Nala became overwhelmed with sorrow as he stood in front of Damayanti and shed tears of grief. Despite her beloved being beside her, unable to move the screen of her mental dilemmas, Damayanti was miserable and withered in pain.
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.
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.
Author : Vidwan Sri Ramavithalacharya Translator & Illustrator : Smt. Chomini Prakash Read part 7 here. Where is Damayanti? Scout! When Nala–Damayanti disappeared, Damayanti’s father,… Read More »Tales of Nala and Damayanti – 8
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!
As she walked along the main street with unkempt hair, a garment that barely covered her and in a disheveled state, children and young men surrounded her thinking her to be a mad woman. King Subahu’s mother, who had been curiously witnessing all of this from the terrace of her chamber, instructed her attendant thus, “Go bring that woman. Drive the people away. There is a divine radiance in her face.”
Though Nala abandoned her midway, she didn’t nurture vengeance or anger towards him. On the contrary, her love and longing for Nala swelled and she wandered enquiring about him with the forest trees and beings. Isn’t the love that Damayanti bore for her consort exemplary? Despite the agony of separation from her beloved, solitary confinement and travails that befell her at the forest, she didn’t lash out at Nala!
Having lost in the game of dice, Nala, along with Damayanti, reached the forest. He said to Damayanti who was suffering due to him, “My confidant! This path leads to the kingdom of Vidarbha.” Damayanti replied, “Lord! Why are you directing my attention towards the pathway that leads to my paternal home? I cannot leave you in this agonizing state and go there at a time when you have lost your kingdom, wealth and opulent robes too and are exhausted due to the affliction of hunger and thirst. I shall stay by your side and reduce the trepidation of the ordeal you are facing, being weary from wandering, reminiscing the happy times of the past and bereft of food and sleep. In all times of tribulations, there is no better companion than one’s consort. For all distresses, the wife is the most profound panacea!”
Pushkara invited Nala to gamble. Nala acceded to the request. All his well-wishers implored him to refrain from gambling. Nala did not pay heed. He drowned in the game. The ministers, along with the citizens, arrived at the palace to obviate Nala from gambling.
King Bhima pronounced the swayamvara of Damayanti. Several gallant kings hastened to attend it. Along with Nala, Indra-Agni-Yama-Varuna assumed the physical appearance of Nala and remained seated in the swayamvara pavilion.