Shloka 7
Bhaṅgāśvanopākhyāna — On comparative affection in strī–puruṣa union (भङ्गाश्वनोपाख्यानम्)
इदमन्तरमित्येव शक्रो नृपममोहयत् । एकाशथ्चैन च राजर्षि भ्रान्त इन्द्रेण मोहित:
idam antaram ity eva śakro nṛpam amohayat | ekāśvaś cainaṃ ca rājarṣi bhrānta indreṇa mohitaḥ ||
Wika ni Bhīṣma: “Sa pag-aakalang, ‘Ito na ang pagitan—ito na ang pagkakataong makapaghiganti,’ ibinagsak ni Śakra (Indra) ang hari sa pagkalito. Dahil sa panggagaway ni Indra, ang haring-muni—na iisang kabayo na lamang ang kasama—ay nagpagala-gala nang litong-lito, nawalan ng pakiramdam sa mga direksiyon, at gumala rito’t roon, pinahihirapan ng gutom at uhaw at pinanghihinaan dahil sa pagod.”
भीष्म उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights how moha (delusion) can be imposed or intensified by powerful forces, leading even a rājarṣi to lose discernment and direction. Ethically, it warns that acting from a revenge-minded ‘opportunity’ (antaram) can precipitate confusion and suffering rather than righteous resolution.
Indra (Śakra), seeking a moment to retaliate, deludes the king. Under this enchantment the king becomes disoriented and wanders about with only one horse, suffering hunger, thirst, and exhaustion.