Shloka 4
नलस्य विवस्त्रीकरणं दमयन्ती-सहानुगमनं च
Nala’s Disrobing and Damayantī’s Companionship
तमब्रवीत् प्रहस्येन्द्रो निर्वृत्त: स स्वयंवर: । वृतस्तया नलो राजा पतिरस्मत्समीपत:,तब इन्द्रने हँलँकर कहा--“वह स्वयंवर तो हो गया। हमारे समीप ही दमयन्तीने राजा नलको अपना पति चुन लिया
tam abravīt prahasyendro nirvṛttaḥ sa svayaṃvaraḥ | vṛtā tayā nalo rājā patir asmat-samīpataḥ ||
Indra, smiling, said to him: “That svayaṃvara has now concluded. Right here in our very presence, Damayantī has chosen King Nala as her husband.” The line underscores the public, dharmic finality of a bride’s choice in a duly held svayaṃvara, even when powerful beings are present.
बु॒हदश्व उवाच
Educational Q&A
A properly conducted svayaṃvara culminates in the bride’s decisive choice, which carries social and moral finality; even the presence of divine powers does not negate her agency within dharma.
Indra, smiling, informs the listener that the svayaṃvara has ended and that Damayantī has publicly chosen King Nala as her husband, right before the assembled beings.