Nala and Damayanti
Nala was the monarch who ruled over the
kingdom called Nishadha. He was possessed of many qualities. On the one
hand he was handsome and powerful. He was well versed with knowledge like that
of handling horses and driving chariots. He owned over a large army and a
prosperous kingdom. On the other hand he respected Brahmins and was
well versed in scriptures. He was therefore like a God on the earth because of
his wisdom, might and splendour. However he had one weakness. He loved the game
of dice.
A king called Bhima ruled over the
kingdom of Vidarbha. The king was well respected and had everything,
except that he was childless. Once, a sage named Daman came to his
kingdom and on propitiating that sage in the best possible manner, the king got
a boon from the sage to have a daughter and three sons. The daughter was named
as Damayanti while the sons were named as Dama, Danta and
Damana. While the three sons grew up to become powerful and heroic,
Damayanti grew up to be one of the most beautiful maidens on earth,
whose beauty surpassed even those in the heaven. The bards and other people who
visit different regions, in presence of Damayanti used to sing the
praise of Nala, while in presence of Nala they could not find
enough words to eulogize the beauty of Damayanti. Both Nala
and Damayanti, on hearing about each other, secretly longed for each
other.
One day when Nala was standing on the
terrace of his palace, he could see a flock of swans wandering above. He caught
one of the swans with golden wings. The swan told him that the king should not
kill him and instead should set him free so that he could go to
Damayanti and tell her about Nala in such a way that she would
marry none but Nala. Then Nala set the swan free. The flock of
swan went to Vidarbha and came to the place where Damayanti
was spending time in leisure along with her companions. By seeing the flock
Damayanti went to catch hold of the swans when they all fled, except
one, who stayed back and said that Damyanti must marry Nala,
the best and the most handsome king on the face of the earth, who was her only
suitable groom. He was beautiful as the twin Aswinikumaras, and was
verily like the Kandarpa. There was no other person in the three worlds
who was comparable to Nala in terms of beauty and wisdom, not even the
Gods. On hearing this Damayanti expressed her approval, being desirous
of marrying Nala. The swan then came back to Nala and related
to him the entire conversation whereupon Nala was delighted.
The king Bhima, who had planned for the
marriage of his daughter, had organized a grand ceremony in which her daughter
would choose her would be groom. Named as Swayamvara or "Herself the
chooser", it was a prevalent customs among the kings of olden days to organize a
grand festival in which their daughters would choose their husbands from among
the kings and princes who would assemble in that reception. Afterwards, whom the
princess chose as her future husband, that lucky person would become the groom.
So Bhima, in accordance with the custom, invited all the major kings
and princes from different states and provinces. The kings are princes came with
their armies and horses and elephants to show their might and they all were put
up as guests in Vidarbha.
During the same time, the two celestial sages,
Narada and Parvata, had gone t heaven to meet Indra,
the king of Gods. Indra, also known as Sakra, expressed his
concern that those mortal kings of the earth, who fought and died a heroe's
death on the battlefight and were always invited as honoured guests in the realm
of Indra, were not coming anymore to the heaven. What could be the possible
reason for the same? Narada replied that there was no warefare because
all the kings had assembled in the Swayamvara of Damayanti.
Narada further said that Damayanti was the most beautiful princess
and her beauty compared with that of the best of the celestials. It therefore
befitted Indra and other celestials to go to the Swayamvara
and try their luck. Yama, Varuna and Agni were also present
and they heard the conversation. Theye were desirous of attending the
Swayamvara and together with Indra they set off for
Vidarbha.
King Nala, on hearing about the
Swayamvara, was also coming to Vidarbha. On the way, the
celestials met Nala and they were amazed by the splendour of the king.
He was as handsome as the God of love and his had outshone even the celestials.
The Lokapalas or the rulers of the universe, by seeing Nala,
gave up whatever hope they had of marrying Damayanti as they knew in
their hearts that Damayanti would choose Nala. However they
made a plan, rose in the air and addressed Nala saying that the
foremost of the king should be their messenger for a purpose. Without asking
what the purpose was, Nala, good natured as he was, acceded and then
asked the celestials for their introduction and the message that they wished him
to deliver. The celestials introduced themselves and told Nala that
they were infatuated with Damayanti and hence were going to the
Swayamvara. They would require Nala to go beforehand to
Damayanti in her private chamber and tell her to select one of the
Lokapalas as her husband. Nala pleaded with them that since he
was very much in love with Damayanti and was going to the
Swayamvara with the object of marrying her, it did not befit the Gods
to send him on such an errand. However the Gods sternly replied that
Nala had promised to do their bidding and therefore he could not go
back on his words. Nala was dejected but he decided to keep his promise
and asked the Gods as to how he would gain access to the private chambers. The
Gods said that it would be possible by their grace.
