Nala learnt – Kali surrendered
- Author: Vid. Shri Ramavittalacharya
- Translator & Illustrator: Smt. Chomini Prakash
Desirous of participating in the Damayanti swayamvara, King R̥tuparṇa called for bāhuka and told him that they ought to travel to Vidarbha in a single day. Upon hearing about the Damayanti swayamvara, the heart of Nala, who was in the guise of bāhuka, shattered with grief. He thought, “Did Damayanti think of a second marriage having overcome by sorrow? Or is this a tactic to track me down? Did she agree to this hard hearted deed after being deceived by my sinful self? By nature, women are fickle. My offence too has been cruel! It has been a long while since I abandoned her in the forest. Thus, has the love she had for me dissipated! How could she, a mother of two children cede to another marriage! Nay, she would never do this.
Whether this is truth or falsehood, I shall ascertain only after going there. I shall utilize R̥tuparṇa’s aspiration for my own selfish need.” Having pondered thus, bāhuka told the King, “Certainly, I shall take you to the land of the niṣadhas in a single day.” The King was elated. Without further ado, bāhuka rushed to the stables and examined the steeds. He chose slender horses with the ability to gallop with great speed. Having looked at bāhuka’s choice of horses, the King grew sceptic and asked if those lean and feeble looking horses would be able to get them through the long journey in a single day. Owing to the King’s trepidation, Bāhuka suggested that the King choose his own horses. R̥tuparṇa responded, “No! No! It’s not that. I am not adept in matters relating to horses. Yoke those that you think are best suited.”
Bahuka yoked ten horses, seated the King and set out. Vārṣṇēya too was seated beside the King. Noticing the charioteering proficiency, rein over the steeds, the whizzing sound of the chariot, vārṣṇēya was astounded and wondered if bāhuka was indeed mātali, the charioteer of Indra? Or was he śālihōtra, versed in the science of horses? Or has King Nala, the scholar of hippology, come in this form? Or has he received training in horses from Nala? Bāhuka and Nala appear to be of the same age. As a consequence of destiny, sometimes, illustrious people walk this earth in disguise. His unsightly appearance gives room for suspicion. Vārṣṇēya sat speculating. The chariot was coursing through swiftly, crossing several mountains and rivers. R̥tuparṇa felt like he was flying through the clouds and was travelling with exuberance. Owing to the speed, the upper garment of the King fell to the ground. The King said.” Bāhuka, my upper garment has slipped. Stop, I shall recover it.” With a smile, Nala replied, “Oh King! The place where your garment has fallen is now miles away. It is not possible to retrieve it now.”
King R̥tuparṇa exclaimed, “Bāhuka! There are hundred and one fruits fallen at the base of this vibhītaki (Terminalia Bellirica) tree. The main branches of this tree have five thousand leaves, and the minor branches have two thousand five hundred leaves. There are a total of two thousand and ninety five fruits on this tree. Verify for yourself. This is the study of statistics. Not everyone can be proficient in everything. You have a flair for horses and I have the aptitude for dicing and calculation. Bāhuka offered to count it all and establish the accuracy of the King’s calculation. The King was anxious that it would lead to a delay and said, “Bāhuka! Not now. It’s late.” Bāhuka disembarked from the chariot and said,” Disown your worry. I shall take you at the predetermined time. For now, I shall count the leaves and fruits and be back.”
He approached the vibhītaki tree and began counting. He was astounded at the accuracy of the King and said, “Oh King! Preach to me the study of numbers, calculation and dicing. I shall teach you all about horses.” Enticed by the opportunity to gain mastery over horses, the King imparted his knowledge to bāhuka with the trust that he would be taught about horses at a later time.
As soon as he learnt the science of dice, Kali fell out of Nala’s body. He fell out throwing up the virulent poison of karkōṭaka. Nala lost his unsightly appearance. He stepped forward to curse Kali. A terrified Kali pleaded with folded palms, “Oh King! Do not curse. Abandon your anger. I shall increase your fame. Damayanti has already cursed me when she was abandoned by you. I have suffered enormously on account of Damayanti’s curse and the poison of karkōṭaka while I resided in you. I surrender to you. From now onward, whoever contemplates upon you, Damayanti and R̥tuparṇa, they will not be afflicted by me.” Having spoken these words, Kali entered into the vibhītaki tree. With the entry of Kali into the vibhītaki tree, it became infamous. The departure of Kali from the body of Nala was invisible to the King and vārṣṇēya. Nala mounted the chariot and proceeded with great speed.
Nala and R̥tuparṇa mutually shared their expertise with one another. The learned must have this largesse. Kali departed from the learned Nala. Instead of sitting with tied hands, in this age of Kali, if one strives to convert it into the age of kali (learning), even Kali will stay at bay. Kali suffered from the curse of the virtuous Damayanti. Women should avoid perversion and strive to be a devoted consort like Damayanti.
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