Shloka 22
दमयन्ती–बाहुकसंवादः
Damayantī’s Dialogue with Bāhuka; Recognition and Disclosure
एतच्छुत्वा प्रतिवचस्तस्य दत्तं त्वया किल | यत् पुरा तत् पुनस्त्वत्तो वैदर्भी श्रोतुमिच्छति,बाहुक! ब्राह्मणके मुखसे यह वचन सुनकर पहले आपने जो उत्तर दिया था, उसीको वैदर्भी आपके मुँहसे पुनः: सुनना चाहती हैं
etac chrutvā prativacas tasya dattaṃ tvayā kila | yat purā tat punas tvatto vaidarbhī śrotum icchati, bāhuka |
Nang marinig niya ang mga salitang ito mula sa bibig ng brāhmaṇa, nais niyang marinig muli mula sa sarili mong bibig, O Bāhuka, ang mismong tugon na ibinigay mo noon. Ang Vaidehī ay humihiling ng pag-uulit ng dating sagot, upang tumatag ang kanyang loob.
बाहक उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights the ethical weight of spoken words: a prior answer is treated as binding and significant, worth hearing again for assurance. It underscores accountability in speech and the need for clarity when decisions affect dharma and relationships.
A brāhmaṇa conveys a request: Damayantī (the Vaidarbhī) wants to hear directly from Bāhuka the same response he had given earlier. This indicates an ongoing exchange where Bāhuka’s words are being tested or sought for confirmation.