Mahabharata — Anushasana Parva, Shloka 173
Bhaṅgāśvanopākhyāna — On comparative affection in strī–puruṣa union (भङ्गाश्वनोपाख्यानम्)
किंच्विदं त्विति विज्ञाय विस्मयं परमं गता: । राजाके पुत्र, स्त्रियाँ, सेवक तथा नगर और जनपदके लोग, “यह क्या हुआ?'--ऐसी जिज्ञासा करते हुए बड़े आश्वर्यमें पड़ गये
kiñ cvidaṃ tv iti vijñāya vismayaṃ paramaṃ gatāḥ | rājā ca putrāḥ striyaḥ sevakāś ca tathā nagara-janapada-lokāḥ “kiṃ nu khalv idam abhūt?” iti jijñāsamānā mahad āścaryam āpannāḥ ||
Nang maunawaan nila, “Ano nga ba ito?”, sila’y sinaklot ng sukdulang pagkamangha. Ang hari, ang kanyang mga anak na lalaki, ang mga babae, ang mga tagapaglingkod, at ang mga tao sa lungsod at kanayunan—lahat ay nagtatanong, “Ano ang nangyari?”, at nalugmok sa malaking pagtataka.
भीष्म उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights a social-ethical moment: when an unexpected event occurs, all strata of society—ruler, family, women, servants, and the wider populace—turn to inquiry. It underscores the dharmic impulse to seek clarity before judgment, showing that responsible response begins with understanding.
Bhishma describes a scene of collective bewilderment: the king and the entire community, from palace to city and countryside, are struck with great wonder and ask, “What has happened?” The verse functions as a narrative pivot, emphasizing the magnitude of the event by depicting universal astonishment.