The story of Nala

 

 

The story of Nala

There was a king named Nala, the son of Virasena. He was strong, handsome, well-versed in the knowledge of horses, and possessed of every desirable accomplishment. He was at the head of all the kings, like the lord of the celestials. Exalted over all, he resembled the sun in glory. He was the king of the Nishadhas, intent on the welfare of the Brahmanas, versed in the Vedas, and possessed of heroism. He was truth-telling, fond of dice, and the master of a mighty army. He was the beloved of men and women, and of great soul and subdued passions. He was the protector of all, and the foremost of bowmen, and like unto Manu himself.

 

Like him, there was, among the Vidarbhas, a king named Bhima, of terrible prowess, heroic and well-disposed towards his subjects and possessed of every virtue. He was childless. With a fixed mind, he tried his utmost for obtaining issue. There came unto him once a Brahmarshi named Damana. Desirous of having offspring, Bhima with his queen gratified that illustrious Rishi by a respectful reception. Damana, well-pleased, granted unto the king and his consort a boon in the form of a jewel of a daughter, and three sons possessed of lofty souls and great fame. They were called respectively Damayanti, Dama, Danta, and Damana. The three sons were possessed of every accomplishment and terrible mien and fierce prowess. The slender-waisted Damayanti, in beauty and brightness, in good name and grace and luck, became celebrated all over the world. On her attaining to age, hundreds of hand-maids, and female slaves, decked in ornaments, waited upon her like Shachi herself. Bhima's daughter of faultless features, decked in every ornament, shone in the midst of her hand-maids, like the luminous lightning of the clouds. The large-eyed damsel was possessed of great beauty like that of Shree herself. Neither among celestials, nor among Yakshas, nor among men was anybody possessed of such beauty, seen or heard of before. The beautiful maiden filled with gladness the hearts of even the gods.

 

Nala and Damayanti fall in love with each other, even without seeing each other

 

That tiger among men, Nala also had not his peer in the three worlds: for in beauty he was like Kandarpa himself in his embodied form. Moved by admiration, the heralds again and again celebrated the praises of Nala before Damayanti and those of Damayanti before the ruler of the Nishadhas. Repeatedly hearing of each other's virtues they conceived an attachment towards each other not begot of sight, and that attachment began to grow in strength.

 

Then Nala was unable to control the love that was in his bosom. He began to pass much of his time in solitude in the gardens adjoining the inner apartment of his palace. There he saw a number of swans furnished with golden wings, wandering in those woods. From among them he caught one with his hands. Thereupon the sky-ranging one said unto Nala: “Deserve I not to be slain by you. O king! I will do something that is agreeable to you. I will speak of you before Damayanti in such a way that she will not ever desire to have any other person for her lord.”

 

Thus addressed, the king liberated that swan. Those swans then rose on their wings and went to the country of the Vidarbhas. On arriving at the city of the Vidarbhas the birds alighted before Damayanti, who beheld them all. Damayanti in the midst of her maids, beholding those birds of extraordinary appearance was filled with delight, and strove without loss of time to catch those coursers of the skies. The swans at this, before that bevy of beauties, fled in all directions. Those maidens there pursued the birds, each running after one. The swan after which Damayanti ran, having led her to a secluded spot, addressed her in human speech, saying: “O Damayanti! There is a king amongst the Nishadhas named Nala. He is equal unto the Ashvins in beauty, not having his peer among men. Indeed, in comeliness, he is like Kandarpa himself in his embodied form. If you become his wife, your existence and this your beauty may be of purpose. We have, indeed, beheld celestials, Gandharvas, Nagas, Rakshasas, and men, but never saw we before any one like Nala. You also are a jewel among your sex, as Nala is the prime among men. The union of the best with the best is happy.”

 

Thus addressed by the swan. Damayanti replied unto him there, saying: “Do speak thus unto Nala also”. “Saying so be it!” to the daughter of Vidarbha, the oviparous one returned to the country of the Nishadhas, and related everything unto Nala.

 

Hearing those words of the swan, Damayanti thenceforth lost all peace of mind on account of Nala. Heaving frequent sighs, she was filled with anxiety, and became melancholy, pale-faced and lean. With her heart possessed by the god of love, she soon lost colour, and with her upturned gaze and modes of abstraction, looked like one demented. She lost all inclination for beds, seats and object of enjoyment. She ceased to lie down by day or night, always weeping with exclamation of Oh! and Alas! Beholding her uneasy and fallen into that condition, her hand-maids represented the matter of her illness unto the ruler of Vidarbha by indirect hints. King Bhima, hearing of this from the handmaids of Damayanti, regarded the affair of his daughter to be serious. He asked himself, “Why is it that my daughter seems to be so ill now?” The king, reflecting by himself that his daughter had attained to puberty, concluded that Damayanti's Svayamvara should take place. The monarch invited all the rulers of the earth, saying, “You heroes! Know that Damayanti's Svayamvara is at hand!”

 

Damayanti’s Svayamvara

 

All the kings, hearing of Damayanti's Svayamvara, came unto Bhima, agreeable to his message, filling the earth with the clatter of their cars, the roar of their elephants, and the neighing of their horses, and accompanied with their fine-looking battalions decked in ornaments and graceful garlands. The mighty-armed Bhima paid due reverence unto those illustrious monarchs. Duly honoured by him they took up their quarters there.

 

At the juncture, the celestial Rishis – Narada and Parvata – having arrived in course of their wandering at the regions of Indra entered the mansion of the lord of the immortals, receiving proper worship. Indra having worshipped them reverentially, inquired after their undisturbed peace and welfare as regards all respects. Narada said: “O lord! Peace attends us in every respect. Peace attends also the kings of the whole world.” Hearing the words of Narada, Indra said: “Those righteous rulers of the earth who fight renouncing all desire of life, and who meet death when their time has come by means of weapons, without flying from the field, - theirs is this region, everlasting unto them and granting all desires, as it is to me. Where are those Kshatriya heroes? I do not see those kings approach now. Where are my favourite guests?”  Thus addressed by Shakra, Narada replied: “Listen, O Indra! Why see not you the kings? The ruler of the Vidarbhas has a daughter – the celebrated Damayanti. In beauty, she transcends all the women of the earth. Her Swayamvara will take place shortly. There are going all the kings and Princes from all directions. All the lords of the earth desire to have that pearl of the earth, - desire to have her eagerly.”  While they were talking thus, those foremost of the immortals, the Lokapalas with Agni among them, appeared before the lord of the celestials. All of them heard the words of Narada fraught with grave import. As soon as they heard them, they exclaimed in rapture: “We also will go there.” Accompanied by their attendants and mounted on their vehicles, they set out for the country of Vidarbhas, where had gone all the kings.

 

Nala visits Damayanti as a messenger from Gods

 

The high-souled king Nala also hearing of that concourse of kings, set out with a cheerful heart, full of Damayanti's love. It came to pass that the gods saw Nala on the way treading on the earth. His form owing to its beauty was like that of the god of love himself. Beholding him resplendent as the sun, the Lokapalas were filled with astonishment at his wealth of beauty, and abandoned their intention. Leaving their cars in the sky, the dwellers of heaven alighted from the welkin and spoke unto the ruler of the Nishadhas, saying: “O Nala! You are devoted to truth. Do you help us. Be you our messenger.” Nala pledged his word to the celestials saying: “I will do it.” Then approaching these, he asked with folded hands: “Who are you? And who also is he that desires me to be his messenger? What, further, shall I have to do for you? O tell me truly!”

 

When the king of the Nishadhas spoke thus, Indra replied, saying: “Know us as the immortals come here for Damayanti's sake. I am Indra, this one is Agni, this the lord of waters, and this is Yama, the destroyer of the bodies of men. Do you inform Damayanti of our arrival, saying, ‘The guardians of the world, consisting of the great Indra and the others, are coming to the assembly, desirous of beholding the Swayamvara. The gods, Shakra, Agni, Varuna and Yama, desire to obtain you. Do, therefore, choose one of them for your lord.’”

 

Thus addressed by Sakra, Nala said with joined hands: “I have come here with the self same object. It behoves you not to send me on this errand. How can a person who is himself under the influence of love bring himself to speak thus unto a lady on behalf of others? Therefore, spare me, you gods”

 

The gods, however, said: “O ruler of the Nishadhas! Having promised first, saying, “I will!” why will you not act accordingly now?”

 

Thus addressed by those celestials, the ruler of Nishadhas spoke again, saying: “Those mansions are well-guarded. How can I hope to enter them?”

 

Indra replied: “You shall be able to enter.”

 

Saying, “So be it,” Nala thereupon went to the palace of Damayanti. Having arrived there, he beheld the daughter of the king of Vidarbha surrounded by her hand-maids, blazing in beauty and excelling in symmetry of form, of limbs exceedingly delicate, of slender waist and fair eyes. She seemed to rebuke the light of the moon by her own splendour. As he gazed on that lady of sweet smiles. Nala's love increased, but desirous of keeping his truth, he suppressed his passion. At the sight of Nala, overpowered by his effulgence, those first of women sprang up from their seats in amazement. Filled with wonder at his sight, they praised Nala in gladness of heart. Without saying anything, they mentally paid him homage, “Oh! What comeliness! What gentleness belongs to this high-souled one! Who is he? Is he some god or Yaksha or Gandharva?” Those foremost of women, confounded by Nala's splendour and bashfulness would not accost him at all in speech. Damayanti, although herself struck with amazement, smilingly addressed the warlike Nala who also gently smiled at her, saying: “What are you, O you of faultless features, that have come here awakening my love? O hero of celestial form! I am anxious to know who you are that have come here. Why have you come here? How is it that you have not been discovered by any one, considering that my apartments are well-guarded and the king's mandates are stern.”

 

Thus addressed by the daughter of the king of the Vidarbhas, Nala replied: “O beauteous lady! Know that my name is Nala. I have come here as the messenger of the gods. The celestials – Indra, Agni, Varuna and Yama, desire to have you. O beautiful lady! Do choose one of them for your lord. It is through their power that I have entered here unperceived, and it is for this reason that none saw me on my way or obstructed my entrance. I have been sent by the foremost of the celestials even for this object. Hearing this, do what you please.”

 

Damayanti, having bowed down unto the gods, thus addressed Nala with a smile: “O king! Love me with proper regard, and command me what I shall do for you. Myself and what else of wealth is mine are yours. Grant me your love in full trust. O king! the language of the swans is burning me. It is for your sake, that I have caused the kings to meet. If you forsake me who adore you, for your sake will I resort to poison, or fire, or water or the rope.”

 

Thus addressed by the daughter of the king of the Vidarbhas, Nala answered her saying: “With the Lokapalas present, will you choose a man? Do you turn your heart to those high-souled lords, the creators of the worlds, unto the dust of whose feet I am not equal. Displeasing the gods, a mortal comes by death. Save me, O you of faultless limbs! Choose the all-excelling celestials. By accepting the gods, do enjoy spotless robes, and celestial garlands of variegated hues, and excellent ornaments. What woman would not choose as her lord Agni – the chief of the celestials, who compassing the earth swallows it? What woman would not choose him as her lord the dread of whose mace induces all creatures to tread the path of virtue? What woman would not choose as her lord the virtuous and high-souled Mahendra, the lord of the celestials, the chastiser of Daityas and Danavas? Or, if you could choose in your heart Varuna amongst the Lokapalas, do so unhesitatingly. Accept this friendly advice.”

 

Thus addressed by Naishadha, Damayanti, with eyes bathed in tears of grief spoke thus unto Nala: “O lord of the earth! Bowing to all the gods, I choose you for my lord. Truly do I tell you this.”

 

The king, who had come as the messenger of the gods, replied unto the trembling Damayanti standing with folded hands: “O amiable one! Do as you please. Having given my pledge unto the gods in especial, how can I, having come on other's mission, dare seek my own interest? If seeking my own interest consists with virtue, I will seek it, and do you also act accordingly.”

 

Then Damayanti of luminous smiles slowly spoke unto king Nala, in words choked with tears: “O lord of men! I see a blameless way, by which no sin whatever will attach unto you. Do come to the Swayamvara in company with all the gods headed by Indra. There, in the presence of the Lokapalas, I will choose you – at which no blame will be yours.”

 

Thus addressed by the daughter of Vidarbha, king Nala returned to where the gods were staying together. Beholding him approach, the Lokapalas, eagerly asked him about all that had happened saying: “Have you seen Damayanti of sweet smiles? What has she said unto us all? Tell us everything.”

 

Nala answered: “Commanded by you I entered Damayanti's palace furnished with lofty portals guarded by veteran warders bearing wands. As I entered, no one perceived me, by virtue of your power, except the princess. I saw her hand-maids, and they also saw me. Seeing me, they were filled with wonder. As I spoke unto her of you, the fair-faced maiden, her will fixed on me, chose me for her spouse. The maiden said: ‘Let the gods come with you to the Swayamvara, I will in their presence, choose you. At this, no blame will attach to you.’ This is all, you gods, that took place, as I have said. Finally, everything rests with you.”

