Shloka 22
दमयन्ती-शपथः वायोः साक्ष्यं च
Damayantī’s Oath and Vāyu’s Testimony
दमयन्त्यै तत: प्रादात् केशिनी कुरुनन्दन । सो चिता नलसिद्धस्य मांसस्य बहुश: पुरा,कुरुनन्दन! केशिनीने वह फलोंका गूदा दमयन्तीको दे दिया। उसे पहले अनेक बार नलके द्वारा उबाले हुए फलोंके गूदेके स्वादका अनुभव था
damayantyai tataḥ prādāt keśinī kurunandana | so citā nalasiddhasya māṁsasya bahuśaḥ purā ||
Dijo Bṛhadaśva: Entonces Keśinī se lo entregó a Damayantī, oh el mejor de los Kurus. Pues ella había probado antes, muchas veces, la preparación cocida por la destreza de Nala, y su sabor le era bien conocido desde antiguo. (Así, por aquel gusto familiar, Damayantī podía reconocer la mano de Nala y acercarse a la verdad.)
बृहृदश्चव उवाच
Educational Q&A
Familiar signs of virtue and skill can serve as truthful indicators: Damayantī’s recognition of Nala’s distinctive preparation becomes an ethical means to move from doubt toward certainty without rash accusation.
Keśinī gives Damayantī a prepared food item; because Damayantī had previously tasted dishes made by Nala many times, the familiar taste helps her infer Nala’s presence and involvement, advancing the plot toward recognition and reunion.