Shloka 37
आपद्धर्मनिर्णयः — विश्वामित्र-श्वपचसंवादः
Apaddharma Determination: Dialogue of Viśvāmitra and the Śvapaca
गतं मां सहसा भूमिं नकुलो भक्षयिष्यति
gataṁ māṁ sahasā bhūmiṁ nakulo bhakṣayiṣyati
Disse Bhishma: “Quando eu me for, a terra será rapidamente devorada por ‘Nakula’.” No contexto, a frase é um aviso ansioso: quando parte um ancião estabilizador ou guardião do dharma, impulsos sem freio—aqui personificados por um agente nomeado—podem depressa trazer desordem e dano ao reino.
भीष्म उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse warns that when a restraining, dharma-aligned authority disappears, the realm can quickly fall prey to destructive forces; stability in governance requires continuity, self-control, and safeguards against sudden disorder.
Bhīṣma, speaking in the Śānti Parva’s instruction-setting, utters a foreboding remark that after his departure the earth/kingdom will be rapidly ‘devoured’ by Nakula—framing a concern about what follows once he is no longer present to steady events.