 

Damayanti chooses Nala as her husband in the presence of Gods

 

Then at the sacred hour of the holy lunar day of the auspicious season, king Bhima summoned the kings to the Swayamvara. Hearing of it, all the lords of earth smit with love speedily came there, desirous of possessing Damayanti. The monarchs entered the amphitheatre decorated with golden pillars and a lofty portal arch, like mighty lions entering the mountain wilds. Those lords of earth decked with fragrant garlands and polished ear-rings hung with jewels seated themselves on their several seats. That sacred assembly of Kings, graced by those tigers among men, resembled the Bhogavati swarming with the Nagas, or a mountain cavern with tigers. Their arms were robust, and resembling iron maces, and well-shaped, and graceful, and looking like five-headed snakes. Graced with beautiful locks and fine noses and eyes and brows, the countenance of the kings shone like stars in the firmament. When the time came, Damayanti of beauteous face, stealing the eyes and hearts of the princes by her dazzling light, entered the hall. The glances of those illustrious kings were rivetted to those parts of her person where they had chanced to fall first, without moving at all. When the names of the monarchs were proclaimed, the daughter of Bhima saw five persons all alike in appearance. Beholding them seated there, without difference of any kind in form, doubt filled her mind, and she could not ascertain which of them was king Nala. At whomsoever among them she looked, she regarded him to be the king of the Nishadhas. Filled with anxiety, the beauteous one thought within herself: “Oh! How shall I distinguish the celestials, and how discern the royal Nala?” Thinking thus, the daughter of Vidarbha became filled with grief. Recollecting the marks belonging to the celestials, of which she had heard, she thought: “Those attributes of the celestials, of which I have heard from the aged, do not pertain to any of these deities present here upon the earth.”

 

And revolving the matter long in her mind, and reflecting upon it repeatedly, she decided upon seeking the protection of the gods themselves. Bowing down unto them with mind and speech, with folded hands, she addressed them trembling, “Since I heard the speech of the swans, I chose the king of the Nishadhas as my lord. For the sake of truth, let the gods reveal him to me. As in thought or word I have never swerved from him, let the gods, for the sake of that truth, reveal him to me. As the gods themselves have destined the ruler of the Nishadhas to be my lord, let them, for the sake of that truth, reveal him to me. As it is for paying homage unto Nala that I have adopted this vow, for the sake of that truth, let the gods reveal him unto me, let the exalted guardians of the worlds assume their own proper forms, so that I may know the righteous king.”

 

Hearing these piteous words of Damayanti, and ascertaining her fixed resolve, and fervent love for the king of Nishadhas, the purity of her heart and her inclination and regard and affection for Nala, the gods did as they had been adjured, and assumed their respective attributes as best they could. Thereupon she beheld the celestials unmoistened with perspiration, with winkless eyes, and unfading garlands, unstained with dust, and staying without touching the ground. Naishadha stood revealed to his shadow, his fading garlands, himself stained with dust and sweat, resting on the ground with winking eyes. Discerning the gods and the virtuous Nala the daughter of Bhima chose Naishadha according to her truth. The large-eyed damsel then bashfully caught the hem of his garment and placed round his neck a floral wreath of exceeding grace. When that fair-complexioned maiden had thus chosen Nala for her husband, the kings suddenly broke out into exclamations of “Oh!” and “Alas!” The gods and the great Rishis in wonder cried “Excellent! Excellent!”, applauding the king. The royal son of Virasena, with heart filled with gladness, comforted the beauteous Damayanti, saying, “Since you, O blessed one! have chosen a mortal in the presence of the celestials, know me for a husband even obedient to your command. Truly do I tell you this that as long as life continues in this body of mine, I will remain yours and yours alone.”

 

Damayanti also, with folded hands paid homage unto Nala in words of like import. The happy pair beholding Agni and the other gods mentally sought their protection. After the daughter of Bhima had chosen Naishadha as her husband, the Lokapalas of exceeding effulgence with pleased hearts, bestowed on Nala eight boons. Indra bestowed on Nala the boon that he should be able to behold his godship in sacrifices and that he should attain to blessed legions thereafter, and Agni bestowed on him the boon of his own presence whenever Naishadha wished, and regions also bright as himself. Yama granted him subtle taste in food as well as pre-eminence in virtue. Varuna granted Nala his own presence whenever he desired, and also garlands of celestial fragrance. Thus each of them bestowed upon him a couple of boons. Having bestowed these the gods went to heaven. The kings also, having witnessed with wonder Damayanti's selection of Nala, returned delighted whence they had come. On the departure of those mighty monarchs, the high-souled Bhima, well pleased, celebrated the wedding of Nala and Damayanti. Having stayed there for a time according to his desire, Nala returned to his own city with the permission of Bhima. Having attained that pearl of a woman, the virtuous king began to pass his days in joy, like Indra in the company of Shachi. Resembling the sun in glory, the king, full of gladness, began to rule his subjects righteously, and give them great satisfaction. Like unto Yayati that intelligent monarch celebrated the horse sacrifice and many other sacrifices with abundant gifts to Brahmanas. Like unto a very god, Nala sported with Damayanti in romantic woods and groves. The high-minded king begat upon Damayanti a son named Indrasena, and a daughter named Indrasena. Celebrating sacrifice, and sporting with Damayanti thus, the king ruled the earth abounding in wealth.

 

Kali wants to punish Nala and Damayanti for rejecting the Gods

 

When the blazing guardians of the worlds were returning after the daughter of Bhima had chosen Naishadha, on their way they met Dwapara with Kali approaching towards them. Seeing Kali, Indra said: “O Kali! say Where you are going with Dwapara?” Thereupon Kali replied unto Indra: “Going to Damayanti's Svayamvara, will I obtain her for my wife, as my heart is fixed upon that damsel.” Hearing this, Indra said with a smile: “That Swayamvara is already ended. In our sight she has chosen Nala for her husband.” Thus answered by Indra, Kali, that vilest of the celestials, filled with wrath, addressing all those gods spoke: “Since in the presence of the celestials she has chosen a mortal for her lord, it is sure that she should undergo a heavy doom.” Upon hearing these words of Kali, the celestials answered: “It is with our sanction that Damayanti has chosen Nala. What damsel is there that would not choose king Nala endued with every virtue? Well-versed in all duties, always conducting himself with rectitude, he has studied the four Vedas together with the Puranas that are regarded as the fifth. Leading a life of harmlessness unto all creatures, he is truth-telling and firm in his vows, and in his house the gods are ever gratified by sacrifices held according to the ordinance. In that tiger among men, that king resembling a Lokapala, is truth, forbearance, knowledge, asceticism, purity and self-control, and perfect tranquillity of soul. O Kali! The fool that wishes to curse Nala bearing such a character curses himself, and destroys himself by his own act. He that seeks to curse Nala crowned with such virtues sinks into the wide bottomless pit of hell rife with torments.”

 

Having said this to Kali and Dwapara, the gods went to heaven. When the gods had gone away, Kali said unto Dwapara: “I am ill able to suppress my anger. I shall possess Nala, deprive him of his kingdom, and he shall no more sport with Bhima's daughter. Entering the dice, it behoves you to help me.”

 

Kali enters Nala and latter loses his kingdom

 

Having made this compact with Dwapara, Kali came to the place where the king of the Nishadhas was. Always watching for a hole, he continued to dwell in the country of the Nishadhas for a long time. It was in the twelfth year that Kali saw a hole. For one day after answering the call of nature, Naishadha touching water said his twilight prayers, without having previously washed his feet. It was through this omission that Kali entered his person. Having possessed Nala, he appeared before Pushkara, and addressed him, saying, “Come and play at dice with Nala. Through my assistance you will surely win at the play. Defeating king Nala and acquiring his kingdom, you rule the Nishadhas.”

 

Thus exhorted by Kali, Pushkara went to Nala. Dwapara also approached Pushkara, becoming the principal die called Vrisha. Appearing before Nala, Pushkara, repeatedly said: “Let us play together with dice.” Thus challenged in the presence of Damayanti, the lofty-minded king could not long decline it. He accordingly fixed the time for the play. Possessed by Kali, Nala began to lose, in the game, his stakes in gold, silver, cars with the teams thereof, and robes. Maddened at dice, no one amongst his friends could succeed in dissuading Nala from the play that went on. Thereupon, the citizens in a body, with the chief councillors, came there to behold the distressed monarch and make him desist. The charioteer coming to Damayanti spoke to her of this, saying: “O lady! The citizens and officers of the state wait at the gate. Please inform the king of the Nishadhas that the citizens have come here, unable to bear the calamity that has befallen their king conversant with virtue and wealth.”

 

Thereupon Damayanti, overwhelmed with grief and almost deprived of reason by it, spoke unto Nala in choked accents: “O king! The citizens with the councillors of state, urged by loyalty, stay at the gate desirous of beholding you. It behoves you to grant them an interview.” But the king, possessed by Kali, uttered not a word in reply unto his queen of graceful glances, uttering thus her lamentations. At this, those councillors of state as also the citizens, afflicted with grief and shame, returned to their homes, saying, “He lives not.” It was thus that Nala and Pushkara gambled together for many months, the virtuous Nala being always worsted.

 

The cool-headed Damayanti, seeing the righteous king maddened and deprived of his senses at dice, was filled with alarm and grief. She thought the affair to be a serious one with the king. Apprehensive of the calamity that threatened Nala, yet seeking his welfare and at last understanding that her lord had lost everything, she said unto her nurse and maid-servant Brihatsena, intent upon her good, dexterous in all duties, faithful and sweet-speeched, these words: “O Brihatsena! You go and summon the councillors in the name of Nala, and tell them also what of wealth and other things has been lost and what remains.” The councillors then, hearing of Nala's summons, said, “This is fortunate for us” and approached the king. When the subjects in a body had thus come a second time, Damayanti informed Nala of it. But the king regarded her not. Finding her husband disregarding her words, Damayanti, filled with shame, returned to her apartments. Hearing that the dice were uniformly unfavourable to the virtuous Nala, and that he had lost everything, she again spoke unto her nurse, saying, “O Brihatsena! You go again in Nala's name to bring here the charioteer, Varshneya. The matter at hand is very serious.” Brihatsena, hearing those words of Damayanti caused Varshneya to be summoned by trusty servants. The blameless Damayanti, acquainted with conduct suitable to time and place, addressing soft words said according to the occasion, “You know how the king has always behaved towards you. He is now in difficulty, and it beholds you to assist him. The more the king loses to Pushkara, the greater becomes his ardour for the play. As the dice fall obedient to Pushkara, it is seen that they are adverse to Nala in the matter of the play. Absorbed in the play, he heeds not the words of his friends and relatives, nor even those of mine. I do not think, however, that in this the high-souled Nala is to blame, in as much as the king regarded not my words, being absorbed in play. I seek your protection. Do my behest. My mind misgives me. The king may come to grief. Yoking Nala's favourite horses endued with the fleetness of the mind, you take these twins, my son and daughter, on the car and go to Kundina. Leaving the children there with my kindred as also the car and the horses, you either stay there, or go to any other place as it lists you.” Varshneya, the charioteer of Nala, then reported in detail these words of Damayanti unto the chief officers of the king. Having settled the matter in consultation with them, and obtaining their assent, the charioteer started for Vidarbha, taking the children on that car. Leaving there the boy Indrasena and the girl Indrasena, as also that best of cars and those steeds, the charioteer, with a sad heart grieving for Nala, bade farewell unto Bhima. Wandering for some time, he arrived at the city of Ayodhya. There he appeared with a sorrowful heart before king Rituparna, and entered the service of that monarch as charioteer.

 

After Varshneya had gone away, Pushkara won from the righteous Nala that latter's kingdom and what else of wealth he had. Unto Nala, who had lost his kingdom, Pushkara laughingly said, “Let the play go on. But what stake have you now? Damayanti only remains; all else of yours has been won by me. Well, if you like, that Damayanti be our stake now.” Hearing these words of Pushkara the virtuous king felt as if his heart would burst in rage, but he spoke not a word. Gazing at Pushkara in anguish, king Nala took all the ornaments off every part of his body.

