Shloka 19
Gratitude, Discernment, and the Escalation of Power (Śvā–Dvipī–Vyāghra–Nāga–Siṃha–Śarabha Itihāsa)
ततो<भ्ययान्महारीद्रो व्यादितास्य: क्षुधान्वित: । द्वीपिनं लेलिहद्क्रो व्याप्रो रुधिरलालस:
tato 'bhyayān mahārīdro vyāditāsyaḥ kṣudhānvitaḥ | dvīpinaṃ lelihad kro vyāghro rudhira-lālasaḥ ||
ततोऽभ्ययान्महारीद्रो व्यादितास्यः क्षुधान्वितः । द्वीपिनं लेलिहद् क्रूरो व्याप्रो रुधिरलालसः ॥
भीष्म उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse uses a vivid animal chase to illustrate how fear and hunger (unrestrained impulses) can drive beings into violent, compulsive action; ethically, it points toward the value of restraint and governance of desire.
A terrifying, hungry tiger—blood-thirsty and licking its jaws—runs after a leopard/panther, emphasizing the intensity and inevitability of predatory pursuit under the pressure of hunger.