Shloka 35
ऋतुपर्णस्य विदर्भयात्रा-निश्चयः तथा बाहुकस्य हयपरिक्षा (Ṛtuparṇa’s resolve to go to Vidarbha and Bāhuka’s examination of horses)
ततो विदर्भाधिपतेर्नियोगाद् ब्राह्मणास्तदा । दमयन्तीमथो सृत्वा प्रस्थिता:स्मेत्यथाब्रुवन्,तत्पश्चात् विदर्भनरेशकी आज्ञासे ब्राह्मणलोग प्रस्थित हो दमयन्तीके पास जाकर बोले --'राजकुमारी! हम सब नलका पता लगाने जा रहे हैं (क्या आपको कुछ कहना है?)
tato vidarbhādhipater niyogād brāhmaṇās tadā | damayantīm atho sṛtvā prasthitāḥ smety athābruvan ||
Then, at the command of the lord of Vidarbha, the Brahmins set out. Approaching Damayantī, they addressed her: “Princess, we are departing to seek news of Nala—do you have any message to convey?” The scene underscores dutiful service to the king’s order and compassionate concern for Damayantī’s rightful bond.
युदेव उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights dharma as faithful execution of entrusted duty: the Brahmins act as responsible emissaries under royal command, while also showing sensitivity to Damayantī’s situation by inviting her message—duty tempered with compassion.
The ruler of Vidarbha orders Brahmins to go in search of Nala. Before departing, they approach Damayantī and ask whether she wishes to send any message, setting up the next steps in the Nala–Damayantī storyline.