Nala thus entered the private palace of
Damayanti unseen and he saw the fair maiden resting along with her hand
maidens. She was verily the Goddess of beauty herself and even the moonlight
paled in comparison with her gentle and majestic beauty. Nala's love
for her increased a thousandfold but he had a difficult task to accomplish and
therefore he steadied himself. Meanwhile the girls had seen Nala and
they were also captivated by his beauty and charm. Damayanti asked him
as to who he was and how he could enter her chamber undetected by the guards,
even though the king Bhima had stern instructions to ensure her
security. Nala gave his name and stated that he came to deliver a
message on behalf of the celestials. The Lokapalas would every much
like one of them to be selected by Damayanti tomorrow in the
Swayamvara. On hearing that it was Nala himself who had come
to see her, and on seeing his incomparable beauty, Damayanti, with
tearful eyes, said that she had already chosen Nala as her husband and she could
not select anyone else. Nala tried to reason with her saying that the
celestials were more powerful than him and it was his duty to speak on behalf of
them, not for himself. Damayanti, being very intelligent, quickly
understood Nala's predicament. She said that since Nala had
delivered his message, he had kept his promise and therefore had nothing to
fear. She, on the other hand, having heard the message, had decided to select
Nala in presence of the celestials.
Nala therefore went back to the
celestials who were waiting for him. When they asked him what had passed, he
narrated everything truthfully, finally making them aware of
Damayanti's intention of choosing him inspite of the presence of the
celestials.
The next day the Swayamvara commenced. A
vast arena was decorated with gigantic arches and lofty pillars. Kings from the
different lands had assembled for the spectacular show and they were adorned
with costly jewels and garlands and nice garments. Everybody expectantly waited
for the bride to be. She came at the oppurtune moment and after examining the
different kings, she went to the place where Nala was sitted. Those
kings who were not chosen were disappointed. But when she arrived near
Nala, she was surprised to see not one, but five Nalas, all of
them looked exactly the same, wore the same clothes and had no indication
whatsoever to distinguish one from another. She instantly recognized that it was
a ploy of the Gods to get her favour in this way. Instead of choosing
Nala she would by accident choose one of them. She thought and thought,
but whatever indications she had heard in the scriptures that distinguished the
celestials from mortals were not present in any of them. Being afraid that she
might choose the wrong Nala, she began to mentally pray to the Gods.
She said that she had already chosen Nala as her husband and therefore
it did not behove the Gods to play a prank with her. In any case Nala
was her husband and any choice that she made was bound to be futile. She also
said that it was divinely ordained that Nala would be her husband and
therefore the Gods, for the sake of truth, should comply with the same and
respect her sentiments.
The Gods were very pleased by her prayer and they
understood. Being kind and compassionate, they exhibited in themselves all the
indications that could identify a God, viz. their garlands never faded, they
never had any shadow, they never winked, they never had any sweat and dirt in
their body and their feet never touched the ground. When Damayanti
looked carefully, she could see all those indications in the body of four of the
Nalas, while the fifth one had garlands that had already faded, was
perspiring and had dirt on his garments as he had travelled from a far off
place, had his shadow cast and his feet were resting on the ground.
Damayanti understood that he was the real mortal Nala and
therefore selected him. All other kings were heartbroken but the custom was
preserved. The celestials, the Rishis and other well wishers and
acquaintances were delighted. Nala was very happy and he told
Damayanti that since she considered him even above the celestials, he
would remain faithful to her throughout his life and would try his best to
delight her in every aspect. Damayanti also pledged her loyalty and
love to Nala and the two got married amidst the cheers of the assembled
crowd.
The couple then mentally sought the protection of
the Lokapalas, who were highly pleased with them. Together they
bestowed upon Nala eight boons. Indra assured him of blessed
regions of heaven after his death, and also that he would be able to see
Indra in all his sacrifices. Agni gave him regions of
brightness and also promised that he would be available when Nala
merely asked for him. Yama gave him culinary skills and also his
eminence in virtue. Varuna also promised him his presence whenever he
needed and a celestial garland which never faded.
Nala and Damayanti then got
married amidst great pomp and grandeur and the king of Nishadha
returned to his kingdom accompanied by his beautful wife. There were much
merriments and festivities and his days passed very happily in the company of
his wife. He governed his kingdom diligently and with the welfare of people in
mind and each of his subjects loved him. he enjoyed the company of Damayanti and
they sported together in beautiful gardens. In time, they had two beautiful
children born to them, Indrasen and Indrasena, who were as
lovely as the celestials. The kingdom erupted in merry making and celebrating.
However all good times end and bad periods simply
wait for their time. When the celestials were returning to their heavenly abode,
they met two more celestials, Kali and Dwapara on the way.
Kali, though a celestial, was evil minded, and so was Dwapara.
They were going to the Swayamvara of Damayanti. Kali
wanted to get Damayanti himself. He also heard of her incomparable beauty and
was bent upon acquiring her. Indra, upon hearing this smiled and gave
them the news that the swayamvara had ended and that Damayanti
selected the best of grooms for herself, king Nala. The wrathful
Kali took offense at this and said that it was improper for
Damayanti to choose a mortal in the presence of the Devas. The
Lokapalas told him that they permitted Damayanti to marry
Nala. But Kali was not satisfied. He said that
Damayanti must pay a price because of this transgression. She must
suffer. The Devas headed by Indra then warned Kali
telling him that Nala was the best and most virtuous of human beings,
with numerous sacrifices and charities to his credit. If that blameless monarch
comes to grief on account of evil acts, the perpetrators of such acts may be
doomed to rot in hell. Saying thus, the celestials retired to their regions.
