Shloka 16
Bhaṅgāśvanopākhyāna — On comparative affection in strī–puruṣa union (भङ्गाश्वनोपाख्यानम्)
स्त्रीभावात् पुनरश्चं तं कथमारोदुमुत्सहे । महता त्वथ यत्नेन आरुद्माश्वं नराधिप:
strībhāvāt punaraśvaṃ taṃ katham ārodum utsahe | mahatā tv atha yatnena ārudhmāśvaṃ narādhipaḥ ||
स्त्रीभावात् पुनरश्वं तं कथमारोढुमुत्सहे । महता त्वथ यत्नेन आरुरोहाश्वं नराधिपः ॥
भीष्म उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights the psychological and ethical struggle between inner disposition (here described as ‘strībhāva’) and outward action expected of a ruler. It underscores that even when one feels unfit or ashamed, duty may still be carried out through deliberate effort and self-mastery.
Bhīṣma narrates that due to a ‘womanly condition/state’ he could not readily bring himself to mount the horse again; nevertheless, the king—after great exertion—did mount the horse. The line conveys hesitation followed by determined action.