Damayanti Sends Keshini to Question Bahuka
From her palace window, Damayanti sees a charioteer with short arms and a malformed body — and her heart grows calm. She sends her maid Keshini to question him, suspecting this is King Nala in disguise. Keshini learns he is Rituparna's charioteer and cook, and that Varshneya is with them, but the suspicion remains.
Damayanti watched from the palace as the chariot arrived. She saw the driver — a man seated beside the king, malformed, with short arms. Something stirred in her. Her mind became satisfied. Her heart grew calm.
She called for Keshini.
"Go and find out who that charioteer is," she said. "Approach him gently and ask about his welfare. I have great anxiety that this is King Nala. My mind is satisfied and my heart is calm. In the course of conversation, use Parnada's words. Pay attention to his reply."
Keshini went carefully to where Bahuka sat, while Damayanti watched from the palace.
"O Indra among men! Welcome. I wish you all welfare," Keshini said. "Damayanti has asked a question. Listen attentively. When did you leave? Why have you come here? Tell me everything truthfully. The daughter of Vidarbha wishes to know."
Bahuka replied, "The famous king of Koshala heard that Damayanti will hold a second svayamvara (a ceremony where a princess chooses her husband) tomorrow. On hearing this, the king set out with excellent steeds that are as swift as the wind and capable of travelling a hundred yojanas. I am his charioteer."
Keshini pressed further. "Who is the third man in your group? Whose is he and where has he come from? Why did this task have to be performed by you?"
Bahuka answered, "He was the charioteer of Punyashloka and is famous by the name of Varshneya. When Nala fled, he went to Bhangasvari. I am skilled in handling horses and am an expert cook. Rituparna appointed me as his charioteer and his cook."
"Does Varshneya know where King Nala has gone?" Keshini asked. "Has he said anything in your presence?"
Bahuka shook his head. "Having brought the children of the evil-acting Nala here, he went away where he desired and has no knowledge of Nishadha. There is no other man who knows anything about Nala. The lord of the earth roams the world in disguise, in a different form. Nala alone knows where he is, and the lady who is like his second self. Nala never reveals his signs in any way."
Keshini returned to Damayanti and reported everything. The charioteer was Bahuka — a servant of Rituparna, skilled with horses and an expert cook. Varshneya was with them but knew nothing of Nala's whereabouts. The suspicion remained, unresolved, waiting for the next test. Aranyaka Parva, Chapter 369