Shloka 3
आपद्धर्मे राज्ञः नीतिः — Bharadvāja’s Counsel on Crisis-Statecraft (Śānti Parva 138)
नातिगाधे जलाधारे सुहृदः कुशलास्त्रय: । प्रभूतमत्स्ये कौन्तेय बभूवु: सहचारिण:
bhīṣma uvāca | nātigādhe jalādhāre suhṛdaḥ kuśalās trayaḥ | prabhūtamatsye kaunteya babhūvuḥ sahacāriṇaḥ ||
କୌନ୍ତେୟ! କୁହାଯାଏ—ଏକ ଜଳାଶୟ ଥିଲା; ସେ ଅତି ଗଭୀର ନୁହେଁ, କିନ୍ତୁ ସେଠାରେ ପ୍ରଚୁର ମାଛ ଥିଲେ। ସେହି ଜଳାଶୟରେ ତିନିଜଣ କାର୍ଯ୍ୟକୁଶଳ ମତ୍ସ୍ୟ ବସୁଥିଲେ; ସେମାନେ ସଦା ସହଚର ହୋଇ ଏକାସାଥି ଘୁରୁଥିଲେ ଏବଂ ପରସ୍ପର ସୁହୃଦ ଥିଲେ।
भीष्म उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse sets the stage for a moral exemplum: even in a seemingly safe, resource-rich setting, wise beings rely on skill, unity, and foresight. It introduces friendship and prudent intelligence as the basis for ethical survival and right action.
Bhishma begins a story addressed to Yudhiṣṭhira: in a shallow pond full of fish, three capable fish live together as close companions. This opening prepares for subsequent events that will draw out a lesson in conduct (nīti) and discernment.