Shloka 24
अम्बोपाख्याने तापसानां विचारः तथा होत्रवाहनस्य उपदेशः
Ambā among ascetics; Hotravāhana directs her to Paraśurāma
गच्छ गच्छेति तां शाल्व: पुन: पुनरभाषत । बिभेमि भीष्मात् सुश्रोणि त्वं च भीष्मपरिग्रह:,शाल्वने बारंबार उससे कहा--'सुश्रोणि! तुम जाओ, चली जाओ, मैं भीष्मसे डरता हूँ। तुम भीष्मके द्वारा ग्रहण की हुई हो”
gaccha gaccheti tāṃ śālvaḥ punaḥ punar abhāṣata | bibhemi bhīṣmāt suśroṇi tvaṃ ca bhīṣma-parigrahā ||
شالْو نے اسے بار بار کہا—“اے سُشْرونی! جاؤ، جاؤ۔ مجھے بھیشم سے خوف ہے؛ اور تم بھی تو بھیشم کی پہلے سے اختیار کی ہوئی ہو۔”
भीष्म उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse underscores how social-ethical constraints—especially prior claims, vows, and the authority of powerful figures—shape personal choices. Shalva’s refusal is framed not as a free romantic decision but as submission to fear, reputation, and the perceived binding nature of Bhishma’s prior act.
Bhishma reports Shalva’s words to the woman: Shalva repeatedly tells her to leave, stating he fears Bhishma and that she is already ‘taken’ by Bhishma’s prior claim. This marks Shalva’s rejection and becomes a turning point leading to her grievance and the ensuing chain of events.