Shloka 17
Śaraṇāgata-Atithi-Dharma in the Kapota Narrative (कपोत-आख्यानम्—शरणागतधर्मः)
सरांसि सरितश्लैव कूपा: प्रस्रवणानि च । हतत्विषो न लक्ष्यन्ते निसर्गाद् दैवकारितात्,बड़े-बड़े सरोवर, सरिताएँ, कूप और झरने भी उस दैवविहित अथवा स्वाभाविक अनावृष्टिसे श्रीहीन होकर दिखायी ही नहीं देते थे
sarāṃsi saritaś caiva kūpāḥ prasravaṇāni ca | hatatviṣo na lakṣyante nisargād daivakāritāt ||
सरांसि सरितश्चैव कूपाः प्रस्रवणानि च । हतत्विषो न लक्ष्यन्ते निसर्गाद् दैवकारितात् ॥
भीष्म उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights the vulnerability of even essential natural supports (water sources) to forces described as natural (nisarga) or fate-ordained (daiva). Ethically, it encourages humility and steadiness in adversity, and cautions rulers and communities to recognize limits of control while responding responsibly to suffering.
Bhishma is describing a time of severe drought: lakes, rivers, wells, and springs have lost their visible fullness and sheen, becoming so diminished that they scarcely appear. The scene sets a backdrop of widespread hardship and environmental collapse.