 

Nala and Damayanti are exiled

 

Attired in a single piece of cloth, his body uncovered, renouncing all his wealth, and enhancing the grief of friends, the king set out. Damayanti, clad in one piece of cloth, followed him behind as he was leaving the city. Coming to the outskirts of the city, Nala stayed there for three nights with his wife. But Pushkara, proclaimed through the city that he that should show any attention to Nala, would be doomed to death. On account of these words of Pushkara and knowing his malice towards Nala, the citizens no longer showed him hospitable regards. Unregarded though deserving of hospitable regards, Nala passed three nights in the outskirts of the city, living on water alone. Afflicted with hunger, the king went away in search of fruit and roots, Damayanti following him behind. In agony of famine, after many days, Nala saw some birds with plumage of golden hue. Thereupon he thought within himself: “These will be my banquet today and also my wealth.” Then he covered them with the cloth he had on—when bearing up that garment of his, the birds rose up to the sky. Beholding Nala nude and melancholy, and standing with face turned towards the ground, those rangers of the sky addressed him, saying, “O you of small sense! We are even those dice. We had come here wishing to take away your cloth, for it pleased us not that you should depart even with your cloth on.”

 

Finding himself deprived of his attire, and knowing also that the dice were departing with it, the virtuous Nala thus spoke unto Damayanti: “O faultless one! They through whose anger I have been despoiled of my kingdom, they through whose influence distressed and afflicted with hunger, I am unable to procure sustenance, they for whom the Nishadhas offered me not any hospitality, they are carrying off my cloth, assuming the form of birds. Fallen into this dire disaster, I am afflicted with grief and deprived of my senses, I am your lord, therefore, you listen to the words I speak for your good. These many roads lead to the southern country, passing by the city of Avanti and the Rikshavat mountains. This is that mighty mountain called Vindhya; the river Payasvini running sea-wards, and yonder are the asylums of the ascetics, furnished with various fruit and roots. This road leads to the country of the Vidarbhas – and that, to the country of the Kosalas. Beyond these roads to the south is the southern country.”

 

Addressing Bhima's daughter, the distressed king Nala spoke those words unto Damayanti over and over again. Thereupon afflicted with grief, in a voice choked with tears, Damayanti spoke unto Naishadha these piteous words: “O king, thinking of your purpose, my heart trembles, and all my limbs become faint. How can I go, leaving you in the lone woods despoiled of your kingdom and deprived of your wealth, yourself without a garment on, and worn with hunger and toil? When in the deep woods, fatigued and afflicted with hunger, you think of your former bliss, I will soothe your weariness. In every sorrow there is no physic equal unto the wife, say the physicians. It is the truth, O Nala, that I speak unto you.”

 

Hearing those words of his queen, Nala replied, “Damayanti! It is as you have said. To a man in distress, there is no friend or medicine that is equal unto a wife. But I do not seek to renounce you, wherefore do you dread this? I can forsake myself but you I cannot forsake.”

 

Damayanti then said: “If you do not intend to forsake me, why then do you point out to me the way to the country of the Vidarbhas? I know that you would not desert me. But, considering that your mind is distracted, you may desert me. You repeatedly point out to me the way and it is by this that you enhance my grief. If it is your intention that I should go to my relatives, then if it pleases you, both of us will wend to the country of the Vidarbhas. There the king of the Vidarbhas will receive you with respect. Honoured by him, you shall live happily in our home.”

 

Nala said: “Surely, your father's kingdom is as my own. But there I will not, by any means, repair in this extremity. Once I appeared there in glory, increasing your joy. How can I go there now in misery, augmenting your grief?”

 

Nala leaves Damayanti

 

Saying this again and again unto Damayanti, king Nala, wrapped in half a garment, comforted his blessed wife. Both attired in one cloth and wearied with hunger and thirst, in course of their wanderings, at last they came to a sheltered shed for travellers. Arrived at this place, King Nala sat down on the bare earth with princess Damayanti. Wearing the same piece of cloth with Damayanti, and dirty, haggard, and stained with dust, he fell asleep with Damayanti on the ground in weariness. Suddenly plunged in distress, the innocent and delicate Damayanti with every mark of good fortune, fell into a profound slumber. While she slept, Nala, with heart and mind distraught, could not slumber calmly as before. Reflecting on the loss of his kingdom, the desertion of his friends, and his distress in the woods, he thought with himself: “What avails my acting thus? What if I act not thus? Is death the better for me now? Or should I desert my wife? She is truly devoted to me and suffers this distress for my sake. Separated from me, she may perchance wander to her relatives. Devoted as she is to me, if she stays with me, distress will surely be hers; while it is doubtful, if I desert her. On the other hand, it is not unlikely that she may even have happiness some time.”

 

Reflecting upon this repeatedly, and thinking of it again and again, he concluded that the desertion of Damayanti was the best course for him. He also thought: “Of high fame and auspicious fortune, and devoted to me, her husband, she is incapable of being injured by any one on the way on account of her energy.” Thus his mind that was influenced by the wicked Kali, dwelling upon Damayanti, was made up for deserting her. Then thinking of his own want of clothing, and of her being clad in a single garment, he intended to cut off for himself one half of Damayanti's attire. He thought: “How shall I divide this garment, so that my beloved one may not perceive?” Thinking of this, Nala began to walk up and down that shed. Pacing thus to and fro, he found a handsome sword lying near the shed, unsheathed. Nala, having, with that sword cut off one half of the cloth, and throwing the instrument away, left the daughter of Vidharbha insensible in her sleep and went away. But his heart failing him, the king of the Nishadhas returned to the shed, and seeing Damayanti again, burst into tears. He said: “Alas! That beloved one of mine whom neither the god of wind nor the sun had seen before, even she sleeps to-day on the bare earth, like one forlorn. Clad in this severed piece of cloth, and lying like one distracted, how will the beauteous one of luminous smiles behave when she awakes? How will the beautiful daughter of Bhima, devoted to her lord, all alone and separated from me, wander through these deep woods inhabited by beasts and serpents? O blessed one! May the Adityas, the Vasus, and the twin Ashvins together with the Marutas protect you, your virtue being your best guard.” And addressing thus his dear wife peerless on earth in beauty, Nala strove to go, reft of reason by Kali.

 

Departing and still departing, king Nala returned again and again to that shed, dragged away by Kali but drawn back by love. It seemed as though the heart of the wretched king was rent in twain, and like a swing, he kept going out from cabin and coming back into it. At length after lamenting long and piteously, Nala stupefied and bereft of sense by Kali went away, forsaking that sleeping wife of his. Reft of reason through Kali's touch, and thinking of his conduct, the king departed in sorrow, leaving his, wife alone in that solitary forest.

 

Damayanti laments

 

After Nala had gone away, the beauteous Damayanti, now refreshed, timorously awoke in that lonely forest. Not finding her lord Naishadha, afflicted with grief and pain, she shrieked aloud in fright, saying: “O lord! O mighty monarch! O husband! Do you desert me? Oh! I am lost and undone, frightened in this desolate place. You are truthful in speech, and conversant with morality. How have you then, having pledged your word, deserted me asleep in the woods? Why have you deserted your accomplished wife, devoted to you, particularly one that has not wronged you, though wronged you have been by others? It behoves you to act faithfull, according to those words you had spoken unto me before in the presence of the guardians of the worlds. That your wife lives even a moment after your desertion of her, is only because mortals are decreed to die at the appointed time. Enough of this joke! I am terribly frightened. Show yourself! I see you! I see you, O king! Hiding yourself behind those shrubs, why do you not reply unto me? It is cruel of you, that seeing me in this plight and so lamenting, you do not approach and comfort me. I grieve not for myself, nor for anything else. I only grieve to think how you will pass your days alone. In the evening oppressed with hunger and thirst and fatigue, underneath the trees, how will it take with you when you seest me not?”

 

Then Damayanti, afflicted with anguish and burning with grief, began to rush here and there, weeping in woe. Now the helpless princess sprang up, and now she sank down in stupor; and now she shrank in terror, and now she wept and wailed aloud. Bhima's daughter devoted to her husband, burning in anguish and sighing ever more, and faint and weeping exclaimed: “That being through whose imprecation the afflicted Naishadha suffers this woe, shall bear grief that is greater than ours. May that wicked being who has brought Nala of sinless heart this, lead a more miserable life bearing greater ills.”

 

Thus lamenting, the crowned consort of the illustrious king began to seek her lord in those woods, inhabited by beasts of prey. The daughter of Bhima, wailing bitterly, wandered here and there like a maniac, exclaiming, “Alas! Alas! Oh king!” And as she was wailing loudly  like a female osprey, and grieving and indulging in piteous lamentations unceasingly, she came near a gigantic serpent. That huge and hungry serpent thereupon suddenly seized Bhima's daughter, who had come near and was moving about within its range. Folded within serpent's coils and filled with grief, she still wept, not for herself but for Naishadha. She said: “O lord! Why do you not rush towards me, now that I am seized, without anybody to protect me, by this serpent in these desert wilds? How will it fare with you when you remember me? Why have you gone away, deserting me today in the forest? Free from your course, when you will have regained your mind and senses and wealth, how will it be with you when you think of me? Who will soothe you when you are weary, and hungry, and fainting?”

 

A hunter is killed by Damayanti’s curse

 

While she was wailing thus, a certain huntsman ranging the deep woods, hearing her lamentations, swiftly came to the spot. Beholding the large-eyed one in the coils of the serpent, he rushed towards it and cut off its head with his sharp weapon. Having struck the reptile dead, the huntsman set Damayanti free. Having sprinkled her body with water and fed and comforted her. He addressed her saying: “O you with eyes like those of a young gazelle! Who are you? Why have you come into the woods? How have you fallen into this extreme misery”

 

Thus accosted by that man, Damayanti related unto him all that had happened. Beholding that beautiful woman clad in half a garment, with deep bosom and round hips, and limbs delicate and faultless, and face resembling the full moon, and eyes graced with curved eye-lashes, and speech sweet as honey, the hunter became inflamed with desire. Afflicted by the god of love, the huntsman began to soothe her in winning voice and soft words. As soon as the chaste and beauteous Damayanti, beholding him understood his intentions, she was filled with fierce wrath and seemed to blaze up in anger. But the wicked-minded wretch, burning with desire became wroth, attempted to employ force upon her, who was unconquerable as a flame of blazing fire. Damayanti already distressed upon being deprived of husband and kingdom, in that hour of grief beyond utterance, cursed him in anger, saying: “I have never even thought of any other person than Naishadha, therefore let this mean-minded wrath subsisting on chase, fall down lifeless.” As soon as she said this, the hunter fell down lifeless upon the ground, like a tree consumed by fire.

 

Damayanti laments further in search of Nala

 

Having destroyed that hunter, Damayanti went onwards through that fearful and solitary forest ringing with the chirp of crickets. It abounded with lions, leopards, Rurus, tigers, buffaloes, bears and deer. It swarmed with birds of various species, and was infested by thieves and mlechchha tribes. It contained the following trees: Sala, bamboo, Dhava, Ashvattha, Tinduka, Inguda, Kimsuka, Arjuna, Nimba, Tinisa, Salmala, Jambu, mango, Lodhra, the Catechu, the cane, Padmaka, Amalaha, Plaksha, Kadamba, Udumbara, Vadari, Bilva, Banian, Piyala, palm, date, Haritaka and Vibhitaka. The princess of Vidarbha saw many mountains containing ores of various kinds, and groves resounding with the notes of winged choirs, many glens of wondrous sight, many rivers, lakes, tanks and various kinds of birds and beasts. She saw numberless snakes, goblins, Rakshasas of grim visage, and pools, tanks and hillocks, and brooks and fountains of wonderful appearance. The princess of Vidarbha saw there herds of buffaloes, boars, and bears as well as serpents of the wilderness. Safe in virtue and glory and good fortune and patience, Damayanti wandered through those woods alone, in search of Nala. The royal daughter of Bhima, distressed only at her separation from her lord, was not terrified in that fearful forest. Seating herself down upon a stone and filled with grief, and every limb of hers trembling with sorrow on account of her husband, she began to lament thus:

 

“O king of the Nishadhas! Where have you gone leaving me in this lone forest? Having performed the Ashvamedha and other sacrifices, with gifts in profusion unto the Brahmanas, why have you played false with me alone? It behoves you to remember what you did declare before me! It behoves you also to call to mind what the sky-ranging swans spoke in your presence and in mine. The four Vedas in all their extent, with the Angas and the Upangas, well-studied, on one side, and one single truth on the other, are equal. Therefore, it behoves you to make good what you did formerly declare before me. I am about to perish in this dreadful forest. Wherefore do you not answer me? This terrible lord of the forest, of grim visage and gaping jaws, and famishing with hunger, fills me with fright. Does it not behove you to deliver me? You were wont to say always, ‘Save you there exists not one dear unto me.’ Do you now make good your words so spoken before. Why do you not return an answer to your beloved wife bewailing and bereft of sense, although you love her, being loved in return? Why do you not regard me, emaciated, and distressed, pale, discoloured, and clad in a half piece of cloth, and alone, weeping, and lamenting like one forlorn, and like unto a solitary doe separated from the herd? It is, I, Damayanti, devoted to you, who, alone in this great forest, address you. Wherefore, then, do you not reply unto me? I do not behold you today on this mountain! In this terrible forest, haunted by lions and tigers, whether you are lying down, or sitting, or standing, or gone, whom shall I ask, distressed and woe-stricken on your account, saying, ‘Have you seen in this woods the royal Nala?’ Of whom shall I in this forest enquire after the departed Nala, handsome and of high soul, and the destroyer of hostile arrays? From whom shall I today hear the sweet words – ‘That royal Nala, of eyes like lotus-leaves, whom you seek, is here?’ Yonder comes the forest-king, that tiger of graceful mien, furnished with four teeth and prominent cheeks. Even him will I accost fearlessly: ‘You are the lord of all animals, and of this forest the king. Know me for Damayanti, the daughter of the king of the Vidarbhas, and the wife of Nala, the king of the Nishadhas. Distressed and woe-stricken, I am seeking my husband alone in these woods. Do you comfort me with news of Nala if you have seen him. Or, if you cannot speak of Nala, do you, then devour me, and free me from this misery.’ Hearing my plaintive appeal in the wilderness, this king of mountains, this high and sacred hill, crested with innumerable jewels rolls towards the sea.

