Shloka 12
कलेर्द्वापरस्य च नले प्रति कोपः
Kali and Dvāpara’s Resolve Against Nala
ददर्श तत्र वैदर्भी सखीगणसमावृताम् | देदीप्यमानां वपुषा श्रिया च वरवर्णिनीम्,वहाँ उन्होंने देखा, सखियोंसे घिरी हुई परम सुन्दरी विदर्भराजकुमारी दमयन्ती अपने सुन्दर शरीर और दिव्य कान्तिसे अत्यन्त उद्धासित हो रही है
dadārśa tatra vaidarbhī sakhīgaṇasamāvṛtām | dedīpyamānāṁ vapuṣā śriyā ca varavarṇinīm |
Allí contempló a la princesa de Vidarbha, Damayantī—rodeada por su círculo de compañeras—radiante en su figura y resplandeciente de belleza auspiciosa; su excelente tez brillaba con fulgor. La escena subraya que la verdadera nobleza no se reconoce sólo por el linaje, sino por las señales manifiestas de excelencia interior y fortuna que inspiran reverencia en los demás.
बृहृदश्च उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights the traditional Indic linkage between outer radiance and inner auspiciousness (śrī): excellence is perceived through signs of grace, dignity, and the esteem of one’s community (here, the companions who surround her). It subtly frames Damayantī as worthy of honour and a fitting partner in a dharmic narrative.
Bṛhadaśva describes a moment of sight: Damayantī, the Vidarbha princess, is seen amid her companions, shining with beauty and auspicious splendour—setting the stage for the unfolding Nala–Damayantī episode and the recognition of her exceptional stature.