Shloka 20
दमयन्ती–बाहुकसंवादः
Damayantī’s Dialogue with Bāhuka; Recognition and Disclosure
तस्या रुदन्त्या: सततं तेन दुःखेन पार्थिव । प्रसादं कुरु मे वीर प्रतिवाक्यं वदस्व च,“वीर भूमिपाल! सदा तुम्हारे शोकसे रोती हुई अपनी उसी प्यारी पत्नीपर पुनः कृपा करो और मेरी बातका उत्तर दो”
tasyā rudantyāḥ satataṃ tena duḥkhena pārthiva | prasādaṃ kuru me vīra prativākyaṃ vadasva ca ||
قال باهوكا: «أيها الملك، إنها تبكي على الدوام تحت وطأة ذلك الحزن. أيها البطل، تفضّل عليّ بإنعامك—وأعد رحمتك إلى زوجتك الحبيبة، وأعطني جوابك.»
बाहक उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse foregrounds royal and personal dharma as compassion: a ruler’s strength is shown not only in authority but in the capacity to relent, respond, and restore harmony—especially toward one who suffers and remains emotionally bound (here, the grieving wife).
Bāhaka addresses a king, pointing out that the king’s wife is continually weeping due to grief. He urges the king to show renewed favor toward her and to give a clear reply—pressing for a decision that may lead to reconciliation or relief.