 

“Let me, then, for tidings of the king, ask this king of mountains, this high and sacred hill, crested with innumerable heaven-kissing, many-hued beauteous peaks, and abounding in various ores; decked with gems of diverse kinds; rising like a banner over this broad forest; ranged by lions, tigers, elephants, boars, bears and stags; echoing all around with the notes of winged creatures of various species; adorned with Kimsuka, Ashoka, Bakula, Punnaga, with blossoming Karnikara, Dhava, Plaksha; with streams haunted by waterfowls of every kind; and abounding in crested summits! O sacred one! O best of mountains! I bow to you! Know me for a king's daughter, and a king's daughter-in-law, and king's consort, Damayanti by name that lord of earth who rules the Vidarbhas, that mighty warrior-king Bhima by name, who protects the four orders, is my sire. That best of kings celebrated the Rajasuya and Ashvamedha sacrifices, with profuse gifts to the Brahmanas. Possessed of beautiful and large eyes, distinguished for devotion to the Vedas, of unblemished character, truth-telling, devoid of guile, gentle, endued with prowess, lord of immense wealth, versed in morality, and pure, he having vanquished all his foes, effectually protects the inhabitants of Vidarbha. Know me for his daughter, thus come to you. That best of men - the celebrated ruler of the Nishadha - known by the name of Virasena of high fame, was my father-in-law. The son of that king, heroic, handsome and possessed of energy incapable of being baffled, who rules well the kingdom which has descended to him from his father, is named Nala. Know that of that slayer of foes, called also Punyashloka, possessed of the complexion of gold, devoted to the Brahmanas, versed in the Vedas, gifted with eloquence, - of that righteous and Soma-quaffing and fire-adoring king, who celebrates sacrifices and is liberal and warlike and who adequately chastises criminals, I am the innocent spouse - the chief of his queens - standing before you. Despoiled of prosperity and deprived of the company of my husband without a protector, and afflicted with calamity, here have I come seeking my husband. Have you, with your hundreds of peaks towering into the sky, seen king Nala in this frightful forest? Have you seen my husband, that ruler of the Nishadhas, the illustrious Nala, with the tread of a mighty elephant, endued with intelligence, long-armed, and of fiery energy, possessed of prowess, patience, courage and high fame? Seeing me bewailing alone, overwhelmed with sorrow, wherefore, do you not today soothe me with your voice, as your own daughter in distress? O hero! If you are in this forest, then, reveal yourself unto me. When shall I again hear the voice of Nala, gentle and deep as that of the clouds, that voice, sweet as Amrita, of the illustrious king, calling me Vidharbha's daughter, with accents distinct, and holy, musical as the chanting of the Vedas and rich, soothing all my sorrows. O king! I am frightened. Do you comfort me.”

 

Damayanti sees an Ashram that disappears

 

Having addressed that foremost of mountain thus, Damayanti then went in a northerly direction. Having proceeded three days and nights, that best of women came to an incomparable penance grove of ascetics, resembling in beauty a celestial grove. The charming asylum she beheld was inhabited and adorned by ascetics like Vasishtha, Bhrigu and Atri, self-denying and strict in diet, with minds under control, endued with holiness, some living on water, some on air, and some on fallen leaves, with passions in check, eminently blessed, seeking the way to heaven, clad in barks of trees and deer-skins, and with senses subdued. Beholding that hermitage inhabited by ascetics, abounding in herds of deer and monkeys, Damayanti was cheered. Damayanti entered that asylum. Saluting those ascetics grown old in practising austerities, she stood in an attitude of humility. The ascetics living in that forest, said: “Welcome!” And those men of ascetic wealth, paying her due homage, said: “Sit down, and tell us what we may do for you.” Damayanti replied unto them, saying: “You sinless and eminently blessed ascetics! Is it well with your austerities, sacrificial fire, religious observances, and the duties of your own order? Is it well with the beasts and birds of this asylum?” They answered: “O beauteous and illustrious lady! Prosperity attends us in every respect. But, tell us who you are, and what you seek. Beholding your beauteous form and your bright splendour, we have been amazed. Cheer up and mourn not. Tell us, are you the presiding deity of this forest, or of this mountain, or of this river?” Damayanti replied unto those ascetics, saying: “O Brahmanas, I am not the goddess of this forest, or of this mountain, or of this stream. Know that I am a human being. I will relate my history in detail. Do you listen to me. There is a king - the mighty ruler of the Vidarbhas - Bhima by name. Know me to be his daughter. The wise ruler of the Nishadhas, Nala by name, of great celebrity, heroic, and ever victorious in battle, and learned, is my husband. That king devoted to truth and Dharma was summoned to dice by certain deceitful persons of mean mind, uncultured soul, of crooked ways, and skilful in gambling, and was deprived of wealth and kingdom. Know that I am the wife of that bull among kings, known to all by the name of Damayanti, anxious to find out my missing lord. In sadness of heart am I wandering among woods, mountains, lakes, rivers, tanks and forests, in search of that husband of mine - Nala, skilled in battle, high-souled, and well-versed in the use of weapons. Has king Nala, the lord of the Nishadhas, come to this delightful ashram of your holy selves? It is for him that I have come to this dreary forest full of terrors and haunted by tigers and other beasts. If I do not see king Nala within a few days and nights, I shall seek my good by renouncing this body. Of what use is my life without that bull among men? How shall I live afflicted with grief on account of my husband?”

 

Unto Damayanti, lamenting forlorn in that forest, the truth-telling ascetics replied, saying: “O blessed and beauteous one! We see by ascetic power that the future will bring happiness to you, and that you will soon behold Naishadha. You will behold Nala, the lord of the Nishadhas, and the foremost of the virtuous freed from distress. You will behold the king freed from all sins, decked with all kinds of gems, ruling the selfsame city, chasting his enemies, striking terror into the hearts of foes, gladdening the hearts of friends, and crowned with every blessing.”

 

Having spoken unto that princess the ascetics with their sacred fires and ashram vanished from sight. Beholding that mighty wonder, Damayanti was struck with amazement. She asked herself, “Was it a dream that I saw? What an occurrence has taken place! Where are all those ascetics? Where is that asylum? Where, further, is that delightful river of sacred waters, the resort of diverse kinds of fowls? Where, again, are those charming trees decked with fruits and flowers?” After thinking so for some time, Damayanti afflicted with grief on account  of her lord, lost the colour of her face again.

 

Going to another part of the wood, she saw an Asoka tree. Approaching that first of trees in the forest, so charming with blossoms and its load of foliage, and resounding with the notes of birds, Damayanti, with tears in her eyes and accents choked in grief, began to lament, saying, “Oh, this graceful tree in the heart of the forest, decked in flowers, looks beautiful, like a charming king of hills. O beauteous Asoka, do you speedily free me from grief. Have you seen king Nala, the beloved husband of Damayanti, freed from fear and grief and obstacles? Have you seen my beloved husband, the ruler of the Nishadhas, clad in half a piece of cloth, with delicate skin, that hero afflicted with woe and who has come into this wilderness? O Asoka tree, do you free me from grief! Vindicate your name, for Asoka means destroyer of grief.”

 

Going round that tree thrice, with an afflicted heart, Damayanti entered a more terrible part of the forest. Wandering in quest of her lord, she beheld many trees, streams, delightful mountains, many beasts and birds, and caves, precipices, and many rivers of wonderful appearance.

 

The caravan that Damayanti joins gets destroyed

 

As she proceeded she came upon a broad way where she saw with wonder a body of merchants, with their horses and elephants, landing on the banks of a river, full of clear and cool water, lovely and charming to behold, broad, covered with bushes of canes, echoing with the cries of cranes, ospreys and Chakravakas, and abounding in tortoises, alligators, fishes, and studded with innumerable islets. As soon as she saw that caravan, the beauteous and celebrated wife of Nala, wild like a maniac, oppressed with grief, clad in half a garment, lean, pale and smutted, and with hair covered with dust, drew near and entered into its midst. Beholding her, some fled in fear, some became extremely anxious, some cried aloud, some laughed at her, and some hated her. Some felt pity for and addressed her saying, “O blessed one! Who are you, and whose? What do you seek in woods? Seeing you here we have been terrified. Are you human? Tell us truly, if you are the goddess of this wood or of this mountain or of the points of the heaven. We seek your protection. Are you a female Yaksha, or a female Rakshasa, or a celestial damsel? Do you bless us wholly and protect us. And, do you so act that his caravan may soon go hence in prosperity and that the welfare of all of us may be secured.”

 

Thus addressed by that caravan, the princess Damayanti, devoted to her husband and oppressed by the calamity that had befallen her, answered, saying, “O leader of the caravan,! You merchants, you youths, old men, and children, and you that compose this caravan! Know me for a human being. I am the daughter of a king, and the daughter in-law of a king, and the consort also of a king, eager for the sight of my lord. The ruler of the Vidarbhas is my father, and my husband is the lord of the Nishadhas, named Nala. Now I am seeking that unvanquished and blessed one. If you have chanced to see my beloved one, king Nala, tell me quick.”

 

Thereupon the leader of that great caravan, named Shuchi, replied unto Damayanti, saying, “O blessed one! Listen to my words. I am a merchant and the leader of this caravan. I have not seen any man of the name of Nala. In this extensive forest uninhabited by men, there are only elephants, leopards, buffaloes, tigers, bears and other animals. Except you, I have not met with any man or woman here!”

 

Thus addressed by them she asked those merchants as well as the leader of the host saying, “It behoves you to tell me where this caravan is bound.” The leader of the band said, “For the purpose of profit this caravan is bound direct for the city of Subahu, the truth-telling ruler of the Chedis.”

 

Having heard the words of the leader of that caravan, Damayanti proceeded with that caravan itself anxious to behold her lord. After having proceeded for many days, the merchants saw a large lake fragrant with lotuses in the midst of that dense and terrible forest. It was beautiful all over, and exceedingly delightful, with banks abounding in grass, fuel, fruits and flowers. It was inhabited by various kinds of fowls, birds, and fall of water that was pure and sweet. It was cool and capable of captivating the heart. The caravan, worn out with toil, resolved to halt there. With the permission of their leader, they spread themselves around those beautiful woods. That mighty caravan finding it was evening halted at that place.

 

It came to pass that at the hour of midnight when everything was hushed and still and the tired caravan had fallen asleep, a herd of elephants in going towards a mountain stream to drink of its water befouled by their temporal juice, saw that caravan as also the numerous elephants belonging to it. Seeing their domesticated fellows the wild elephants infuriated and with the temporal juice trickling down rushed impetuously on the former, with the intention of killing them. The force of the rush of those elephants was hard to bear, like the impetuosity of peaks lessened from mountain summits rolling towards the plain. The rushing elephants found the forest paths to be all blocked up, for the goodly caravan was sleeping obstructing the paths around that lake of lotuses. The elephants all of a sudden, began to crush the men lying insensible on the ground. Uttering cries of “Oh!” and “Alas!” the merchants, blinded by sleep, fled, in order to escape that danger, to woods for refuge. Some were slain by the tusks, some by the trunks, and some by the legs of those elephants. Innumerable camels and horses were killed, and crowds of men on foot, running in fright, killed one another. Uttering loud cries some fell down on the ground, some in fear climbed on trees, and some dropped down on uneven ground. Thus accidentally attacked by that large herd of elephants, that goodly caravan suffered a great loss. There arose a tremendous uproar calculated to frighten the three worlds, “Lo! a great fire has broken out. Rescue us. Do you speedily fly away. Why do you fly? Take the heaps of jewels scattered around. All this wealth is a trifle.” With such exclamation they ran about in fright.

