Shloka 21
Damayantī’s Proposal of a Witnessed Choice; Nala Reports to the Lokapālas
Adhyāya 53
/, (७ ,7 )७॥] दमयन्तीसकाशे त्वां कथयिष्यामि नैषध । यथा त्वदन्यं पुरुषं न सा मंस्यति कहिचित्,“निषधनरेश! मैं दमयन्तीके निकट आपकी ऐसी प्रशंसा करूँगा, जिससे वह आपके सिवा दूसरे किसी पुरुषको मनमें कभी स्थान न देगी”
damayantī-sakāśe tvāṁ kathayiṣyāmi naiṣadha | yathā tvad-anyaṁ puruṣaṁ na sā maṁsyati kvacit ||
Bṛhadaśva said: “O king of Niṣadha, I shall speak of you in Damayantī’s presence in such a way that she will never, anywhere, set her mind upon any man other than you.”
बृहृदश्चव उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights the ethical power of truthful, well-intentioned speech: praise used responsibly can guide the mind toward steadfast commitment and rightful union, emphasizing loyalty and constancy in love.
Bṛhadaśva assures the king of Niṣadha (Nala) that he will speak to Damayantī and describe Nala’s qualities so compellingly that she will not entertain any other suitor in her heart.