Shloka 5
Adhyāya 73: Damayantī’s Investigation of Bāhuka
Keśinī’s Observations
परं विस्मयमापन्ना श्रुत्वा नादं महास्वनम् | नलेन संगृहीतेषु पुरेव नलवाजिषु । सदृशं रथनिर्घोषं मेने भौमी तथा हया:,वह महाभयंकर रथनाद सुनकर उसे बड़ा विस्मय हुआ। पूर्वकालमें राजा नल जब घोड़ोंकी बाग सँभालते थे, उन दिनों उनके रथसे जैसी गम्भीर ध्वनि प्रकट होती थी, वैसी ही उस समयके रथकी घर्घराहट भी दमयन्ती और उसके घोड़ोंकोी जान पड़ी
bṛhadaśva uvāca | paraṃ vismayam āpannā śrutvā nādaṃ mahāsvanam | nalena saṃgṛhīteṣu pureva nalavājiṣu | sadṛśaṃ rathanirghoṣaṃ mene bhaumī tathā hayāḥ |
布里哈达湿瓦说道：听到那雄浑如雷的巨响，达摩延提惊异至极。她以为这战车的隆隆声，正如往昔那罗王亲执缰绳、驾驭那罗所育良马时所发出的深沉回响；连那些马也仿佛认出了这熟悉的车声。
बृहदश्चव उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights how truth and identity can be revealed through subtle signs: skill, conduct, and characteristic marks. It also underscores steadfast affection and attentive perception—Damayantī’s fidelity and discernment allow her to connect present experience with the remembered excellence of Nala.
As the chariot moves with a powerful, familiar rumble, Damayantī is amazed. The sound reminds her of earlier days when Nala personally controlled the reins, and she (and even the horses) sense a likeness to Nala’s distinctive way of driving—hinting at Nala’s presence or influence.