Shloka 7
दमयन्ती–बाहुकसंवादः
Damayantī’s Dialogue with Bāhuka; Recognition and Disclosure
कदा वै प्रस्थिता यूयं किमर्थमिह चागता: । तत् व्वं ब्रूहि यथान्यायं वैदर्भी श्रोतुमिच्छति,विदर्भराजकुमारी यह सुनना चाहती हैं कि आपलोग अयोध्यासे कब चले हैं और किस लिये यहाँ आये हैं? आप न्यायके अनुसार ठीक-ठीक बतायें
Bṛhadaśva uvāca: kadā vai prasthitā yūyaṁ kim artham iha cāgatāḥ | tat tvaṁ brūhi yathānyāyaṁ vaidarbhī śrotum icchati ||
Bṛhadaśva said: “When did you set out, and for what purpose have you come here? Tell it truly and in accordance with what is proper; the princess of Vidarbha wishes to hear it.”
बृहदश्चव उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse foregrounds dharma in speech: one should answer inquiries truthfully and appropriately (yathā-nyāyam), especially in a formal or sensitive context.
Bṛhadaśva prompts a spokesperson among the visitors to explain when they departed and why they have arrived, because the Vidarbha princess wishes to hear the account.