Shloka 1
दमयन्ती–बाहुकसंवादः
Damayantī’s Dialogue with Bāhuka; Recognition and Disclosure
हि >> मय न () है 7 चतु:ःसप्ततितमो< ध्याय: बाहुक-केशिनी-संवाद दमयन्त्युवाच गच्छ केशिनि जानीहि क एष रथवाहक: । उपविष्टो रथोपस्थे विकृतो हस्वबाहुक:,दमयन्ती बोली--केशिनी! जाओ और पता लगाओ कि यह छोटी-छोटी बाँहोंवाला कुरूप रथवाहक, जो रथके पिछले भागमें बैठा है, कौन है?
bṛhadaśva uvāca — damayanty uvāca: gaccha keśini jānīhi ka eṣa rathavāhakaḥ | upaviṣṭo rathopasthe vikṛto hrasvabāhukaḥ ||
Wika ni Bṛhadaśva: Sinabi ni Damayantī, “Keśinī, humayo ka at alamin kung sino ang kutserong ito—ang pangit at may maiikling bisig na lalaking nakaupo sa hulihang bahagi ng karwahe.”
बृहदश्चव उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse underscores discernment: one should not judge solely by outward appearance. Ethical clarity often requires inquiry and careful verification, especially when identity and intention are uncertain.
Within Bṛhadaśva’s narration, Damayantī notices an oddly deformed, short-armed charioteer seated at the rear of a chariot and instructs her maid Keśinī to go and learn who he is—an investigative step in the Nala–Damayantī episode.