Shloka 86
आपद्धर्मनिर्णयः — विश्वामित्र-श्वपचसंवादः
Apaddharma Determination: Dialogue of Viśvāmitra and the Śvapaca
तथैव तौ सुसंत्रस्तौ दृढमागततन्द्रितौ । दृष्टवा तयो: परां प्रीतिं विस्मयं परमं गतौ
tathaiva tau susaṁtrastau dṛḍham āgatatandritau | dṛṣṭvā tayoḥ parāṁ prītiṁ vismayaṁ paramaṁ gatau ||
Keduanya sangat ketakutan, dan rasa kantuk yang berat pun menimpa mereka. Melihat kasih yang luar biasa antara tikus dan kucing itu, luwak dan burung hantu tercengang setinggi-tingginya.
भीष्म उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights how extraordinary concord between natural enemies can appear, prompting reflection on nīti: alliances may arise from circumstance, fear, or higher prudence, and one should judge conduct by observed reality rather than fixed assumptions about enmity.
The mouse and the cat are both overwhelmed—frightened and drowsy—while the mongoose and the owl witness their unusual mutual affection and are amazed at this unexpected friendship between traditional foes.