Shloka 21
Damayantī’s Lament, Serpent-Seizure, Rescue by the Hunter, and the Curse
दमयन्त्यास्तु तद् वाक्यं वाष्णेयो नलसारथि: । न्यवेदयदशेषेण नलामात्येषु मुख्यश:,दमयन्तीकी यह बात सुनकर नलके सारथि वार्ष्णेयने नलके मुख्य-मुख्य मन्त्रियोंसे यह सारा वृत्तान्त निवेदित किया
damayantyāstu tad vākyaṃ vārṣṇeyo nalasārathiḥ | nyavedayad aśeṣeṇa nalāmātyeṣu mukhyaśaḥ ||
Having heard Damayantī’s message, Vārṣṇeya, the charioteer of King Nala, reported the entire matter in full to Nala’s principal ministers.
बृहृदश्चव उवाच
Educational Q&A
Faithful and complete transmission of information is an ethical duty, especially for trusted aides. By reporting Damayantī’s words ‘aśeṣeṇa’ (in full) to the chief ministers, Vārṣṇeya models integrity, discretion, and service to dharma—enabling wise counsel and appropriate action.
After receiving/hearing Damayantī’s statement, Vārṣṇeya—identified as Nala’s charioteer—goes to Nala’s leading ministers and conveys the entire account. This functions as a narrative bridge: Damayantī’s situation is formally brought to the royal administration for deliberation and response.