 

Damayanti awoke in fear and anxiety, while that terrible slaughter was raging there. Beholding slaughter capable of awaking the fear of all the worlds, and which was so unforeseen, she rose up, wild with fright, and almost out of breath. Those of the caravan that had escaped unhurt, met together, and asked one another, “Of what deed of ours is this the consequence? Surely, we have failed to worship the illustrious Manibhadra, and likewise the exalted and graceful Vaisravana, the king of the Yaksha. Perhaps, we have not worshipped the deities that cause calamities, or perhaps, we have not paid them the first homage. Or, perhaps, this evil is the certain consequence of the birds we saw. Our stars are not unpropitious. From what other cause, then has this disaster come?” Others, distressed and bereft of wealth and relatives, said, “That maniac-like woman who came amongst this mighty caravan in guise that was strange and scarcely human, alas, it is by her that this dreadful illusion had been pre-arranged. Of a certainty, she is a terrible Rakshasa or a Yaksha or a Pisacha woman. All this evil is her work, what need of doubts? If we again see that wicked destroyer of merchants, that giver of innumerable woes, we shall certainly slay that injurer of ours, with stones, and dust, and grass, and wood, and cuffs.”

 

Hearing these dreadful words of the merchants, Damayanti, in terror, shame and anxiety, fled into the woods apprehensive of evil. Reproaching herself she said, “Alas! fierce and great is the wrath of God on me. Peace follows not in my track. Of what misdeed is this the consequence? I do not remember that I did ever so little a wrong to any one in thought, word, or deed. Of what deed, then, is this the consequence? Certainly, it is on account of the great sins I had committed in a former life that such calamity has befallen me, viz., the loss of my husband's kingdom, his defeat at the hands of his own kinsmen, this separation from my lord and my son and daughter, this my unprotected state, and my presence in this forest abounding in innumerable beasts of prey!”

 

The next day, the remnant of that caravan left the place bewailing the destruction that had overtaken them and lamenting for their dead brothers, fathers, sons and friends. The princess of Vidarbha began to lament, saying, “Alas! What misdeed have I perpetrated! The crowd of men that I obtained in this lone forest, has been destroyed by a herd of elephants, surely as a consequence of my ill luck. Without doubt, I shall have to suffer misery for a long time. I have heard from old men that no person dieth ere his time; it is for this that my miserable self has not been trodden to death by that herd of elephants. Nothing that befalls men is due to anything else than Destiny, for even in my childhood I did not commit any such sin in thought, word, or deed, whence might come this calamity. Methinks, I suffer this severance from my husband through the potency of those celestial Lokapalas, who had come to the Swayamvara but whom I disregarded for the sake of Nala.”

 

Damayanti arrives in Chedi

 

Bewailing thus, Damayanti went, oppressed with grief and pale as the autumnal moon, with those Brahmanas versed in the Vedas that had survived the slaughter of the caravan. Departing speedily, towards evening, the damsel came to the mighty city of Subahu, the king of the Chedis. She entered that excellent city clad in half a garment. The citizens saw her as she went, overcome with fear, and lean, melancholy, her hair dishevelled and soiled with dust, and maniac-like. Beholding her enter the city of the king of the Chedis, the boys of the city, from curiosity, began to follow her. Surrounded by them, she came before the palace of the king. From the terrace the queen-mother saw her surrounded by the crowd. She said to her nurse, “Go and bring that woman before me. She is forlorn and is being vexed by the crowd. She has fallen into distress and stands in need of succour. I find her beauty to be such that it illumines my house. The fair one, though looking like a maniac, seems Goddess Shree herself with her large eyes.”

 

Thus commanded, the nurse went out and dispersing the crowd brought Damayanti to that graceful terrace. Struck with wonder, she asked Damayanti, saying, “Afflicted though you are with such distress, you own a beautiful form. You shine like lightning in the midst of the clouds. Tell me who you are, and whose. Surely, your beauty is not human, bereft though you are of ornaments. Although you are helpless, yet you are unmoved under the outrage of these men.”

 

Hearing these words of the nurse, Damayanti said, “Know that I am a female belonging to the human species and devoted to my husband. I am a serving woman of good lineage. I live wherever I like, subsisting on fruit and roots, whom a companion, and stay where evening overtakes me. My husband is the owner of countless virtues and was ever devoted to me. I also, on my part, was deeply attached to him, following him like his shadow. It chanced that once he became desperately engaged at dice. Defeated at dice, he came along into the forest. I accompanied my husband into the woods, comforting the hero clad in a single piece of cloth and maniac-like and overwhelmed with calamity. Once for some cause, that hero, afflicted with hunger, thirst and grief, was forced to abandon that sole piece of covering in the forest. Destitute of garment and maniac-like and deprived of his senses as he was, I followed him, myself in a single garment. Following him, I did not sleep for nights together. Thus passed many days, until at last while I was sleeping, he cut off half of my cloth, and forsook me who had done him no wrong. I am seeking my husband but unable to find him who is of hue like the filaments of the lotus, without being able to cast my eyes on that delight of my heart, that dear lord who owneth my heart and resembleth the celestials in mien, day and night do I burn in grief.”

 

Unto Bhima's daughter thus lamenting with tearful eyes, and afflicted and speaking in accents choked in grief, the queen-mother herself said, “O blessed damsel! Stay with me. I am well pleased with you. My men shall search for your husband. Or, perhaps he may come here of his own accord in course of his wanderings. Residing here you will regain your lost lord.”

 

Hearing these words of the queen mother, Damayanti replied, “O mother of heroes! I may stay with you on certain conditions. I shall not eat the leavings on any dish, nor shall I wash anybody's feet, nor shall I have to speak with other men. If anybody shall seek me as a wife or mistress he should be liable to punishment at your hands. Further, should he solicit me over and over again, that wicked one should be punished with death. This is the vow I have made. I intend to have an interview with those Brahmanas that will set out to search for my husband. If you can do all this, I shall certainly live with you. If it is otherwise, I cannot find it in my heart to reside with you.”

 

The queen-mother answered her with a glad heart, saying, “I will do all this. You have done well in adopting such a vow!”

 

Having spoken so unto the daughter of Bhima, the queen-mother said to her daughter named Sunanda, “O Sunanda, accept this lady like a goddess as your Sairindhri! Let her be your companion, as she is of the same age with you. With heart free from care, always sport with her in joy.” Sunanda cheerfully accepted Damayanti and led her to her own apartment accompanied by her associates. Treated with respect, Damayanti was satisfied, and she continued to reside there without anxiety of any kind, for all her wishes were duly gratified.

 

Nala is bitten by Karkotaka

 

Having deserted Damayanti, king Nala saw a mighty conflagration that was raging in that dense forest. In the midst of that conflagration, he heard the voice of some creature, repeatedly crying aloud, “O righteous Nala! Come here.” And answering, “Fear not,” he entered into the midst of the fire and beheld a mighty Naga lying in coils. The Naga with joined hands, and trembling, spoke unto Nala, saying, “O king! Know that I am a snake, Karkotaka by name. I had deceived the great Rishi Narada of high ascetic merit, and by him I have been cursed in wrath, in words such as these: ‘Stay here like an immobile thing, until Nala takes you hence. Indeed, on the spot to which he will carry you, there you shall be freed from my curse.’ It is for that curse of his that I am unable to stir one step. I will instruct you in respect of your welfare. It behoves you to deliver me. I will be your friend. There is no snake equal to me. I will be light in your hands. Taking me up, do you speedily go hence.”

 

Having said this, that prince of snakes became as small as the thumb. Taking him up, Nala went to a spot free from fire. Having reached an open spot where there was no fire, Nala intended to drop the serpent, upon which Karkotaka again addressed him, saying, “O king of the Nishadhas! Proceed yet, counting a few steps of yours; meanwhile, I will do you great good.” As Nala began to count his steps, the snake bit him at the tenth step. As he was bit, his form speedily underwent a change. Beholding his change of form, Nala was amazed. The king saw the snake also assume his own form. The snake Karkotaka, comforting Nala, spoke unto him, “I have deprived you of your beauty, so that people may not recognise you. He by whom you have been deceived and cast into distress, shall dwell in you tortured by my venom. As long as he does not leave you, he will have to dwell in pain in your body with you every limb filled with my venom. I have saved from the hands of him who from anger and hate deceived you, perfectly innocent though you are and undeserving of wrong. Through my grace, you shall have no longer any fear from animals with fangs, from enemies, and from Brahmanas also versed in the Vedas, O king! Nor shall you feel pain on account of my poison. You shall be ever victorious in battle. This very day, go to the delightful city of Ayodhya, and present yourself before Rituparna skilled in gambling, saying, ‘I am a charioteer, Bahuka by name.’ That king will give you his skill in dice for your knowledge of horses. Sprung from the line of Ikswaku, and possessed of prosperity, he will be your friend. When you will be an adept at dice, you shall then have prosperity. You will also meet with your wife and your children, and regain your kingdom. I tell you this truly. Therefore, let not your mind be occupied by sorrow. When you should desire to behold your proper form, you should remember me, and wear this garment. Upon wearing this, you shall get back your own form.”

 

And saying this, that Naga then gave unto Nala two pieces of celestial cloth. Having thus instructed Nala, and presented him with the attire, the king of snakes made himself invisible there and then!

 

Nala arrives in Ayodhya

 

After the snake had vanquished, Nala proceeded and on the tenth day entered the city of Rituparna. He approached the king, saying, “My name is Bahuka. There is no one in this world equal to me in managing steeds. My counsel also should be sought in matters of difficulty and in all affairs of skill. I also surpass others in the art of cooking. In all those arts that exists in this world, and also in every thing difficult of accomplishment, I will strive to attain success, O Rituparna! do you maintain me.”

 

Rituparna replied, “O Bahuka! Stay with me! May good happen to you. You will even perform all this. I have always particularly desired to be driven fast. Do you concert such measures that my steeds may become fleet. I appoint you the superintendent of my stables. Your pay shall be ten thousand coins. Both Varshneya and Jivala shall always be under your direction. You will live pleasantly in their company. Therefore, O Bahuka! stay with me.”

 

Thus addressed by the king, Nala began to dwell in the city of Rituparna, treated with respect, with Varshneya and Jivala as his companions. Residing there, the king Nala, remembering the princess of Vidarbha, recited every evening the following shloka: “Where lies that helpless one afflicted with hunger and thirst and worn with toil, thinking of that wretch? Upon whom also does she now wait?”

 

Once as the king was reciting this in the night, Jivala asked him saying, “O Bahuka! Whom do you lament thus daily? I am curious to hear it. Whose spouse is she whom you thus lament?” Thus questioned, king Nala answered him, saying, “A certain person devoid of sense had a wife well-known to many. That wretch was false in his promises. For some reason that wicked person was separated from her. Separated from her, that wretch wandered about oppressed with woe, and burning with grief he rests not by day or night. At night, remembering her, he sings this shloka. Having wandered over the entire world, he has at last found a refuge, and undeserving of the distress that has befallen him, passes his days, thus remembering his wife. When calamity had overtaken this man, his wife followed him into the woods. Deserted by that man of little virtue, her life itself is in danger. Alone, without knowledge of ways, ill able to bear distress, and fainting with hunger and thirst, the girl can hardly protect her life. O friend! She has been deserted by that man of small fortune and having little sense, with the wide and terrible forest, ever abounding in beasts of prey.”

 

Thus remembering Damayanti, the king of the Nishadhas continued to live unknown in the abode of that monarch!

 

Bhima undertakes a search for Nala and Damayanti

 

After Nala, despoiled of his kingdom, had, with his wife, become a bondsman, Bhima with the desire of seeing Nala sent out Brahmanas to search for him. Giving them profuse wealth, Bhima enjoined on them, saying, “Search for Nala, and also for my daughter Damayanti. He who achieves this task, ascertaining where the ruler of the Nishadhas is, brings him and my daughter here, will obtain from me a thousand kine, fields, and a village resembling a town. Even if failing to bring Damayanti and Nala here, he that succeeds learning their whereabouts, will get from me the wealth represented by a thousand kine.”

 

Thus addressed, the Brahmanas cheerfully went out in all directions seeking Nala and his wife in cities and provinces. But they did not find Nala or his spouse anywhere.