Kali however did not give up the enterprise. Evil as he was,
he could hatch a plan and persuade Dwapar to help him in executing it.
Kali then came to Nishadha and
waited for finding a fault with Nala for entering his body. However he
waited for twelve years in vain and could get none, so particular was
Nala in terms of practices as per scriptural injunctions. But it says
that patience pays, and so it happened one day that Nala forgot to
purify himself before saying his evening prayer. Through this fault as the gate,
Kali entered inside Nala.
Nala had a brother named
Pushkara. The fellow was worthless, lazy and good for nothing. However
being king's brother is a rare privilege and Pushkara therefore enjoyed
his power and position. He never harboured, even in his wildest dream, the
ambition of becoming a king. With Kali entering into fray all that
changed.
Nala had a vice. He was addicted to the
game of dice. However he was a good player and hence did not suffer much on
account of his addiction. Kali one day approached Pushkara and told
him that he could become the king and rule Nishadha if only he invited
Nala to a game of dice, which he would not be able to refuse.
Pushkara was afraid. He knew that he could not win as Nala was
a capable player. But Kali assured him that he could get a victory with
the help of Kali and Dwapar. Kali next asked Dwapar
to help him by becoming the dice himself. Pushkara now approached
Nala in presence of Damayanti and repeatedly entreated him to
play a game of dice with him. Nala knew that Pushkara would
lose, but being a Kshatriya he could not refuse a challenge. Therefore
reluctantly he agreed to take up the challenge. Possessed by Kali, his
senses were somewhat bewildered. Therefore he began to play and lose the game.
All the stakes that he put, gold and silver and chariots and precious jewels,
were all won by Pushkara. Confounded, the king continued with the
perilous game. Nobody could dissuade him from not playing. Deluded by
Kali, he simply won't listen to any sane advice. All the citizens and
councillors of the state came to meet the king to ask him to desist from
playing. But it was of no avail. Damayanti, seeing that danger was
imminent, called for Varshneya, the faithful charioteer of
Nala. She told Varshneya to take Indrasen and
Indrasena to Vidarbha and then he was free to take up any body
else's service. Varshneya consulted ministers and agreed to do work as
per Damayanti's order. He took Indrasen and Indrasena
safely to Vidarbha, took leave from king Bhima and went to
Ayodhya to take up the service of king
Rituparna.
Finally after Pushkara had won everything
with the aid of Kali, the evil minded fellow laughed a cruel, heartless
laughter and told Nala as to what he intended to put in stake. He also
advised Nala to play with Damayanti as a stake, being barely
able to conceal his evil intentions. At this Nala, who was much
aggrieved, despite agitated and burning inside with rage, remained quiet and
desisted from playing further. He was forced to leave the kingdom and wander in
the forest with one piece of cloth on. The evil Pushkara had forbidden
anybody in his kingdom from helping Nala by instilling a fear of
persecution. Therefore although many of his old subjects secretly shed tears for
Nala's plight, nobody dared to come to their assistance. At last,
Nala and Damayanti were very exhausted and worn out from
fatigue and hunger. Nala saw a few birds of golden plume and he tried
to catch them with the garment that he wearing. But the birds flew away with the
garment and while flying said mockingly, "Couldn't you recognize us? we were the
dice. We had come to take away the garment that you were wearing as we did not
like that you had even possessed that." Nala, now completely bereft of
all possessions, was very dejected. He shared the garment wore by
Damayanti and told Damayanti that the roads that led to the
Southern country passed through Avanti. The forest tract had several
hermitages and led to the road to Vidarbha, the kingdom of Bhima.
Damyanti understood that Nala was asking her to leave him and
pleaded with him with tears in her eyes as to why he was behaving so cruelly
with her. She said that she had no intention of leaving Nala behind in
that state of distress and it is better that they both go to Vidrabha
where king Bhima would welcome them with open arms. Nala said
that it also caused him terrible pain to even think of getting separated from
Damayanti. However he would not be able to go to Vidarbha in
the state of despair that had fallen him, when he had on a previous occasion
gone there in his glory and affluence.
The two traveled far and wide into the forest and
at last came to a traveller's shelter. There they spread their garment to take
some rest and the tired Damayanti was soon fast asleep. However
Nala, thinking of the many sufferings borne by Damayanti and
himself, could not sleep. In the meanwhile Kali who was there inside
him began provoking him to leave Damayanti and go elsewhere. He
reasoned with himself that if he deserted Damayanti she might be able
to go back to her relatives on her own. With him, she may have more difficulties
and troubles. He therefore wandered nearby and found a sword lying there, as if
to invite him to take it up for fulfilling his purpose. With that sword he tore
the garment worn by Damayanti and took half a portion of it. However he
could not go far. Lamenting piteously for Damayanti he came back to the
very place where she was sleeping. Again Kali influenced him to go, but
again he came back drawn by his love for her. This tussle continued for sometime
and at last Kali won. Devoid of good senses, Nala left
Damayanti in that forest infested with wild animals and serpents and
ran away, not daring to turn back and after praying to the Gods to look after
her and take care of her.
