Shloka 1
Sudeva Identifies Damayantī in Cedi (सुदेवेन दमयन्ती-परिचयः)
हि न () हि २ 7 पजञज्चषष्टितमो< ध्याय: जंगली हाथियोंद्वारा व्यापारियोंके दलका सर्वनाश तथा दुःखित दमयन्तीका चेदिराजके भवनमें सुखपूर्वक निवास बृहदश्चव उवाच सा तच्छुत्वानवद्याज्ञी सार्थवाहवचस्तदा । जगाम सह तेनैव सार्थेन पतिलालसा,बृहदश्व मुनि कहते हैं--राजन! दलके संचालककी वह बात सुनकर निर्दोष एवं सुन्दर अंगोंवाली दमयन्ती पतिदेवके दर्शनके लिये उत्सुक हो व्यापारियोंके उस दलके साथ ही यात्रा करने लगी
Bṛhadaśva uvāca: sā tac chrutvānavadyā jñī sārthavāhavacas tadā | jagāma saha tenaiva sārthena patilālasā ||
Bṛhadaśva said: O King, having heard the words of the caravan-leader, the blameless and discerning Damayantī—longing to see her husband—set out at once, traveling together with that very company of merchants. The verse highlights steadfast marital devotion and purposeful resolve amid uncertainty on the road.
बृहदश्चव उवाच
Educational Q&A
Even in distress and uncertainty, steadfastness in dharma—here expressed as loyal commitment and purposeful effort—guides action; Damayantī chooses a practical path (joining a caravan) while keeping her ethical aim (reunion with her husband).
After hearing the caravan-leader’s words, Damayantī decides to travel with the merchants’ caravan, motivated by her longing to find and see her husband.