Shloka 7
दमयन्तीस्वयंवरः — देववेषधारणं, सत्यप्रार्थना, नलवरणम्
Damayantī’s Svayaṃvara: Divine Disguises, Truth-Vow, and Choosing Nala
चिन्तयामास तत् कार्य सुमहत् स्वां सुतां प्रति । किमर्थ दुहिता मेउद्य नातिस्वस्थेव लक्ष्यते
cintayāmāsa tat kāryaṁ sumahat svāṁ sutāṁ prati | kimarthaṁ duhitā me 'dya nātisvastheva lakṣyate ||
Bṛhadaśva reflected deeply on that grave matter concerning his own daughter: “For what reason does my daughter today appear as though she is not in good health?” The line conveys a father’s ethical concern and protective responsibility, as he tries to discern the cause behind her visible distress.
बृहदश्चव उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights a guardian’s dharmic attentiveness: noticing signs of distress, reflecting carefully, and seeking the cause before acting. Ethical care begins with perception, concern, and thoughtful inquiry.
Bṛhadaśva observes that his daughter looks unwell or troubled. He becomes concerned and contemplates the serious issue related to her, asking why she appears not fully healthy.