Shloka 16
दमयन्ती–बाहुकसंवादः
Damayantī’s Dialogue with Bāhuka; Recognition and Disclosure
आत्मैव तु नलं वेद या चास्य तदनन्तरा । न हि वै स्वानि लिड्रानि नल: शंसति कहिचित्,परमात्मा ही नलको जानते हैं तथा उसकी जो अन्तरात्मा है, वह उन्हें जानती है, दूसरा कोई नहीं; क्योंकि राजा नल अपने लक्षणों या चिह्लोंको कभी दूसरोंके सामने नहीं प्रकट करते हैं
ātmā eva tu nalaṃ veda yā cāsya tadanantarā | na hi vai svāni liṅgāni nalaḥ śaṃsati karhi cit |
Wika ni Bāhaka: “Si Nala lamang ang tunay na nakakakilala kay Nala—at gayundin ang pinakamalapit na kamalayang nasa loob niya. Sapagkat si Haring Nala’y hindi kailanman nagbubunyag ng sarili niyang mga palatandaan ng pagkakakilanlan sa sinuman, sa anumang oras.”
बाहक उवाच
Educational Q&A
True identity is ultimately known from within: the self and its inner witness know the truth, while outward recognition can be withheld. Ethically, the verse highlights restraint in self-disclosure and the dignity of guarding one’s personal signs when circumstances demand discretion.
Bāhuka (Nala in disguise) explains why others cannot identify Nala: Nala keeps his distinguishing marks secret and does not reveal them. This supports the ongoing concealment of his identity within the Nalopākhyāna episode.