At last refreshed from her long sleep
Damayanti woke up but she could not find Nala anywhere. She at
first thought that Nala was playing with her, so convinced was she that
he, a firm adherer to truth, would never go back on his words. She therefore
appealed to him to come out of his hiding. But nobody came. She was now terribly
afraid, being alone in that forest, and began to wail for him. Tired and
forlorn, she came to an area in the forest where a large serpent was lying down
and when it saw Damayanti approaching, it coiled around her for the
purpose of eating her. Meanwhile a hunter heard her piteous lamentations and
came running. He cut the beast with his sharp weapon, freed Damayanti,
and gave her water and food. However his intentions were not good as he
was captivated by the beauty of Damayanti. Damayanti understood his
intentions. Her inner purity and chastity was so high that when she cast an
angry glance at the hunter to stop him from carrying out his evil intentions, he
fell dead. Damayanti then walked through that forest which was full of
wild animals.
However Damayanti was not afraid of the
wild animals or for her life. Her every thoughts were devoted to Nala.
She wailed loudly for Nala and asked everybody including the tiger, the
mountain, the animate as well as inanimate objects, the whereabouts of
Nala. She asked the mountain whether it had seen Nala, who was like a
mountain himself in his splendour and glory. She asked the tiger, the Lord of
the jungle whether it had seen her Lord, with his might like a tiger. Wandering
across the forest and bitterly weeping and lamenting for Nala she
atlast came to a beautiful and serene location which was the hermitage of a
number of ascetics or Rishis like Atri, Vasistha, Bhrigu and others.
she entered the asylum reverentially and with due humility and the sages present
welcomed her graceously. The sages then asked Damayanti about herself,
whereby she replied that she was the daughter of the king of Vidarbha,
Bhima and the wife of great ruler on earth, Nala who could
vanquish all the foes and was as handsome as the celestials. She enquired if
Nala had perchance come to that hermitage, and she would not be able to
live without th company of her Lord. The ascetics then replied that through
their mysstic visions they beheld a very bright and prosperous future for
Damayanti, that her Lord, the mighty Nala would soon regain
his glory and meet his beautiful wife, would conquer his foes and rule his
kingdom gladdening his friends. They told Damayanti that her days of
woes would come to an end eventually and that she need not despair. Having
proclaimed this, the seers and their asylum vanished from her sight.
Damayanti was marvelled by this incident and thought that she was
perhaps dreaming a very nice dream. Damayanti then resumed her journey,
still grief stricken on account of her separation from her husband, and came to
another part of the forest where she saw an Asoka tree laden with
beautiful flowers. At once, she, overwhelmed by grief and passion, asked the
tree whether it had seen Nala, the greatest of the rulers on earth and
whether, like its name, for Asoka in Sanskrit meant one which is devoid
of grief, could remove her sorrows.
She then came to another, more terrible part of
the forest and journeying through the forest she saw many trees, mountains,
streams, birds and animals, but nonetheless, she was not afraid, although
forlorn and despairing. Atlast she came to a broad path on which there were a
group of merchants with elephants and horses, who were camped on the bank of a
river. Seeing her in a pitiable state with her hair dishevelled and dirty, clad
in half a garment, and suffering from terrible despair, some of the merchants
fled from her in terror, some hated her and some others, who were more
compassionate in nature, took pity on her and asked her whether she was a
Goddess of the forest or a Yaksha or a cannibal, and sought her
protection. Damayanti then replied unto them that she was the daughter
of the king of Vidarbha and the wife of the mighty Nala and
asked them whether they had seen Nala. At this the leader of the group
replied that they had not seen Nala in the forest. Damayanti
then asked them as to where they were headed. The leader said that they were
going to the Chedi kingdom under the rule of Subahu. Damayanti
entreated them to take her along and the merchants acquiesced.
While travelling through the forest the caravan
came near a beautiful lake with many lotus flowers blooming and decided to rest
there. At night, when the merchants were sleeping, a herd of wild elephants came
and they attacked the caravan. They killed many people and injured others,
killed the horses and other domestic animals and caused widespread destruction
and havoc. Many people fled in terror and the other began to bemoan their
losses. Some of them, out of their senses blamed Damayanti for the
catastrophe, thinking that she had brought them the ill omen.
Damayanti, on hearing this, fled from there in terror and greatly
grieved for her own ill fate as well as that of the others. Wailing for her
miseries, she accompanied the Brahmins in that caravan who had escaped the
slaughter, and by evening came to the capital town of Chedi, ruled by
king Subahu. She was dishevelled in appearance and wore only a single
piece of garments and all the residents of that city were curious about her
identify as she was still very beautiful. Citizens were afraid of her and boys
followed her. With a crowd accompanying her she roamed on the streets and at
last came near the palace. The queen mother saw her from the terrace and she
immediately asked one of her attendants to bring her in her presence. When
Damayanti came to her, she was captivated by her striking beauty and
she asked her whereabouts. Damayanti replied that she belonged to a
good lineage and was devoted to her husband. Her husband was virtuous and loved
her. However being addicted to the game of dice, he lost everything and went to
forest. There he forsook her wearing a piece of her garment. She was now seeking
her husband. She said all these in such a piteous way that th queen mother
was full of sympathy and she asked Damayanti to stay with
her. Damayanti however set certain conditions, like she would not
accept any leavings of any dish, she would not wash anybody's feet and she would
not speak with any other man. If any man ever cherished her he was to be
punished. The queen mother heartily agreed to all these conditions and she
called her daughter Sunanda who was of the same age as
Damayanti to keep her as her sairindhri or companion.
