Shloka 7
Bhaṅgāśvanopākhyāna — On comparative affection in strī–puruṣa union (भङ्गाश्वनोपाख्यानम्)
इदमन्तरमित्येव शक्रो नृपममोहयत् । एकाशथ्चैन च राजर्षि भ्रान्त इन्द्रेण मोहित:
idam antaram ity eva śakro nṛpam amohayat | ekāśvaś cainaṃ ca rājarṣi bhrānta indreṇa mohitaḥ ||
ビーシュマは言った。「『今こそ隙—まさに復讐の好機』と定めて、シャクラ（インドラ）は王を迷妄に陥れた。インドラの幻力に惑わされ、心乱れた王仙は、ただ一頭の馬を伴うのみとなり、方角の感覚さえ失って、飢えと渇きに苦しみ、疲労に打ちひしがれながら、あちらこちらへと彷徨い歩いた。」
भीष्म उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights how moha (delusion) can be imposed or intensified by powerful forces, leading even a rājarṣi to lose discernment and direction. Ethically, it warns that acting from a revenge-minded ‘opportunity’ (antaram) can precipitate confusion and suffering rather than righteous resolution.
Indra (Śakra), seeking a moment to retaliate, deludes the king. Under this enchantment the king becomes disoriented and wanders about with only one horse, suffering hunger, thirst, and exhaustion.