The threat of a second marriage
Author: Vid. Shri Ramavittalacharya
Translator & Illustrator : Smt. Chomini Prakash
The Queen Mother tended to Damayanti with the best of food, garments, adornments and lovingly conceded to her request of being allowed to return to the land of the Vidarbhas.
Damayanti’s parents, confidants and relatives rejoiced upon her arrival at her paternal home. Her children were delighted to see her. Damayanti enquired about the wellbeing of her kin and was elated too. The night whisked past but the conversations didn’t cease.
In time, Damayanti was overcome by heartache as she pined for her consort. She approached her mother in solitude and addressed her – “Mother! If you wish that I live, do endeavour to bring Nala back”. Understanding the grief of her daughter, she appealed to her husband King Bhīma that a search for Nala be conducted at once.
King Bhīma agreed and called for the trusted brāhmaṇas. He ordered them to set out in all directions to look for Nala. Those brāhmaṇas approached Damayanti and informed her of the quest they were undertaking in accordance with the royal order. Damayanti spoke unto them thus, “brāhmaṇas, wherever there is a gathering of people, speak these words – ‘My beloved! Where have you gone clad in the other half of my garment that you cut off, betraying and abandoning me in the forest? Damayanti has been awaiting you. Have pity upon her. Relent and speak back Nala. Where are you?’ brāhmaṇas! This does not suffice. Cite yet another anecdote to evoke his sympathy. ‘Assisted by the wind, the fire consumes the forest. Shouldn’t the husband always protect the wife?
Being of great lineage, righteous and kind hearted, why today have you turned so ruthless? I have heard it from you that benevolence is the highest virtue. Perhaps my ill fate is the reason for your lack of empathy!’ brāhmaṇas, if anyone in the crowds is moved by these words and reacts, enquire about who he is, where he dwells and bring me all the pertinent information. Whether the man is rich, poor or weak, mark his response and notify me of his movements immediately.” The brāhmaṇas set out in search of Nala. They looked for him in towns, kingdoms, villages and congregations. Everywhere they went, they announced Damayanti’s words aloud, ensuring it reached the ears of people.
After a long time, a brāhmaṇa by the name of parṇāda returned to the kingdom of Niṣadha and sought out Damayanti. He said, “I went to ayōdhyā and repeated your words at the court of King R̥tuparṇa. King R̥tuparṇa spoke nothing. However, one of his attendants by the name of bāhuka, heeded my announcement. He is a man with short arms, of unsightly appearance, adept at driving chariots with great speed and formidable culinary skills. He approached me in solitude, inquired about my welfare and with a long sigh, weeping repeatedly said, “Chaste women, despite being distressed, will protect themselves. Through their restraint, they conquer the heavens. Although they may be separated from their consort, their virtuous behaviour becomes their armour; it behoves them not to be angered. Her husband must have abandoned her owing to distress and ill fortune. Deprived by the birds of his garments while striving for sustenance and afflicted by grief, he must be alive somewhere. She should not be angry with him.
Whether treated with regard or otherwise, despoiled of his kingdom and destitute of prosperity, if he were to return to her, may she never be angered.” Thus, having heard his words, I have eagerly and speedily returned here. I have narrated everything to you. May the further course of action be as you deem appropriate. Inform the King of it too.
Damayanti hastened to her mother and in private, said, “Mother! Please don’t divulge this to father. Just as Sudēva looked for me and brought me back here, I shall employ him to visit ayōdhyā and bring Nala back.”
After parṇāda had obtained some rest, she offered honoured him with a lot of wealth and said, “Let Nala return. I shall award you with more wealth. You have done me a great service that none else could have. You have paved the path for me to reunite with my consort. I am immensely grateful.” Parṇāda showered her with auspicious blessings and retreated.
Yonder, Damayanti called for Sudēva in the presence of her mother and said, “brāhmaṇa! Go to the city of ayōdhyā and inform King R̥tuparṇa,’Damayanti is remarrying. Hence, a swayamvara has been announced. All the kings and princes are thronging to it. You may attend it too. The time is fixed. It will be held tomorrow. Soon after daybreak tomorrow, Damayanti will choose a second husband for she does not know whether her husband Nala is alive or dead. After he fled, his whereabouts have been unknown.’” The brāhmaṇa Sudēva set out to ayōdhyā, met King R̥tuparṇa and said unto him all that he had been directed to.
Damayanti was aware of the predicament of her consort and her heart ached to reunite with him. She came up with the idea of announcing her second marriage for she was certain that Nala would return upon hearing the news.
The showbiz girls who consider property, salary, job in the software industry, employment abroad, abandonment of parents who gave birth – as prerequisites to marriage would never be able to understand the allure of the hearts of Nala – Damayanti. Even when the demigods desired to marry Damayanti, she humbly declined them stating that her consort could be none other than Nala. Nala lost his kingdom and was relegated to the forest. He abandoned her there. Yet she was eager to reunite with him. This tender love of Damayanti’s cannot be comprehended by the millenials.
If it were the intelligent women of today, they would have started a family with another man and roamed around with him comfortably in a car by the time their spouse returned. Alas! Perhaps our Damayanti didn’t have such prudence?