Damayanti was treated with respect and kindness in that royal household
and Sunanda became very attached to her.
Nala who had left Damayanti,
that night, while wandering in the forest saw a large conflagration and
piteous cries of help coming out of it. "Fear not, " said he, and jumped into
that fire to protect the person who was crying for help. He saw a large snake
coiled in the midst of the fire, unable to escape. The snake told him that he
was Karkotaka, the mighty serpent or Naga, who had fallen
victim to a curse of celestial sage Narada and hence was unable to
move. Narada told him that Nala would deliver him from that
immobile condition. He therefore begged Nala to carry him out of that
fire and for his sake assumed a very tiny form. He also said that he would do
Nala much good. Nala took him out of the fire and placed him
in a safe area. The snake then asked Nala to count his steps and
proceed and as Nala did as he was told, the snake bit him on the tenth
count. At once Nala's handsome form was changed to a ugly one. He
became angry with Karkotaka and told him that it was not a good gesture
to harm a friend who saved his life. The snake then assumed his own form and
said that he did it purposefully to help Nala to hide his identity so
that his enemys did not get him. Also the poison that went into Nala's
body would not cause any pain to him but to the wicked Kali who had
taken shelter in his body. Indeed it was very painful to Kali who
suffered terribly from that poison. He was payed a fitting price for all his
misdeeds. Karkotaka, the Naga, told Nala that he
should go to Ayodhya and take shelter with king Rituparna, who
belonged to the Ikshaku dynasty. He should tell the king that he was
Vahuka, a charioteer of Nala. The king would gladly employ him
and would learn the art of driving chariots from him. In return the king who was
well versed with the game of dice, would make him an expert in that game, so
that when time would be ripe, Nala would be able to defeat his enemies.
He would also get back his wife, children and kingdom in no time and would be
victorious in every battle. Nala could also regain his beautiful form
whenever he wished by wearing the garment which he would give him, and by
remembering Karkotaka. Having said these, Karkotaka handed
over to Nala two pieces of beautiful celestial garments and
disappeared.
Nala then proceeded towards
Ayodhya and upon entering the kingdom, met king Rituparna and
introduced himself to him as Vahuka, an expert in managing steeds and
in driving chariots. He also told the king that he was a good cook and an expert
in doing any task and the king would benefit greatly if he took his counsel in
all matters. The king, who loved to be driven fast, as delighted and gladly
employed Nala in his service. His own charioteers, Varshneya
and Jivala were directed to work under the supervision of
Nala. Varshneya had once worked as charioteer of
Nala, but now he could not recognize this ugly person as his former
master. While staying happily in their company, Nala however could not
rest in peace thinking of the wretched conditions in which he had left
Damayanti and would wail for her morning and evening by saying, "where
is that unfortunate lady who afflicted with hunger and thirst and worn with
fatigue, still thinks of the wretch? And whom does she serve now?" As he said
this verse day in and day out, Jivala, being curious wanted to know the
reason behind the verse. Nala said that certain wretch, who had a
beautiful wife, forsook her and left her in despair, being devoid of his senses,
though she was true to him. Later, at night, being unable to bear the grife of
abandoning her, he composed this sloka and now lives in perpetual despair always
thinking of her. She, who had been abandoned by him, was alone in that terrible
forest, afflicted by hunger and thirst and miseries and nobody knows what fate
awaited her. In this manner, Nala continued to live in Ayodhya
under Rituparna.
In the meanwhile king Bhima, who was anxious to
know the whereabouts of his beloved daughter and illustrious son in law,
employed a large number of Brahmins to search for them in towns and cities and
declared a large amount of wealth for him who would be able to bring him their
news. The Brahmins went looking for Nala and Damayanti everywhere but
could not find them and almost all of them left searching except for one very
intelligent and wise Brahmin named Sudeva. Sudeva, atlast came
to Chedi and there, he instantly recognized Damayanti in
company of the princess Sunanda. Sudeva then approached
Damayanti and told her all about himself. Damayanti wept out
of joy by hearing about the news of her father, mother and children and seeing
her friend weeping Sundanda was greatly distressed and told her mother about it.
