Shloka 55
आपद्धर्मनिर्णयः — विश्वामित्र-श्वपचसंवादः
Apaddharma Determination: Dialogue of Viśvāmitra and the Śvapaca
कूजंश्वपलनेत्रो5यं कौशिको मां निरीक्षते | नगशाखाग्रग: पापस्तस्याहं भृशमुद्धविजे,“यह चंचल नेत्रोंवाला पापी उल्लू वृक्षकी डालीपर बैठकर “हू हू” करता मेरी ही ओर घूर रहा है। उससे मुझे बड़ा डर लगता है
kūjaṁśvapalanetro 'yaṁ kauśiko māṁ nirīkṣate | nagaśākhāgragaḥ pāpastasyāhaṁ bhṛśam udvije ||
بھیشم نے کہا—“یہ بدکار الو، جس کی آنکھیں بےقرار اور پلک جھپکنے والی ہیں، درخت کی شاخ کے سرے پر بیٹھا ‘ہُو ہُو’ کرتا ہوا سیدھا میری طرف گھور رہا ہے۔ اس سے مجھے سخت خوف آتا ہے۔”
भीष्म उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights how the mind can be shaken by ominous signs and fearful perceptions; it sets up reflection on how one should respond—through steadiness, discernment, and dharmic composure rather than being ruled by anxiety.
Bhishma describes an owl perched on a tree-branch, hooting and staring at him. He interprets it as ominous and admits that it makes him intensely afraid, using the image to convey a mood of foreboding.