Shloka 8
Damayantī’s Lament, Serpent-Seizure, Rescue by the Hunter, and the Curse
वाक्यमप्रतिनन्दन्तं भर्तारमभिवीक्ष्य सा । दमयन्ती पुनर्वेश्म ब्रीडिता प्रविवेश ह,पतिको अपनी बातका प्रसन्नतापूर्वक उत्तर देते न देख दमयन्ती लज्जित हो पुनः महलके भीतर चली गयी। वहाँ फिर उसने सुना कि सारे पासे लगातार पुण्यश्लोक राजा नलके विपरीत पड़ रहे हैं और उनका सर्वस्व अपहृत हो रहा है। तब उसने पुनः धायसे कहा --बृहत्सेने! फिर राजा नलकी आज्ञासे जाओ और वार्ष्णेय सूतको बुला लाओ। कल्याणि! एक बहुत बड़ा कार्य उपस्थित हुआ है!
vākyam apratinandantaṁ bhartāram abhivīkṣya sā | damayantī punar veśma brīḍitā praviveśa ha ||
Seeing that her husband did not respond to her words with approval, Damayantī—overcome with modest shame—went back into the palace. There she again heard that the dice were repeatedly falling against King Nala, the renowned, and that all his wealth was being taken away. Then she said again to Dhāyasa: “Bṛhatsena! Go once more by King Nala’s command and summon Vārṣṇeya the charioteer. Auspicious one, a very great matter has arisen.”
बृहृदश्चव उवाच
Educational Q&A
The passage highlights the ethical danger of gambling and the quiet strength of dharma in crisis: Damayantī, though hurt and embarrassed, responds with composure and practical action to protect what remains, showing restraint and responsibility rather than anger.
Damayantī notices that Nala does not welcome her words; she withdraws into the palace in shame. She then hears that the dice keep turning against Nala and his wealth is being seized. Recognizing the gravity of the situation, she instructs that Vārṣṇeya, the charioteer, be summoned immediately.