The queen mother then asked Sudeva what it was all about and Sudeva told her
that the sairindhri that she employed was in reality the princess of
Vidarbha and the queen of Nishadha, Damayanti. He
also told her that between the eyebrows of Damayanti there existed a
mole covered with dust, that would reveal her true identify. When
Sunanda washed that area, the mole was revealed and the queen mother
was besides herself with joy by knowing the identity of Damayanti . She
embraced her and said that Damayanti 's mother was her sister and they
both were daughters of king Sudaman of Dasarna. She knew
Damayanti from birth and now that she knew her true identity she had
everything to give to her. Sunanda was very happy by knowing that her
beloved companion was actually her cousin sister. Damayanti then told
the queen mother that she was very happy to live with her and now that her
father had sent for her, she wished to return to Viddarbha to her
children and father and mother and she asked for her permission to make
arrangements for her journey home. At this, the queen mother was delighted and
made excellent provisions for the journey, provided her with many people as
guards and plenty of food and drink and beautiful garments and jewels. At last
Damayanti reached Vidarbha and there she was given a joyous
welcome by the inhabitants and she was glad to be amongst her children and
Bhima and the queen.
However after resting a while she became very sad
on account of Nala. The queen mother seeing her unhappy over the
separation from Nala, went to king Bhima and told the king to
search for Nala. The king once again sent for the Brahmins and when the
Brahmins appeared before Damayanti she told them that in every place
that they would go they must cry out aloud in this manner - "Oh gambler,
forsaking your beloved and cutting her garment in half and leaving her in that
dreadful forest, where did you go? Why did you forsake her when it is the
husband's duty to protect his wife? Left alone she grieves for you and is
terribly despondent." Then she told them that whoever responded to the above
message, they should reveal nothing to him, but would bring the present
condition and whereabout of that person to Damayanti. Thus addressed,
the Brahmins went out to search for Nala in every possible places, in
cities, towns, villages, forests, hermitages, but could not get any news of him
and returned disheartened. However one Brahmin among them, called
Parnada, did not give up hope and searched further. At last, he came to
Ayodhya and when he was reciting the instructions of Damayanti
in the assembly of king Rituparna, Vahuka, met him privately and told
him that a chaste woman should not be angry with her husband who had faced a
calamity and was therefore compelled to forsake her out of delusion. If that
husband cut her garment on account of his clothes being stolen by birds, the
chaste woman should never harbour any ill feeling. She should be compassionate
about her husband who had met with misfortune, even if he treated her cruelly by
leaving her in danger in a forest, knowing very well that her chastity would be
her protector. The Brahmin was delighted and he speedily came back to
Vidarbha to tell Damayanti. He told Damayanti that
Vahuka was an ugly looking man with small arms and was adroit in
driving chariots and in cooking, and was employed with king Rituparna.
Damayanti knew at once in her heart that Vahuka was none other
than Nala, but still she wanted to be sure. She therefore employed the
service of Sudeva, the most intelligent Brahmin who had found her, to
go to Ayodhya and tell king Rituparna about an impending
Swayamvara of Damayanti in which she would choose another
husband as she was not sure if Nala was alive. Sudeva would
tell Rituparna that he was invited to the Swayamvara. This she
did without even informing her father, so that Bhima knew nothing about
it. She also told Sudeva to tell the king of Ayodhya that the
ceremony would take place the day after he would meet the king, so that the king
had very little time to come for the Swayamvara.
Sudeva went post haste to
Ayodhya and told unto the king whatever he had been instructed to tell.
The king, delighted at the prospect of marrying the most beautiful damsel,
called Vahuka and told him to mobilize his best horses as he intended
to go to Vidarbha in one day, to attend the Swayamvara of
Damayanti. Vahuka, on hearing this news was extremely crestfallen and
thought that Damayanti was very angry with him and therefore decided to
marry again. However he also thought that it is possible for Damayanti
to conceive a plan in order to find Nala. He therefore wanted to go
there to verify for himself the real intention behind this Swayamvara.
He told king Rituparna that he would be able to drive him in a day.
Saying thus, he accompanied with the king, came to the stable to select the
steeds that would carry the king, and chose four extremely lean and weak horses
with auspicious marks. The king angrily said to Vahuka, "Oh
Vahuka, why do you jest with me, knowing that we would have to reach
there by tomorrow? These horses being so weak, are certainly not fit for the
job." Vahuka told the king that he was certain that these were the very
horses that would be fit for the purpose as they bore certain auspicious marks.
They would fly the king in no time. Having said that, he yoked those horses to
the chariot and when the king sat on the chariot the four horses, being unable
to bear his weight, fell on the ground on their knees. The king was getting
impatient when Vahuka comforted the horses in such a manner that they
soon became energetic and at once began to rise skywards with the chariot, with
Vahuka at the helm and Varshneya as his assitant. The king was
amazed to see such a feat. Varshneya, by seeing this feat which could
be performed only by his master began to cherish a hope that the Vahuka
might be none other than his erstwhile master Nala who was so well
versed in the science of horses.
Vahuka drove with such a speed that
villages, cities, towns, forests and other lanscapes were just speedying away in
seconds. King Rituparna's upper garment was blown away by wind and when
the king requested Vahuka to turn the chariot to fetch his garment, the
latter replied that it was impossible because by then the garment was hundreds
of miles away. Rituparna was astounded by this infromation. But soon he
felt a bit jealous and decided to show off his skills to Vahuka. He
therefore told Vahuka that it was impossible for everybody to be
perfect with everything. Rituparna was a master of arithmetic. He said,
"Vahuka, can you see that Bibhitaka tree yonder. I can tell
you exactly the number of leaves and fruits on the two branches of the tree."
