Shloka 22
Rathaghoṣa–Saṃjñāna: Damayantī’s Inference and the Dispatch of the Envoy (Āraṇyaka-parva, Adhyāya 71)
रश्मिभिश्न समुद्यम्य नलो यातुमियेष स: । सूतमारोप्य वा्ष्णेयं जवमास्थाय वै परम्,फिर अपने हाथमें बागडोर ले उन्हें काबूमें करके रथको आगे बढ़ानेकी इच्छा की। वा्ष्णेय सारथिको रथपर बैठाकर अत्यन्त वेगका आश्रय ले उन्होंने रथ हाँक दिया। बाहुकके द्वारा विधिपूर्वक हाँके जाते हुए वे उत्तम अश्व रथीको मोहित--से करते हुए इतने तीव्र वेगसे चले, मानो आकाशमें उड़ रहे हों
raśmibhiś ca samudyamya nalo yātum iyeṣa saḥ | sūtam āropya vārṣṇeyaṁ javam āsthāya vai param ||
Disse Ṛtupārṇa: “Tomando firmemente as rédeas em suas mãos e trazendo os cavalos ao controle, Nala decidiu partir. Fazendo Vārṣṇeya, o cocheiro, sentar-se no carro, impeliu a parelha à máxima velocidade e seguiu adiante. Aqueles excelentes cavalos, conduzidos com método correto por Bāhuka (Nala disfarçado), avançaram com tal rapidez que pareciam aturdir o cocheiro, como se voassem pelo céu.”
ऋचुपर्ण उवाच
Educational Q&A
Mastery begins with restraint: by firmly taking the reins and controlling the horses, Nala exemplifies disciplined skill (yoga-like self-command) applied to duty. The verse highlights how competence and composure can inspire awe and accomplish urgent aims without chaos.
Ṛtupārṇa describes Nala (disguised as Bāhuka) preparing to depart: he seizes the reins, seats Vārṣṇeya on the chariot, and drives at extraordinary speed. The horses, expertly handled, move so swiftly that they seem to fly, astonishing the charioteer.