Bhishma describes an owl perched on a tree-branch, hooting and staring at him. He interprets it as ominous and admits that it makes him intensely afraid, using the image to convey a mood of foreboding.