Shloka 17
Nārada–Vāyu–Śalmali Upākhyāna: Enmity with the Strong and the Primacy of Buddhi (नारद-वायु-शल्मलि उपाख्यानम्)
इमं लोकं विमुच्य त्वमवाड्मूर्द्धां पतिष्यसि । अशाश्षती: शाशक्षृती क्ष समा: पापेन कर्मणा,“इस लोकको छोड़नेके बाद तू अपने पापकर्मके फलस्वरूप अनन्त वर्षोतक नीचा सिर किये नरकमें पड़ा रहेगा
imaṁ lokaṁ vimucya tvam avāṅmūrdhā patiṣyasi | aśāśvatīḥ śāśvatīś ca samāḥ pāpena karmaṇā ||
ଭୀଷ୍ମ କହିଲେ—ଏହି ଲୋକ ଛାଡ଼ି ତୁ ମୁଣ୍ଡ ନମାଇ ନରକରେ ପଡ଼ିବୁ। ତୋ ପାପକର୍ମର ଫଳରେ ସେଠାରେ ବର୍ଷରୁ ବର୍ଷ—କେତେକ କ୍ଷଣିକ, କେତେକ ଅନନ୍ତ ପରି—ଭୋଗିବୁ।
भीष्म उवाच
Educational Q&A
Bhishma underscores karmic accountability: wrongful actions do not end with worldly life; they mature into consequences that can include prolonged suffering in hell. The verse functions as a deterrent and a moral reminder that ethical conduct (dharma) safeguards one’s future state.
In Shanti Parva’s instructional setting, Bhishma is warning an addressed person (not named in this single verse) about the post-mortem result of sinful conduct. The imagery of falling head-down into hell intensifies the admonition and frames the discourse as moral counsel on consequences.