Shloka 3
Adhyāya 73: Damayantī’s Investigation of Bāhuka
Keśinī’s Observations
ततस्तं रथनिर्घोष॑ नलाश्चास्तत्र शुश्रुव॒ुः श्रुत्वा तु समहृष्यन्त पुरेव नलसंनिधौ,नलके घोड़े वहीं रहते थे, उन्होंने रथका वह घोष सुना। सुनकर वे उतने ही प्रसन्न और उत्साहित हुए, जितने कि पहले नलके समीप रहा करते थे
tatas taṁ rathanirghoṣaṁ nalāś cātra śuśruvuḥ | śrutvā tu samahṛṣyanta pureva nalasaṁnidhau ||
Then they heard there the rumbling sound of that chariot. Hearing it, they were filled with joy and excitement—just as they used to be formerly when they were in King Nala’s presence.
बृहदश्चव उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights the power of virtuous association: the mere sign connected with a beloved and righteous figure (here, the chariot-sound linked to Nala) can restore joy, confidence, and unity among those devoted to him.
In the Nala episode narrated by Bṛhadaśva, those connected with Nala hear the sound of a chariot nearby. That familiar sound makes them rejoice, as they once did when they lived close to Nala.