Shloka 5
परं विस्मयमापन्ना श्रुत्वा नादं महास्वनम् | नलेन संगृहीतेषु पुरेव नलवाजिषु । सदृशं रथनिर्घोषं मेने भौमी तथा हया:,वह महाभयंकर रथनाद सुनकर उसे बड़ा विस्मय हुआ। पूर्वकालमें राजा नल जब घोड़ोंकी बाग सँभालते थे, उन दिनों उनके रथसे जैसी गम्भीर ध्वनि प्रकट होती थी, वैसी ही उस समयके रथकी घर्घराहट भी दमयन्ती और उसके घोड़ोंकोी जान पड़ी
bṛhadaśva uvāca | paraṃ vismayam āpannā śrutvā nādaṃ mahāsvanam | nalena saṃgṛhīteṣu pureva nalavājiṣu | sadṛśaṃ rathanirghoṣaṃ mene bhaumī tathā hayāḥ |
Bṛhadaśva said: Hearing that mighty, thunderous sound, Damayantī was struck with the greatest astonishment. She thought the rumbling of the chariot to be just like the deep resonance heard in former days when King Nala himself held the reins of his Nala-bred horses; and the horses too seemed to recognize the same familiar chariot-sound.
बृहदश्चव उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights how truth and identity can be revealed through subtle signs: skill, conduct, and characteristic marks. It also underscores steadfast affection and attentive perception—Damayantī’s fidelity and discernment allow her to connect present experience with the remembered excellence of Nala.
As the chariot moves with a powerful, familiar rumble, Damayantī is amazed. The sound reminds her of earlier days when Nala personally controlled the reins, and she (and even the horses) sense a likeness to Nala’s distinctive way of driving—hinting at Nala’s presence or influence.