Shloka 16
Bhaṅgāśvanopākhyāna — On comparative affection in strī–puruṣa union (भङ्गाश्वनोपाख्यानम्)
स्त्रीभावात् पुनरश्चं तं कथमारोदुमुत्सहे । महता त्वथ यत्नेन आरुद्माश्वं नराधिप:
strībhāvāt punaraśvaṃ taṃ katham ārodum utsahe | mahatā tv atha yatnena ārudhmāśvaṃ narādhipaḥ ||
اس زنانہ حالت کے باعث میں پھر اس گھوڑے پر سوار ہونے کی ہمت کیسے کروں؟ تاہم بڑی کوشش کے ساتھ آخرکار اس نرادھپ نے گھوڑے پر سوار ہو ہی گیا۔
भीष्म उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights the psychological and ethical struggle between inner disposition (here described as ‘strībhāva’) and outward action expected of a ruler. It underscores that even when one feels unfit or ashamed, duty may still be carried out through deliberate effort and self-mastery.
Bhīṣma narrates that due to a ‘womanly condition/state’ he could not readily bring himself to mount the horse again; nevertheless, the king—after great exertion—did mount the horse. The line conveys hesitation followed by determined action.