Saying this, he told the number of fruits and leaves and Vahuka wanted
to verify the veracity of this information. He therefore told the king to wait a
while, while he would fell the tree and count the leaves and fruits.
Rituparna was alarmed at the prospect of getting delayed and told him
that there was no need as time was short. But Vahuka was adamant. He wanted to
check if what Rituparna was telling was right or wrong and assured the
king that he would still reach him safely within the same day to
Vidarbha, so he had nothing to worry. Rituparna atlast gave in
reluctantly, saying that he would give Vahuka anything that he desired
if he would drive him within the stipulated time. Vahuka in the
meanwhile fell the tree and counted a sample set of the leaves and could
understand that the numbers Rituparna was quoting were right. Now it
was his turn to get amazed and he requested Rituparna to teach him the
science of arithmetic. Rituparna said that he would also teach him the
science behind dice (probablity theory?), so that he could always win a game of
dice. Only he would have to teach him the science of horses in return. To this
Vahuka wholeheartedly agree and when they had finished teaching each
other the resp. sciences, Kali, who was having an extremely painful
existence in the body of Nala on account of the curse of
Damayanti and the poison of Karkotaka, came out of his body,
vomiting and looking extremely weak and emaciated. Vahuka or
Nala at once wanted to curse him in wrath, but Kali begged him
to be merciful as he had already suffered terribly for his misdeeds. He also
told Vahuka that henceforth anybody who would recite the story of
Nala, would be free from Kali's influence and would live in
prosperity and joy. All this time Kali was invisible to the others and
after leaving Nala he went to reside in the Bibhitaka tree.
All others simply saw that the Bibhitaka tree got withered suddenly and
wondered by this sudden change. Abandoned by Kali, Nala now regained
his former self of virtue, nobility and might, although his outer appearance
remained unchanged.
Atlast Rituparna arrived in
Vidarbha. The chariot entered the city with rattle and din that was
characteristics of Nala's chariot, so everybody including
Damayanti wondered as to whether Nala had entered the city.
The horses and elephants who had come from Nishada along with
Indrasen and Indrasena, responded with glee to the sound of
their Lord. Damayanti became anxious and saw from her roof of her
palace as to who were the ones that had come. She saw Vahuka, king
Rituparna and Varshneya, but did not see Nala. She thought
perhaps Vershneya had learnt the art of driving chariot from
Nala. Or perhaps it was king Rituparna who was as adroit as
Nala. Thus cogitating, she sent one of her maids Kesini, to
Vahuka to enquire after him. She was deeply agitated in mind and
thought that if she could not meet Nala today she would rather die than
live a life without him.
On entering the city Rituparna found that
everything was very quiet and calm and there was no signs of an impending
celebration like swayamvara. He did not see the Brahmins, nor any
festoons or arches, nor anybody talking about swayamvara. King
Bhima himself came out to greet him and Rituparna saw that
Bhima was genuinely surprised as he did not expect his visit.
Bhima asked Rituparna the purpose of his visit.
Rituparna was intelligent enough to know that there was something
wrong. He therefore said that he had come to pay his respect to king Bhima.
Bhima was very shrewd. He realized that Rituparna did not travel
over hundreds of miles merely to pay him respect but there were some other
reasons behind his visit. However he said to Rituparna, "You are tired,
therefore you must take rest now. We'll meet tomorrow." Thus dismissed,
Rituparna went to his quarters in the palace aaccompanied by royal
servants. Vahuka found himself a place in the stable and stayed in a
corner of the chariot.
Kesini arrived to the place where
Vahuka was and asked him about his companions. Vahuka replied
that Vershneya was the charioteer of Nala and after he brought
Nala's children safely to Vidarbha, he left to find service
with king Rituparna. At this Kesini asked him whether he knew
the whereabouts of Nala. Vahuka replied that only Nala knew
where he was and nobody else knew. Kesini then asked him as to when
Parnada, the Brahmin had repeatedly said the words in the assembly of
Rituparna, "Oh gambler, forsaking your beloved and cutting her garment
in half and leaving her in that dreadful forest, where did you go? Why did you
forsake her when it is the husband's duty to protect his wife? Left alone she
grieves for you and is terribly despondent", what did Vahuka say in
response? Vahuka said that he replied that a chaste woman should not be
angry with her husband who had faced a calamity and was therefore compelled to
forsake her out of delusion. If that husband cut her garment on account of his
clothes being stolen by birds, the chaste woman should never harbour any ill
feeling. She should be compassionate about her husband who had met with
misfortune, even if he treated her cruelly by leaving her in danger in a forest,
knowing very well that her chastity would be her protector. While saying these
words, Nala was filled with grief and could not restrain his
tears.