 

A Brahmin spots Damayanti in Chedi

 

After a long time, searching in the beautiful city of the Chedis, a Brahmana named Sudeva, during the time of the king's prayers, saw the princess of Vidarbha in the palace of the king, seated with Sunanda. Her incomparable beauty was slightly perceptible, like the brightness of a fire enveloped in curls of smoke. Beholding that lady of large eyes, soiled and emaciated, he decided her to be Damayanti, coming to that conclusion from various reasons. Sudeva said, “As I saw her before, this damsel is even so at present. I am blessed, by casting my eyes on this fair one, like Shree herself delighting the worlds! Resembling the full moon, of unchanging youth, of well-rounded breasts, illumining all sides by her splendour, possessed of large eyes like beautiful lotuses, like unto Kama's Rati herself the delight of all the worlds like the rays of the full moon, she looks like a lotus-stalk transplanted by adverse fortune from the Vidarbha lake and covered with mire in the process. Oppressed with grief on account of her husband, and melancholy, she looks like the night of the full moon when Rahu has swallowed that luminary, or like a stream whose current has dried up. Her plight is very much like that of a ravaged lake with the leaves of its lotuses crushed by the trunks of elephants, and with its birds and fowls affrighted by the invasion. Indeed, this girl, of a delicate frame and of lovely limbs, and deserving to dwell in a mansion decked with gems, is now like an uprooted lotus-stalk scorched by the sun. Endued with beauty and generosity of nature, and destitute of ornaments, though deserving of them, she looks like the moon ‘new bent in haven’ but covered with black clouds. Destitute of comforts and luxuries, separated from loved ones and friends, she lives in distress, supported by the hope of beholding her lord. Verily, the husband is the best ornament of a woman, however destitute of ornaments. Without her husband beside her, this lady, though beautiful, shines not. It is a hard feat achieved by Nala in that he lives without succumbing to grief, though separated from such a wife. Beholding this damsel possessed of black hair and of eyes like lotus-leaves, in woe though deserving of bliss, even my heart is pained. Alas! When shall this girl graced with auspicious marks and devoted to her husband, crossing this ocean of woe, regain the company of her lord, like Rohini regaining the Moon's? Surely, the king of the Nishadhas will experience in regaining her the delight that a king deprived of his kingdom experiences in regaining his kingdom. Equal to her in nature and age and extraction, Nala deserves the daughter of Vidarbha, and this damsel of black eyes also deserves him. It behoves me to comfort the queen of that hero of immeasurable prowess and endued with energy and might, since she is so eager to meet her husband. I will console this afflicted girl of face like the full moon, and suffering distress that she had never before endured, and ever meditating on her lord.”

 

Having thus reflected on these various circumstances and signs, the Brahmana, Sudeva, approached Damayanti, and addressed her, saying, “O princess of Vidarbha! I am Sudeva, the dear friend of your brother. I have come here, seeking you, at the desire of king Bhima. Your father is well, and also your mother, and your brothers. Your son and daughter, blessed with length of days, are living in peace. Your relatives, though alive, are almost dead on your account, and hundreds of Brahmanas are ranging the world in search of you."

 

Damayanti recognising Sudeva, asked him respecting all her relatives and kinsmen one after another. Oppressed with grief, the princess of Vidarbha began to weep bitterly, at the unexpected sight of Sudeva, the friend of her brother.

 

Damayanti returns to her father Bhima

 

Beholding Damayanti weeping, and conversing in private with Sudeva, Sunanda was distressed, and going to her mother informed her, saying, “Sairindhri is weeping bitterly in the presence of a Brahmana. If you like, check yourself.” Thereupon the mother of the king of the Chedis, issuing from the inner apartments of the palace, came to the place where the girl Damayanti was with that Brahmana. Then calling Sudeva, the queen-mother asked him, “Whose wife is this fair one, and whose daughter? How has this lady of beautiful eyes been deprived of the company of her relatives and of her husband as well? How also have you come to know this lady fallen into such a plight? I wish to hear all this in detail from you. Do truly relate unto me who am asking you about this damsel of celestial beauty.” Then, thus addressed by the queen-mother, Sudeva sat at his ease, and began to relate the true history of Damayanti.

 

Sudeva said, “There is a virtuous and illustrious ruler of the Vidarbhas, Bhima by name. This blessed lady is his daughter, and widely known by the name of Damayanti. There is a king ruling the Nishadhas, named Nala, the son of Virasena. This blessed lady is the wife of that wise and righteous monarch. Defeated at dice by his brother, and despoiled of his kingdom, that king, accompanied by Damayanti, went away without the knowledge of any one. We have been wandering over the whole earth in search of Damayanti. That girl is at last found in the house of your son. No woman exists that is her rival in beauty. Between the eye-brows of this ever-youthful damsel, there is an excellent mole from birth, resembling a lotus. Noticed by us before it seems to have disappeared, covered, as her forehead is with a coat of dust like the moon hid in clouds. Placed there by the Creator himself as an indication of prosperity and wealth, that mole is visible faintly, like the cloud-covered lunar crescent of the first day of the lighted fortnight. Covered as her body is with dust, her beauty has not disappeared. Though careless of her person, it is still manifest, and shines like gold. This girl, capable of being identified by this form of hers and that mole, has been discovered by me as one discovers a fire that is covered, by its heat!”

 

Hearing these words of Sudeva, Sunanda washed the dust that covered the mole between Damayanti's eye-brows. Thereupon it became visible like the moon in the sky, just emerged from the clouds. Seeing that mole, Sunanda and the queen-mother began to weep, and embracing Damayanti stood silent for a while. The queen-mother, shedding tears as she spoke, said in gentle accents, “By this your mole, I find that you are the daughter of my sister. O beauteous girl! Your mother and I are both daughters of the high-souled Sudama, the ruler of the Dasharnas. She was bestowed upon king Bhima, and I on Virabahu. I witnessed your birth at our father's palace in the country of the Dasharnas. My house is to you even as your father's. This wealth, O Damayanti! is yours as much as mine.”

 

At this, Damayanti bowing down to her mother's sister with a glad heart, spoke unto her these words, “Unrecognised, I have still lived happily with you, every want of mine satisfied and myself cared for by you. Happy as my stay has been, it would, without doubt, be happier still. But, mother, I have long been an exile. It behoves you, therefore, to grant me permission to depart. My son and daughter, sent to my father's palace, are living there. Deprived of their father, and of their mother also, how are they passing their days stricken with sorrow. If you wish to do what is agreeable to me, do you without loss of time, order a vehicle, for I wish to go to the Vidarbhas.”

 

At this, the sister to Damayanti's mother, with a glad heart, said, “So be it”. And the queen-mother with her son's permission, sent Damayanti in handsome litter carried by men, protected by a large escort and provided with food and drink and garments of the first quality. Soon enough she reached the country of the Vidarbhas.

 

All her relatives, rejoicing in her arrival received her with respect. Seeing her relatives, her children, both her parents, and all her maids, to be well, the illustrious Damayanti worshipped the gods and Brahmanas according to the superior method. The king rejoiced at beholding his daughter gave unto Sudeva a thousand kine and much wealth and a village.

 

Bhima orders another search for Nala

 

Having spent that night at her father's mansion and recovered from fatigue, Damayanti addressed her mother, saying, “O mother, if you wish me to live, I tell you truly, do you endeavour to bring Nala, that hero among men.” Thus addressed by Damayanti, the venerable queen became filled with sorrow. Bathed in tears, she was unable to give any answer. Beholding her in that plight, all the inmates of the inner apartments broke out into exclamation of “Oh!” and “Alas!” and began to cry bitterly. Then the queen addressed the mighty monarch Bhima, saying, “Your daughter Damayanti mourns on account of her husband. Banishing away all bashfulness, she has herself declared her mind to me. Let your men strive to find out Nala the righteous.”

 

Thus informed by her, the king sent the Brahmanas under him in all directions, saying, “Exert to discover Nala.” Those Brahmanas, commanded by the ruler of the Vidarbhas to seek Nala appeared before Damayanti and told her of the journey they were about to undertake. Bhima's daughter spoke unto them saying, “You say this loud in every realm and in every assembly: ‘O beloved gambler! Where have you gone cutting off half of my garment, and deserting the dear and devoted wife asleep in the forest? And that girl, as commanded by you stays expecting you, clad in half a piece of cloth and burning with grief! O king! Relent towards, and answer, her who incessantly weeps for that grief.’ This and more you will say, so that he may be inclined to pity me. Assisted by the wind, fire consumes the forest. Further, you will say that ‘the wife is always to be protected and maintained by the husband. Why then, good as you are and acquainted with every duty, have you neglected both the duties? Possessed of fame and wisdom, lineage, and kindness, why have you been unkind? I fear, this is owing to the loss of my good luck! Therefore, have pity on me. I have heard it from you that kindness is the highest virtue.’ Speaking so, if anybody answers you, that person should by all means, be known, and you should learn who he is, and where he dwells. Bring me the words of him who hearing your this speech will chance to answer. You should also act with such care that no one may know the words you utter to be at my command, nor that you will come back to me. You should also learn whether that answers is wealyour, or poor, or destitute of power, in fact all about him.”

 

Thus instructed by Damayanti, the Brahmanas set out in all directions in search of Nala. The Brahmanas searched for him in cities, kingdoms and villages, and retreats of ascetics, and places inhabited by cow-herds. Wherever they went they recited the speeches that Damayanti had directed them to do.

 

After a long time had passed away, a Brahmana named Parnada returned to the city of the Vidarbhas, and said unto the daughter of Bhima, “O Damayanti! Seeking Nala, the king of Nishadhas, I came to the city of Ayodhya, and appeared before the son of Bhangasura. I repeated those words of yours in the presence of the blessed Rituparna. But hearing them neither that ruler of men, nor his courtiers, answered anything, although I uttered them repeatedly. Then, after I had been dismissed by the monarch, I was accosted by a person in the service of Rituparna, named Bahuka. Bahuka is the charioteer of that king, of unsightly appearance and possessed of short arms. He is skillful in driving with speed, and well acquainted with the culinary art. Sighing frequently, and weeping again and again, he inquired about my welfare and afterwards said these words, ‘Chaste women, although fallen into distress, yet protect themselves and thus certainly secure heaven. Although they may be deserted by their lords, they do not yet become angry on that account, for women that are chaste lead their lives, encased in the armour of virtuous behaviour. It behoves her not to be angry, since he that deserted her was overwhelmed with calamity, and deprived of every bliss. A beauteous and virtuous woman should not be angry with one that was deprived by birds of his garment while striving to procure sustenance and who is being consumed with grief. Whether treated well or ill, such a wife should never indulge in ire, beholding her husband in that plight, despoiled of kingdom and destitute of prosperity, oppressed with hunger and overwhelmed with calamity.’ Hearing these words of his, I have speedily come here. You have now heard all. Do what you think proper, and inform the king of it.”

 

Having heard these words of Parnada, Damayanti with tearful eyes came to her mother, and spoke unto her in private, “O mother! king Bhima should not, by any means, be made acquainted with my purpose. In your presence will I employ that best of Brahmanas, Sudeva! If you desire my welfare, act in such a way that king Bhima may not know my purpose. Let Sudeva without delay go to the city of Ayodhya, for the purpose of bringing Nala, having performed the same auspicious rites by virtue of which he had speedily brought me into the midst of friends.”

 

With these words, after Parnada had recovered from fatigue, the princess of Vidarbha worshipped him with profuse wealth and also said, “When Nala will come here, O Brahmana! I will bestow on you wealth in abundance again. You have done me the immense service which none else, indeed, can do me, for, owing to that service of yours, I shall speedily regain my lost lord.” And thus addressed by Damayanti, that high-minded Brahmana comforted her, uttering benedictory words of auspicious import, and then went home, regarding his mission to have been successful.

 

King Rituparna leaves with Nala for Damayanti’s second Svayamvara

 

After he had gone away, Damayanti oppressed with grief and distress, calling Sudeva, addressed him, in the presence of her mother, saying, “O Sudeva! Go to the city of Ayodhya, straight as a bird, and tell king Rituparna these words: “Bhima's daughter, Damayanti will hold another Swayamvara. All the kings and princes are going there. Calculating the time, I find that the ceremony will take place tomorrow. If it is possible for you, go there without delay. Tomorrow, after the sun has risen, she will choose a second husband, as she does not know whether the heroic Nala lives or not.” Addressed by her thus, Sudeva set out. He said unto Rituparna, all that he had been directed to say.

 

Having heard the words of Sudeva, king Rituparna, soothing Bahuka with gentle words, said, “O Bahuka, you are well-skilled in training and guiding horses. If it pleases you, I intend to go to Damayanti's Swayamvara in course of a single day.” Thus addressed by that king, Nala felt his heart to be bursting in grief. The high-souled king seemed to burn in sorrow. He thought within himself, “Perhaps Damayanti in doing this is blinded by sorrow. Or, perhaps, she has conceived this magnificent scheme for my sake. Alas! Cruel is the deed that the innocent princess of Vidarbha intends to do, having been deceived by my sinful and low self of little sense. It is seen in the world that the nature of woman is inconstant. My offence also has been great; perhaps she is acting so, because she has no longer any love for me owing to my separation from her. Indeed, that girl of slender waist, afflicted with grief on my account and with despair, will not certainly do anything of the kind, when especially, she is the mother of offspring by me. However whether this is true or false, I shall ascertain with certitude by going there. I will, therefore, accomplish Rituparna's and my own purpose also.” Having resolved thus in his mind, Bahuka, with his heart in sorrow, spoke unto king Rituparna, with joined hands, saying, “O monarch! I bow to your behest, and, I will go to the city of the Vidarbhas in a single day!”

