Shloka 11
लुब्धक-कपोत-कपोती-आख्यानम्
The Hunter and the Pigeon Couple: Expiation and Refuge-Ethics
सा हि श्रान्तं क्षुधार्त च जानीते मां तपस्विनी । अनुरक्ता स्थिरा चैव भक्ता स्निग्धा यशस्विनी
sā hi śrāntaṃ kṣudhārtaṃ ca jānīte māṃ tapasvinī | anuraktā sthirā caiva bhaktā snigdhā yaśasvinī ||
भीष्म म्हणाले— ती तपस्विनी जाणते की मी श्रांत व भुकेने व्याकुळ आहे; तरीही कोणत्या तरी कारणाने आज येत नाही. ती माझ्यावर अत्यंत अनुरक्त आहे, तिची बुद्धी स्थिर आहे; ती यशस्विनी, स्नेहमयी आणि परम भक्त आहे.
भीष्म उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights the ethical ideal of steadfast devotion and affectionate care (bhakti, snigdhatā) within relationships, alongside the expectation that one who knows another’s suffering (fatigue and hunger) should respond with timely support—linking inner virtue (steadiness, austerity) with practical compassion.
Bhishma describes an ascetic woman who is devoted and well-regarded, emphasizing that she knows his condition—he is tired and hungry—yet she has not come. His words underscore both her virtues and the puzzling delay in her response.