Shloka 12
Vāraṇāvatāgamana: Public Farewell, Vidura’s Coded Counsel, and Departure
अवगाढमथो द्रोणं सलिले सलिलेचर: । ग्राहो जग्राह बलवाञ्जड्घान्ते कालचोदित:,वहाँ जलमें गोता लगाते समय कालसे प्रेरित हो एक बलवान् जलजन्तु ग्राहने द्रोणाचार्यकी पिंडली पकड़ ली
avaiḍham atho droṇaṃ salile salilecaraḥ | grāho jagrāha balavān jaṅghānte kālacoditaḥ ||
Sinabi ni Vaiśampāyana: Nang lumusong si Droṇa sa tubig, isang makapangyarihang nilalang sa tubig—isang buwaya—ang sumunggab sa kanyang ibabang binti, na wari’y inudyukan mismo ng Panahon. Ipinakikita ng pangyayaring ito kung paanong ang di-inaasahang puwersa ay makagagapos kahit sa malalakas, sumusubok sa loob at tumatawag sa tungkuling magtanggol at tumugon ang iba.
वैशम्पायन उवाच
Educational Q&A
Even the capable can be suddenly constrained by forces beyond immediate control (kāla). Such moments test dharma: steadiness under adversity and the responsibility of companions to act rightly when someone is endangered.
Droṇa dives into the water, and a powerful crocodile seizes his lower leg. The narrator frames the attack as ‘impelled by Time,’ signaling an ominous, fate-marked turn that prompts ensuing action.