Natural calamities often remind us how powerful nature truly is, and earthquakes are among the most frightening of them all. In the NCERT Class 10 Sanskrit book Shemushi, Chapter 9 titled “भूकंपविभीषिका” (Bhukamp Vibheeshika) beautifully captures the terror and tragedy of an earthquake through Sanskrit verses. The chapter paints a vivid picture of human suffering, destruction, and courage in the face of disaster, showing both the strength and fragility of life.
I decided to write about this chapter because it is more than a lesson in Sanskrit—it’s a lesson in humanity. Understanding Bhukamp Vibheeshika helps students not only learn grammar and vocabulary but also develop emotional awareness and empathy. It’s important for young readers to know how literature can convey real human experiences. By studying this chapter, students get to appreciate how classical Sanskrit can describe such deep and realistic emotions while also teaching us to respect nature’s power and prepare for unexpected situations.
About Chapter 9: भूकंपविभीषिका (Bhukamp Vibheeshika)
This chapter tells the story of a devastating earthquake and the fear it brings among people. The ground shakes, homes collapse, and cries fill the air. Through expressive Sanskrit verses, the author conveys how the entire city is caught in panic. Yet, the story also highlights human courage, compassion, and unity during such testing times. It blends poetic beauty with real-life lessons, making it a memorable chapter for students.
Key Highlights of Bhukamp Vibheeshika
- Written in simple yet powerful Sanskrit, easy for students to grasp with practice
- Describes the intensity of an earthquake and the emotional impact it has on people
- Encourages values like courage, compassion, and unity in times of crisis
- Helps improve vocabulary and understanding of descriptive Sanskrit grammar
Importance of Studying this Chapter
Bhukamp Vibheeshika is significant because it teaches both language and life lessons. It shows how ancient Sanskrit literature reflects real emotions and moral ideas. Teachers often use this chapter to start discussions about disaster management, making it more relevant to today’s world. For exams, this chapter is quite scoring as it includes translation, comprehension, and moral-based questions.
Students also learn to appreciate how Sanskrit can express fear, loss, and hope in a poetic way. The message of the story—that humans can rebuild even after great destruction—remains powerful and timeless.
NCERT Shemushi Class 10 Chapter 9 PDF Download
Students can download the NCERT Class 10 Sanskrit Shemushi Chapter 9: भूकंपविभीषिका PDF directly from here.


















