Bhīṣma’s Yogic Departure, Royal Cremation, and Gaṅgā’s Lament (भीष्मस्य योगयुक्त्या देहत्यागः, पितृमेधः, गङ्गाविलापः)
प्रावषीव च पर्जन्यो ववृषे निर्मल पय: । तमश्वैवाभवद् घोरं दिशश्व॒ न चकाशिरे,वर्षाकालकी भाँति मेघसमूह निर्मल जलकी वर्षा करने लगा। सब ओर घोर अन्धकार छा गया। दिशाएँ नहीं सूझती थीं
prāvṛṣi iva ca parjanyo vavṛṣe nirmala-payaḥ | tamaḥ ca eva abhavad ghoraṃ diśaḥ ca na cakāśire ||
Nārada nói: “Như vào mùa mưa, mây mưa đổ xuống dòng nước trong. Thế nhưng một màn tối kinh hoàng lan trùm khắp nơi, đến nỗi chính các phương hướng cũng không còn sáng tỏ—không thể phân biệt được.”
नारद उवाच
The verse uses natural imagery to suggest that even when something appears pure or beneficial (clear rain), conditions can still become obscured (terrible darkness). It highlights the theme of uncertainty and foreboding—an ethical reminder to remain vigilant and discerning when signs are mixed.
Nārada describes a scene where rain falls like in the monsoon, but simultaneously a frightening darkness spreads so that the directions cannot be seen. The description functions as an ominous atmosphere-setting detail within the ongoing account.