Shloka 22
दमयन्ती–बाहुकसंवादः
Damayantī’s Dialogue with Bāhuka; Recognition and Disclosure
एतच्छुत्वा प्रतिवचस्तस्य दत्तं त्वया किल | यत् पुरा तत् पुनस्त्वत्तो वैदर्भी श्रोतुमिच्छति,बाहुक! ब्राह्मणके मुखसे यह वचन सुनकर पहले आपने जो उत्तर दिया था, उसीको वैदर्भी आपके मुँहसे पुनः: सुनना चाहती हैं
etac chrutvā prativacas tasya dattaṃ tvayā kila | yat purā tat punas tvatto vaidarbhī śrotum icchati, bāhuka |
Having heard these words from the brāhmaṇa, she wishes to hear again from your own mouth, O Bāhuka, the very reply that you once gave earlier. The Vaidehī seeks a repetition of your former answer—suggesting both the gravity of the matter and her need for certainty and moral clarity.
बाहक उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights the ethical weight of spoken words: a prior answer is treated as binding and significant, worth hearing again for assurance. It underscores accountability in speech and the need for clarity when decisions affect dharma and relationships.
A brāhmaṇa conveys a request: Damayantī (the Vaidarbhī) wants to hear directly from Bāhuka the same response he had given earlier. This indicates an ongoing exchange where Bāhuka’s words are being tested or sought for confirmation.