Shloka 24
Adhyāya 73: Damayantī’s Investigation of Bāhuka
Keśinī’s Observations
राजानं राजपुत्रं वा न सम पश्यति कंचन । नैव स्वयंवरकथां न च विप्रसमागमम्,उन्होंने वहाँ किसी भी राजा या राजकुमारको नहीं देखा। ब्राह्मणोंका भी वहाँ समागम नहीं हो रहा था। स्वयंवरकी तो कोई चर्चातक नहीं थी। तब कोशलनरेशने मन-ही-मन कुछ विचार किया और विदर्भराजसे कहा--'राजन्! मैं आपका अभिवादन करनेके लिये आया हूँ"
rājānaṁ rājaputraṁ vā na sama paśyati kañcana | naiva svayaṁvarakathāṁ na ca viprasamāgamam ||
Wika ni Bṛhadaśva: Wala siyang nakitang hari o prinsipe man lamang—wala ring usap-usapan tungkol sa svayaṃvara, at wala ring pagtitipon ng mga Brahmin. Nang mapansin ang mga palatandaang ito, nagmuni-muni ang hari ng Kośala at saka nagsalita sa pinuno ng Vidarbha: “O Hari, naparito ako upang magbigay-galang sa inyo.”
बृहदश्चव उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights prudent discernment in royal conduct: a ruler reads social and ritual signs (absence of kings, Brahmins, and svayaṃvara talk) before speaking, then proceeds with respectful diplomacy. Ethical emphasis lies in restraint, observation, and courteous address.
Bṛhadaśva narrates that the Kośala king arrives and notices that no kings or princes are present, there is no discussion of a svayaṃvara, and no Brahmin assembly. Suspecting something unusual, he reflects and then formally greets the Vidarbha king, stating he has come to offer respects.