Kesini went back to Damayanti and
reported her everything. She was very grief stricken by hearing the words of
Vahuka and knew him to be none other than Nala. She therefore
asked Kesini to go back and watch what Vahuka did and report
to her everything. She said that whatever skills Vahuka displayed must
be noted and whenever he asked for water Kesini must not provide the
same. Kesini saw everything and came back and reported to
Damayanti the miracles that she saw. Whenever Vahuka went
anywhere, he never stooped down but the passages themselves increased in height
to accommodate him. When he went through a narrow passage the passage widened to
make way for him. He never had to ask for water. Whenever he looked at the
vessels which needed to fill up they got filled up themselves. He never lit a
fire and when he used to cook he simply had to take some grasses in the sun and
they started burning. Flowers did not wither or crumble in his hand but simply
became more fragrant and beautiful.
Hearing all this Damayanti knew that she
had found Nala. She then sent Kesini once more to bring her
some meat cooked by Nala for Rituparna. When Kesini
brought the meat, she tasted it and knew it to be the cooking of Nala.
She then sent her won children Indrasen and Indrasena, the
twins to Vahuka, with Kesini. Vahuka, on seeing the twins,
made them sit on his lap and began to shed profuse tears of grief. Then
recovering from that state, he told Kesini that these children reminded
him of his own twins and that was why he lost control on seeing them.
Damayanti now knew him to be none other
than Nala, only his outward form remained a mystery to her. But she
decided to unravel it herself and told her mother to grant her permission either
for her to go to the stable and meet Vahuka or bring him into the
palace. The queen mother consulted the king and told him everything about her
daughter's suspicion. The king heartily accepted the plan and so Vahuka
was brought to the palace to meet Damayanti. Damayanti, on seeing
Vahuka, told him, "Oh Vahuka, can you tell me, why the
virtuous Nala, knowing all his duties and having taken the marital vow
of looking after me, deserted me in that secluded and terrible forest? Him who I
chose over Gods deserted his faultless wife who was the mother of his children,
when she was asleep worn by fatigue. What mistake did I commit to get such a
treatment in the hands of the most virtuous of men?" And Damayanti
broke down while saying this. Thus addressed, Vahuka said with tearful
eyes, "Afflicted by Kali I had lost my kingdom and it was he who caused
me to leave you. Cursed by you, that wicked got his due and burned with terrible
pain and finally left me. Now I have regained my senses. I have come here only
on account of you. However should a chaste woman ever want to marry a second
time? King Rituparna have come here to obtain your hands in marriage as
you are supposed to perform a swayamvara again." At this
Damayanti folded her hands and begged the pardon of her husband saying
that she just enacted the deception and drama in order to get Nala
back. Therefore he must forgive her. Except Nala, nobody could have
brought Rituparna in the course of a day from Ayodhya to
Vidarbha. She said that all the Gods were witness to her chastity and
devotion. Nala, then remembered the garment given by
Karkotaka, wore it and changed his form to re appear again as the
noble, virtuous, courageous and handsome form that he had before Kali
possessed him. It was a moment of great joy for Damayanti and her
children and the passed the night happily discussing whatever happened to them
after they parted. In the morning the queen mother heard everything that had
passed between Nala and Damayanti and informed Bhima.
Bhima, in great joy received Nala with pomp and grandeur. The
whole province rapturousl celebrated the event of return of Nala and
citizens sang and danced on the streets. All the streets and temples were
adorned with flowers. Nala duly revered his in laws and offered his
unconditional loyalty to them.
When Rituparna heard everything he was
extremely embarassed to find that he employed the great king Nala in
his service as a petty charioteer. He begged Nala for foregiveness for
his transgressions. Nala in return also begged his forgiveness if he
had done anything to displease Rituparna. Nala said that he was very
happy under Rituparna and even when he was king he had a good
relationship with king of Ayodhya. Therefore they would remain friends
forever. He then imparted the science of horses to Rituparna, who in
turn provided him with the science of dice and returned to his kingdom employing
another charioteer.
Nala, after spending some time in the
company of his in laws in happiness, returned to his kingdom. The subjects
rejoiced on his arrival. Wicked Pushkar, who had heard the news,
thought that Nala had come back with more riches and that he would be
able to win over them as well. Therefore when Nala went to him and
invited him for a game of dice, the fool was very happy. He said that this time
he would be able to get Damayanti. At this impertinence Nala
was extremely angry, but he restrained himself and they started playing. With no
Kali to help him, Pushkar, on the first roll of dice lost
everything that he had. Only his life remained at the mercy of Nala.
Nala, the virtuous and magnanimous told him that though he had wronged
him on an earlier occasion, Nala was not angry with him because he knew
that Pushkar did every wicked deed under the influence of
Kali. To Nala he would ever remain as his dear brother and
therefore Nala, was not only giving him back his life, but also
whatever he rightfully possessed, i.e. a portion of the kingdom and the riches
inherited by him. At this display of generosity Pushkar was very
penitent and he tearfully begged forgiveness from his brother for all his
transgressions. Nala embraced him and payed him due respect and he
happily returned to his own abode and never again ventured against
Nala. All the people were happy and Nala then sent for his
wife and children to be brought back. He thus regained his kingdom, reigned over
his loyal subjects, performed many sacrifices and lived happily.
