Shloka 18
दमयन्त्या वणिजां सार्थगमनम्, हस्तियूथविप्लवः, चेदिराजपुरप्रवेशश्च
Damayantī joins a caravan; elephant-herd catastrophe; entry into Cedi
परिधावन्नथ नल इतश्रैतश्ष भारत । आससाद सभोद्देशे विकोशं खड्गमुत्तमम्,भारत! इधर-उधर दौड़-धूप करनेपर राजा नलको उस सभाभवनमें एक अच्छी-सी नंगी तलवार मिल गयी
paridhāvann atha nala itaś caitaś ca bhārata | āsasāda sabhoddēśe vikośaṃ khaḍgam uttamam ||
Bṛhadaśva said: As King Nala ran about here and there, O Bhārata, he came upon an excellent sword, already drawn from its scabbard, lying in a part of the assembly-hall. In the midst of distress and disorientation, this chance finding offered a sudden means of protection and resolve, hinting that even in adversity one may encounter the instruments needed to act with courage and regain steadiness.
बृहदश्च उवाच
Educational Q&A
In crisis, steadiness and alertness can reveal unexpected supports; one should be ready to take up appropriate means of protection and action rather than surrender to confusion.
Nala, running about in agitation, discovers an excellent unsheathed sword in an area of the assembly hall, a significant object that can change his immediate situation.