Shloka 37
आपद्धर्मनिर्णयः — विश्वामित्र-श्वपचसंवादः
Apaddharma Determination: Dialogue of Viśvāmitra and the Śvapaca
गतं मां सहसा भूमिं नकुलो भक्षयिष्यति
gataṁ māṁ sahasā bhūmiṁ nakulo bhakṣayiṣyati
Wika ni Bhishma: “Kapag ako’y nawala, ang daigdig ay agad na lalamunin ni ‘Nakula.’” Sa diwa ng salaysay, ito’y isang balisang babala: kapag ang matandang haligi o tagapangalaga ng dharma ay lumisan, ang mga pagnanasa at puwersang di na napipigil—na dito’y isinakatawan ng isang pinangalanang tagapagpaganap—ay maaaring mabilis na maghatid ng kaguluhan at kapinsalaan sa kaharian.
भीष्म उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse warns that when a restraining, dharma-aligned authority disappears, the realm can quickly fall prey to destructive forces; stability in governance requires continuity, self-control, and safeguards against sudden disorder.
Bhīṣma, speaking in the Śānti Parva’s instruction-setting, utters a foreboding remark that after his departure the earth/kingdom will be rapidly ‘devoured’ by Nakula—framing a concern about what follows once he is no longer present to steady events.