 

Then, at the command of the royal son of Bhangasura, Bahuka went to the stables and began to examine the horses. Repeatedly urged by Rituparna to make haste, Bahuka after much scrutiny and careful deliberation, selected some steeds that were lean-fleshed, yet strong and capable of a long journey, endued with energy and strength of high breed and docility, free from inauspicious marks, with wide nostrils and swelling cheeks, free from faults as regards the ten hairy curls, born in the country of Sindhu, and fleet as the winds. Seeing those horses, the king said somewhat angrily, “What is this, that you wish to do? You should not jest with us. How can these horses of mine, weak in strength and breath, carry us? How shall we be able to go this long way by help of these?” Bahuka replied, “Each of these horses bears one curl on his forehead, two on his temples, four on his sides, four on his chest, and one on his back. Without doubt, these steeds will be able to go to the country of the Vidarbhas. If, O king! you think of choosing others, point them out and I shall yoke them for you.” Rituparna rejoined, “O Bahuka! You are versed in the science of horses and are also skillful in guiding them. Speedily yoke those that you think to be able.” Thereupon the skillful Nala yoked upon the car four excellent steeds of good breed that were, besides, docile and fleet. After the steeds had been yoked, the king without loss of time mounted upon the car, when those best of horses fell down upon the ground on their knees.

 

Then, king Nala began to soothe horses endued with energy and strength. Raising them up with the reins and making the charioteer Varshneya sit on the car, he prepared to set out with great speed. Those best of steeds, duly urged by Bahuka, rose to the sky, confounding the occupant of the vehicle. Beholding those steeds gifted with the speed of the wind thus drawing the car, the blessed king of Ayodhaya was exceedingly amazed.

 

Noticing the rattle of the car and also the management of the steeds, Varshneya reflected upon Bahuka's skill in guiding horses. He thought, “Is he Matali, the charioteer of the king of the celestials? I find the same magnificent indications in the heroic Bahuka. Or, has Shalihotra versed in the science of horses taken this human shape? Or, is it king Nala that has come here? Or, it may be that this Bahuka knows the science that Nala knows, for I perceive that the knowledge of Bahuka is equal to that of Nala. Further, Bahuka and Nala are of the same age. This one, again, may not be Nala of high prowess, but somebody of equal knowledge. Illustrious persons, however, walk this earth in disguise in consequence of misfortune, or agreeably to the ordinance of the scriptures. That this person is of unsightly appearance need not change my opinion; for Nala, I think, may even be despoiled of his personal features. In respect of age this one equals Nala. There is difference, however, in personal appearance. Bahuka, again is endued with every accomplishment. I think, therefore, he is Nala.” Having thus reasoned long in his mind, Varshneya, the former charioteer of Nala, became absorbed in thought. King Rituparna, also, beholding the skill of Bahuka in equestrian science experienced great delight, along with his charioteer Varshneya. Thinking of Bahuka's application and ardour and the manner of his holding the reins, the king felt exceedingly glad.

 

Kali leaves Nala

 

Like a bird coursing through the sky, Nala soon crossed rivers and mountains, and woods and lakes. While the car was coursing thus, Rituparna saw his upper garment drop down on the ground. As soon as his garment had dropped down, he, without loss of time, told Nala, “I intend to recover it. Retain these steeds endued with exceeding swiftness until Varshneya brings back my garment.” Thereupon Nala replied unto him, “The sheet is dropped down far away. We have travelled one yojana thence. Therefore, it is incapable of being recovered.”

 

After Nala had addressed him thus, Rituparna came upon a Vibhitaka tree with fruits in a forest. Seeing that tree, the king hastily said to Bahuka, “O charioteer! Do you also behold my high proficiency in calculation. All men do not know everything. There is no one that is versed in every science of art. Knowledge in its entirety is not found in any one person, O Bahuka! The leaves and fruits of this tree that are lying on the ground respectively exceed those that are on it by one hundred and one. The two branches of the tree have fifty millions of leaves, and two thousand and ninety five fruits. Do you examine these two branches and all their boughs.” Thereupon staying the car, Bahuka addressed the king, saying, “O crusher of foes! you take credit to yourself in a matter which is beyond my perception. But, I will ascertain it by the direct evidence of my senses, by cutting down the Vibhitaka. When I actually count, it will no longer be matter of speculation. Therefore, in your presence, I will hew down this Vibhitaka. I do not know whether it will be as you have said. In your presence, I will count the fruits and leaves. Let Varshneya hold the reins of the horses for a while.”

 

Unto the charioteer the king replied, “There is no time to lose.” But Bahuka answered with humility, “Stay you a short space, or, if you are in a hurry, go then, making Varshneya your charioteer. The road lies direct and even.” At this, soothing Bahuka, Rituparna said, “O Bahuka! You are the only charioteer, there is none other in this world. It is through your help that I expect to go to the Vidarbhas. I place myself in your hands. It behoves you not to cause any obstacle. Whatever your wish. I will grant it if taking me to the country of the Vidarbhas to-day, you make me see the sun rise.” At this, Bahuka answered him, saying, “After having counted the leaves and fruits of the Vibhitaka, I shall proceed to Vidarbha, do you agree to my words.” Then the king reluctantly told him, “Count. And on counting the leaves and fruits of a portion of this branch, you will be satisfied of the truth of my assertion.” Thereupon Bahuka speedily alighted from the car, and felled that tree. Struck with amazement upon finding the fruits, after calculation, to be what the king had said, he addressed the king, saying, “O monarch! This your power is wonderful. I desire to know the art by which you have ascertained all this.” At this king, intent upon proceeding speedily, said unto Bahuka, “Know that I am proficient at dice besides being versed in numbers.” Bahuka said unto him, “Impart unto me this knowledge and, take from me my knowledge of horses.” King Rituparna, having regard to the importance of the act that depended upon Bahuka's good-will, and tempted also by the horse-lore that his charioteer possessed, said, “So be it. As solicited by you, receive this science of dice from me, and, O Bahuka! Let my equine science remain with you in trust.” Saying this, Rituparna imparted unto Nala the science he desired.

 

Nala upon becoming acquainted with the science of dice, Kali came out of his body, incessantly vomiting from his mouth the virulent poison of Karkotaka. When Kali, afflicted by Damayanti's curse came out of Nala's body, the fire of that curse also left Kali. Indeed, long had been the time for which the king had been afflicted by Kali, as if he were of unregenerate soul. Nala, in wrath, was bent upon cursing Kali, when the latter, frightened, and trembling, said with joined hands, “Control your wrath, O king! I will render you illustrious. Indrasena's mother had formerly cursed me in anger when she had been deserted by you. Ever since that time undergoing sore affliction I resided in you, miserably and burning night and day with the venom of the prince of snakes. I seek your protection. If you do not curse me who am affrighted and seek your protection, then those men that will attentively recite your history, shall be even free from fear on my account.”

 

Thus addressed by Kali, king Nala controlled his wrath. Thereupon the frightened Kali speedily entered into the Vibhitaka tree. While the Kali was conversing with Naishadha, he was invisible to others.

 

Delivered from his afflictions, and having counted the fruits of that tree, the king, filled with great joy and of high energy, mounted on the car and proceeded with energy, urging those fleet horses. From the touch of Kali the Vibhitaka tree from that hour fell into disrepute. Nala, with a glad heart, began to urge those foremost of steeds which sprang into the air once and again like creatures endued with wings. The illustrious monarch drove the car in the direction of the Vidarbhas. After Nala had gone far away, Kali also returned to his abode. Abandoned by Kali, the royal Nala became freed from calamity though he did not assume his native form.

 

Rituparna is received in Vidarbha

 

After Rituparna had, in the evening, arrived at the city of the Vidarbhas, the people brought unto king Bhima the tidings of his arrival. At the invitation of Bhima, the king of Ayodhya entered the city of Kundina, filling with the rattle of his car all the ten points, direct and transverse, of the horizon. The steeds of Nala that were in that city heard that sound, and hearing it they became delighted as they used to be in the presence of Nala himself. Damayanti also heard the sound of that car driven by Nala, like the deep roar of the clouds in the rainy season. Bhima and the steeds of Nala regarded the clatter of that car to be like that which they used to hear in days of yore when king Nala himself urged his own steeds. The peacocks on the terraces, the elephants in the stables, and the horses also, all heard the rattle of Rituparna's car. Hearing the sound, so like the roar of the clouds, the elephants and the peacocks began to utter their cries, facing that direction, and filled with delight such as they experience when they hear the actual roar of the clouds. Damayanti said, “Because the rattle of his car filling the whole earth, gladdens my heart, it must be King Nala that has come. If I do not see Nala, of face bright as the moon, that hero with countless virtues, I shall certainly die. If I am not clasped today in that hero's thrilling embrace, I shall certainly cease to be. If Naishadha with voice deep as that of the clouds does not come to me today, I shall enter into a pyre of golden brilliance. If that foremost of kings, powerful as a lion and gifted with the strength of an infuriated elephant, does not present himself before me, I shall certainly cease to live. I do not remember a single untruth in him, or a single wrong done by him to others. Never has he spoken an untruth even in jest. Oh! My Nala is exalted and forgiving and heroic and magnificent and superior to all other kings, and faithful to his marriage vow and like unto a eunuch in respect of other females. Night and day dwelling upon his perceptions, my heart, in absence of that dear one, is about to burst in grief.”

 

Thus bewailing as if devoid of sense, Damayanti ascended the terrace of her mansion with the desire of seeing the righteous Nala. In the yard of the central mansion she beheld king Rituparna on the car with Varshneya and Bahuka. Varshneya and Bahuka, descending for that excellent vehicle, unyoked the steeds, and kept the vehicle itself in a proper place. King Rituparna also, descending from the car, presented himself before king Bhima. Bhima received him with great respect, for in the absence of a proper occasion, a great person cannot be had as a guest. Honoured by Bhima, king Rituparna looked about him again and again, but saw no traces of the Svayamvara. The ruler of the Vidarbhas, approaching Rituparna, said, “Welcome! What is the occasion of this your visit?” King Bhima asked this without knowing that Rituparna had come to obtain the hand of his daughter. King Rituparna saw that there were no other kings or princes. Nor did he hear any talk relating to the Svayamvara, nor saw any concourse of Brahmanas. At this, the king of Kosala reflected a while and at length said, “I have come here to pay my respects to you.” The king Bhima was struck with astonishment, and reflected upon the probable cause of Rituparna's coming, having passed over a hundred yojanas. He reflected, “That passing by other sovereigns, and leaving behind him innumerable countries, he should come simply to pay his respect to me is scarcely the reason of his arrival. What he assigns to be the cause of his coming appears to be a trifle. However, I shall learn the true reason in the future.” Although king Bhima thought so, he did not dismiss Rituparna summarily, but said unto him again and again, “Rest, you are weary.” Honoured thus by the pleased Bhima, king Rituparna was satisfied, and with a delighted heart, he went to his appointed quarters followed by the servants of the royal household.

 

Damayanti sends her maid to check on Rituparna’s charioteer

 

After Rituparna had gone away with Varshneya, Bahuka took the car to the stables. There freeing the steeds, and tending them according to rule, and soothing them himself, sat down on a side of the car. Meanwhile, the princess of Vidharba, Damayanti, afflicted with grief, having beheld Rituparna, Varshneya, and also Bahuka in that guise, asked herself, “Whose is this car-rattle? It was loud as that of Nala, but I do not see the ruler of the Nishadhas. Certainly, Varshneya has learnt the art from Nala, and it is for this the rattle of the car driven by him has been even like that of Nala. Or, is Rituparna equally skilled with Nala so that the rattle of his car seems to be like that of Nala?” Reflecting thus, the blessed and beauteous girl sent a female messenger in search of Nishada.

 

Damayanti said, “O Keshini! Go and learn who that charioteer is that sits by the car, unsightly and possessed of short arms. Approaching him, cautiously and with suit words, make the usual inquiries of courtesy and learn all particulars truly. Having regard to the feeling of satisfaction my mind experiences, and the delight my heart feels, I am greatly afraid this one is king Nala himself. Having inquired after his welfare, you shall speak unto him the words of Parnada. Understand the reply he may make thereto.”

