Shloka 14
Saṃsāra-Gahana Allegory: The Brāhmaṇa in the Forest and Well (संसारगहन-आख्यान)
कूपमध्ये महानागमपश्यत महाबलम् | कूपवीनाहवेलायामपश्यत महागजम्
kūpamadhye mahānāgam apaśyata mahābalam | kūpavīnāhavelāyām apaśyata mahāgajam ||
कूपमध्ये महानागमपश्यत महाबलम्। कूपवीनाहवेलायामपश्यत महागजम्॥
विदुर उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse uses stark imagery—danger inside the well and danger at its mouth—to highlight that in moments of crisis one must see realities clearly on all sides and choose a timely, dharmic course, not be blinded by fear or partial perception.
Vidura describes a scene (likely illustrative or proverbial) where someone observes a powerful serpent within a well and a great elephant at the well’s opening at a critical moment, setting up a reflection on peril, judgment, and the need for wise response.