- Author : Vidwan Sri Ramavithalacharya
- Translator & Illustrator : Smt. Chomini Prakash
Monarch became an attendant
Having abandoned Damayanti, while Nala wandered through the forest alone, he saw a tremendous conflagration raging through the forest. From amidst the flames, he heard a voice repeatedly shriek, “Nala rush hither! Well spoken one of great repute! Dart hither and extricate me!”. “Fear not, i am coming for you right away”, said Nala and without hesitation, he lept into the fire. He spotted the snake Karkotaka lay in coils, afflicted by the flames around. Trembling and with folded palms, he pleaded with Nala, “I deceived a great sage and he cursed me with immobility, until the virtuous Nala comes and redeems me. The heat from the fire is inundating. Being unable to move, i am tormented. I pray you lift me and save me from this fire. I shall be your friend and shall aid in your welfare. I shall shrink my body so that you may carry with ease.” Having spoken thus, Karkotaka shrunk himself to the size of a thumb. Nala picked him up and lept to a spot free from fire, thereby saving Karkotaka.
Karkotaka again addressed him, “Nala, take a few steps with me. I shall do you great good.” Nala complied and when he took the tenth step, Karkotaka bit him and disfigured him! Karkotaka on the other hand, assumed his original form.
“Nala, do not grieve at your deformation. I did so to ensure that others do not recognise you. The venom that has been injected into you shall afflict and torment Kali who dwells within you. You will no longer have to fear enemies or animals. You will emerge victorious in all battles. You shall attain self-realisation.
Go to King Rituparna and introduce yourself to him as Baahuka. He is a proficient dicer. Impart your expertise in horses to him and in return acquire the skill of dice. The King of Ayodhya, Rituparna shall be your friend. You shall reuinte with your consort and children. When you desire to regain your original form, remember me and wear these two garments – you shall at once behold your beautiful form.” Having instructed Nala thus, Karkotaka gave him two pieces of clothing and disappeared. Thereafter, Nala proceeded towards Rituparna. He humbly bowed before King Rituparna and prayed, “Majesty! I am Baahuka. I am adept in handling horses. I can also offer sound advice on matters of finance. I excel in the art of cooking. I am well versed in all the arts. Would you induct me into the royal service?”
Rituparna assured, “Certainly yes. There are times when i am required to travel between cities speedily. You be the chief of my stables. I shall make arrangements for your remuneration. Varshneya and Jivala shall be your adjutants.”
Nala lived on there. Even as he went about his duties, he thought a lot about Damayanti. Every evening, he recited a verse – “Afflicted by hunger and thirst, how despondent would she be thinking of her ill-fated husband. In whom would she have sought refuge?”
Upon incessantly hearing this mournful verse from Nala, a curious Jivala inquired, “Whom do you lament thus every day?” Nala replied, “Damayanti is the consort of a friend. Her ill fated husband got into some trouble and abandoned her in the forest. Unable to see her, he grieves for her – a helpless beloved wife afflicted by hunger and thirst. I was recounting that.”
The repercussions of deception of a great sage haunted Karkotaka without exemption. He was caught immobile amidst the flames of a raging fire and was rescued by Nala. If we deceive the wise, no matter how prepotent we are, that sin will haunt us!
Association with the virtuous will help us tide over perils. Just as Karkotaka obtained emancipation through Nala. The rescued Karkotaka deformed Nala and gave him protection. He showed him ground for his life. The emperor Nala had to work for another king for a living. At times, when we face adversities, keeping a low profile is beneficial. It serves as a protective shield.
When we are shrouded in gloom, our pride and ego should be covered up. In unfavorable times, we should be willing to work under another for a living. If we are amply qualified, in times of hardship, they brings us concrete support. A monarch may become an attendant. He should not perish.
