Shloka 20
Bhaṅgāśvanopākhyāna — On comparative affection in strī–puruṣa union (भङ्गाश्वनोपाख्यानम्)
अटबव्यां च सुघोरायां तृष्णातों नष्टचेतन: । सर: सुरुचिरप्रख्यमपश्यं पक्षिभिवृतम्,उस घोर वनमें प्याससे पीड़ित एवं अचेत-सा होकर मैंने एक सरोवर देखा, जो पक्षियोंसे घिर हुआ और मनोहर शोभासे सम्पन्न था
aṭavīyāṃ ca sughorāyāṃ tṛṣṇārto naṣṭacetanaḥ | saraḥ suruciraprakhyam apaśyaṃ pakṣibhivṛtam ||
अटव्यां च सुघोरायां तृष्णातो नष्टचेतनः । सरः सुरुचिरप्रख्यमपश्यं पक्षिभिवृतम् ॥
भीष्म उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights a basic ethical truth: when one is overwhelmed by suffering (here, thirst and near-unconsciousness), seeking sustenance and regaining clarity is a necessary foundation for any higher pursuit of dharma.
Bhishma narrates that while wandering in a terrifying forest, weakened by thirst, he notices a beautiful, famous lake surrounded by birds—setting up the next events that will unfold around this place.