Shloka 8
Adhyāya 73: Damayantī’s Investigation of Bāhuka
Keśinī’s Observations
दमयन्त्युवाच यथासौ रथनिर्घोष: पूरयज्निव मेदिनीम् । ममाह्नवादयते चेतो नल एष महीपति:,(उस समय) दमयन्तीने (मन-ही-मन) कहा--अहो! रथकी वह घर्घराहट इस पृथ्वीको गुँजाती हुई जिस प्रकार मेरे मनको आह्वाद प्रदान कर रही है, उससे जान पड़ता है, ये महाराज नल ही पधारे हैं
damayanty uvāca | yathāsau rathanirghoṣaḥ pūrayann iva medinīm | mamāhvādayate ceto nala eṣa mahīpatiḥ ||
Damayantī disse (consigo mesma): “Assim como esse estrondo do carro parece encher toda a terra, assim ele deleita e chama o meu coração. Deve ser o próprio rei Nala que chegou.”
बृहदश्चव उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights the power of inner recognition and steadfast affection: Damayantī’s heart responds to a familiar sign (the chariot’s sound), suggesting that deep bonds and memory can guide discernment even amid uncertainty.
Damayantī hears the thunderous approach of a chariot. Interpreting the sound as uniquely familiar and heart-stirring, she concludes inwardly that the arriving king must be Nala.