 

Thus instructed, that female messenger, going cautiously, while Damayanti watched from the terrace, addressed Bahuka in these words, “O foremost of men! You are welcome. I wish you happiness. Hear now the words of Damayanti. When did you all set out, and with what object have you come here. Tell us truly, for the princess of Vidarbha wishes to hear it.” Thus addressed, Bahuka answered, “The illustrious king of Kosala had heard from a Brahmana that a second Svayamvara of Damayanti would take place. Hearing it, he has come here, by the help of excellent steeds fleet as the wind and capable of going a hundred yojanas. I am his charioteer.” Keshini then asked, “Whence does the third among you come, and whose son is he? And whose son are you, and how have you come to do this work?” Thus questioned, Bahuka replied, “He of whom you inquire was the charioteer of the virtuous Nala, and known to all by the name of Varshneya. After Nala had left his kingdom, he came to the son of Bhangasura. I am skilled in horse-lore, and have, therefore, been appointed as charioteer. Indeed, king Rituparna has himself chosen me as his charioteer and cook.” At this Keshini rejoined, “Perhaps Varshneya knows where king Nala has gone, and he may also have spoken to you about his master.” Bahuka then said, “Having brought here the children of Nala, Varshneya went away where he listed: He does not know where Naishadha is. Nor, does anybody else know of Nala's whereabouts; for the king in calamity wanders over the world in disguise and despoiled of his native beauty. Nala's self only knows Nala. Nala never discovers his marks of identity anywhere.” Thus addressed, Keshini returned, “The Brahmana that had before this gone to Ayodhya, had repeatedly said these words suitable to female lips, ‘O beloved gambler, where have you gone cutting off half my piece of cloth, and deserting me, his dear and devoted wife asleep in the woods? And she herself, as commanded by him, waits expecting him clad in half a garment and burning day and night in grief. O king! Do you relent towards her that weeps ceaselessly for that calamity and do you give her an answer. O illustrious one! Speak the words agreeable to her for the blameless one pains to hear them.’ Hearing these words of the Brahmana you did formerly give a reply! The princess of Vidarbha again wishes to hear the words you did then say.”

 

Hearing these words of Keshini, Nala's heart was pained, and his eyes filled with tears. Repressing his sorrow, the king who was burning in grief, said again these words, in accents choked with tears: “Chaste women, though overtaken by calamity, yet protect themselves, and thereby secure heaven. Women that are chaste, deserted by their lords, never become angry, but continue to live, cased in virtue's mail. Deserted by one fallen into calamity, bereft of sense, and despoiled of bliss, it behoves her not to be angry. A virtuous lady should not be angry with one that was deprived by birds of his garment while striving to procure sustenance and who is burning in misery. Whether treated well or ill she would never be angry, seeing her husband in that plight, despoiled of his kingdom, bereft of prosperity, oppressed with hunger, and overwhelmed with calamity.” While speaking thus, Nala oppressed with grief, could not restrain his tears, but began to weep. Thereupon Keshini went back to Damayanti, and acquainted her with everything about that conversation as well as that outburst of grief.

 

Hearing everything, Damayanti became oppressed with grief, and suspecting the person to be Nala, said unto Keshini, “O Keshini! Go again, and examine Bahuka, and staying in silence at his side, mark you his conduct. Whenever he happens to do anything skilful, you observe well his act while accomplishing it. Whenever he may ask water or fire, with the view of offering him obstruction, you shall be in no hurry to give it. Marking everything about his behaviour, come you and tell me. Whatever human or super-human you see in Bahuka, together with anything else, should all be reported unto me.”

 

Thus addressed by Damayanti, Keshini went away, and having marked the conduct of that person versed in horse-lore, she came back. She related unto Damayanti all that had happened, indeed, everything of human and superhuman that she had witnessed in Bahuka. Keshini said, “O Damayanti! A person of such control over the elements I have never before seen or heard of. Whenever he comes to low passage, he never stoops down, but seeing him, the passage itself grows in height so that he may pass through it easily. At his approach, impassable narrow holes open wide. King Bhima had sent various kinds of meat for Rituparna's food. Many vessels had been placed there for washing the meat. As he looked upon them, those vessels became filled with water. Having washed the meat, as he set himself to cook, he took up a handful of grass and held it in the sun, when fire blazed up all on a sudden. Beholding this marvel, I have come here amazed. Further, I have witnessed in him another great wonder. He touched fire and was not burnt. At his will, water falling flows in a stream. I have witnessed another greater wonder still. He took up some flowers, began to press them slowly with his hands. Pressed by his hand, the flowers did not lose their original forms, but, on the contrary, became gayer and more odorous than before. Having beheld wonderful things I have come here with speed.”

 

Hearing of these acts of Nala, and discovering him from his behaviour, Damayanti considered him as already recovered. From these indications suspecting that Bahuka was her husband, Damayanti once more weepingly addressed Keshini in soft words, saying, “O beauteous one! Go once more, and bring from the kitchen without Bahuka's knowledge some meat that has been boiled and dressed by him.” Thus commanded, Keshini, ever bent on doing what was agreeable to Damayanti, went to Bahuka, and taking some hot meat came back without loss of time. Keshini gave that meat unto Damayanti. Damayanti who had formerly often partaken of meat dressed by Nala, tasted the meat that was brought by her hand-maid. She thereupon decided Bahuka to be Nala and wept aloud in grief of heart. Overwhelmed with grief, and washing her face, she sent her two children with Keshini. Bahuka, who was the king in disguise, recognising Indrasena with her brother, advanced hastily, and embracing them, took them up on his lap. Taking up his children like unto the children of the celestials, he began to weep aloud in sonorous accents, his heart oppressed with great sorrow. After having repeatedly betrayed his agitation, Naishadha suddenly left children, and addressed Keshini, saying, “O fair damsel! These twins are very like my own children. Beholding them unexpectedly, I shed tears. If you come to me frequently people may think evil, for we are guests from another land. Therefore go at your ease.”

 

Damayanti is re-united with Nala

 

Beholding the agitation of the virtuous and wise Nala, Keshini returned unto Damayanti and related everything unto her. Thereupon Damayanti with a sorrowful heart and eager to behold Nala, again despatched Keshini to her mother, asking her to say on her behalf: “Suspecting Bahuka to be Nala, I have tried him in various ways. My doubt now only relates to his appearance. I intend to examine him myself. O mother, either let him enter the palace, or give me permission to go to him. Arrange this with the knowledge of my father or without it.” Thus addressed by Damayanti, her mother communicated unto Bhima the intention of his daughter, and upon learning it the king gave his consent. Having obtained the consent both of her father and mother, Damayanti caused Nala to be brought to her apartments.

 

As soon as he saw Damayanti unexpectedly, king Nala was overwhelmed with grief and sorrow, and bathed in tears. Damayanti, also, upon beholding king Nala in that condition, was sorely afflicted with grief. Herself clad in a piece of red cloth, and wearing matted locks, and covered with dirt and dust, Damayanti then addressed Bahuka, saying, “O Bahuka! Have you ever seen any person acquainted with duty, who has gone away, deserting his sleeping wife in the forest? Who, except the virtuous Nala, could go away, deserting in the woods, his dear and unoffending wife overcome with fatigue? Of what offence was I guilty in the eyes of that monarch since my early youth that he should go away deserting me in the woods while asleep overcome with fatigue? Why should he whom I formerly chose in preference to the gods themselves abandon his ever-devoted and loving wife who had become the mother also of his children? Before the fire, and in presence also of the celestials, he had taken my hand, vowing, ‘Verily I will be yours.’ Oh! Where was that vow when he deserted me.”

 

While Damayanti was saying all this, tears of sorrow began to flow plentifully from her eyes. Beholding her thus afflicted with grief, Nala also, shedding tears, black of those of the gazelle with extremities of reddish hue, said, “O timid one! Neither the loss of my kingdom nor my desertion of you was my act. Both were due to Kali. Lamenting for me day and night, and overcome with sorrow, you had in the woods cursed Kali, and so he began to dwell in my body, burning in consequence of your curse. Indeed burning with your curse, he lived within me like fire within fire. That our sorrows might terminate, that wretch have I overcome by my observances and austerities. The sinful wretch has already left me, and it is for this that I have come here. My presence here is for your sake. I have no other object. But, can any other woman, forsaking her loving and devoted husband, ever choose a second lord like you? At the command of the king, messengers are ranging this entire earth, saying, ‘Bhima's daughter will, of her own accord, choose a second husband woryour of her.’ Immediately on hearing this, the son of Bhangasura has arrived here.”

 

Hearing these lamentations of Nala, Damayanti, frightened and trembling, said with joined hand, “It behoves you not to suspect any fault in me. Passing over the celestials themselves, I choose you as my lord. It was to bring you here that the Brahmanas had gone out in all directions, even to all the sides of the horizon, singing my words, in the form of ballads. At last, a learned Brahmana named Parnada had found you in Kosala in the palace of Rituparna. When you had returned a fit answer to those words of his, it was then that I devised this scheme to recover you. Except you, there is no one in this world, who in one day can clear a hundred yojanas with horses. Touching your feet I can swear truly that I have not, even in thought, committed any sin. May the all-witnessing Air that courses through this world, take my life, if I have committed any sin. May the Sun that ever courses through the sky take my life, if I have committed any sin. May the Moon, that dwell within every creature as a witness, take my life, if I have committed any sin. Let the three gods that sustain the triple worlds in their entirety, declare truly, or let them forsake me today.”

 

Thus addressed by her, the Wind-god said from the sky, “O Nala! I tell you truly that she has done no wrong. Damayanti, well guarding the honour of your family, has enhanced it. Of this we are the witnesses, as we have been her protectors for these three years. It is for your sake that she has devised this unrivalled scheme, for, except you, none on earth is capable of travelling in a single day a hundred yojanas. You have obtained Bhima's daughter, and she has also obtained you. You need not entertain any suspicion but be united with your partner.”

 

After the Wind-god had said this, a floral shower fell there and the celestial kettle-drum began to play, and auspicious breezes began to blow. Beholding those wonders, king Nala cast away all his doubts in respect of Damayanti. Then that lord of earth, remembering the king of serpents, wore that pure garment and regained his native form. Beholding her righteous lord in his own form, Bhima's daughter of faultless limbs embraced him, and began to weep aloud. King Nala also embraced Bhima's daughter devoted to him, as before, and also his children, and experienced great delight. Burying her face in his bosom, the beauteous Damayanti of large eyes began to sigh heavily, remembering her griefs. Overwhelmed with sorrow, that tiger among men stood for some time, clasping the dust-covered Damayanti of sweet smiles.

 

The queen-mother then, with a glad heart, told Bhima all that had passed between Nala and Damayanti. The mighty monarch answered, “Let Nala pass this day in peace, to-morrow I shall see him after his bath and prayers, with Damayanti by his side.”

 

They passed that night pleasantly, in relating to each other the past incidents of their life in the forest. With hearts filled with joy, the princess of Vidarbha and Nala began to pass their days in the palace of king Bhima, intent upon making each other happy. It was in the fourth year after the loss of his kingdom that Nala was re-united with his wife, and all his desires gratified, once more experienced the highest bliss. Damayanti rejoiced exceedingly in having recovered her lord even as fields of tender plants on receiving a shower. Bhima's daughter, thus recovering her lord, obtained her wish, and blazed forth in beauty, her weariness gone, her anxieties dispelled and herself swelling with joy, ever like a night that is lit by the bright disc of the moon!

 

Having passed that night, king Nala decked in ornaments and with Damayanti by his side, presented himself in due time before the king. Nala saluted his father-in-law with becoming humility and after him the fair Damayanti paid her respects to her father. The exalted Bhima, with great joy, received him as a son, and honouring him duly along with his devoted wife, comforted them in proper words. Duly accepting the homage rendered unto him, king Nala offered his father-in-law his services as became him.

 

Seeing Nala arrived, the citizens were in great joy. There arose in the city a loud uproar of delight. The citizens decorated the city with flags and standards and garlands of flowers. The streets were watered and decked in floral wreaths and other ornaments. At their gates citizens piled flowers, and their temples and shrines were all adorned with flowers. Rituparna heard that Bahuka had already been united with Damayanti. The king was glad to hear of all this. Calling unto him king Nala, he asked his forgiveness. The intelligent Nala also asked Rituparna's forgiveness, showing diverse reasons. That foremost of speakers versed in the truth, king Rituparna, after being thus honoured by Nala, said, with a countenance expressive of wonder, these words unto the ruler of the Nishadhas. “By good fortune it is that regaining the company of your own wife, you have obtained happiness. O Naishadha! While dwelling in disguise at my house, I hope I did not wrong you in any way! If knowingly I have done you any wrong, it behoves you to forgive me.” Hearing this, Nala replied, “You have not, O monarch! done me ever so little an injury. And if you have, it has not awakened my ire, for surely you should be forgiven by me. You were formerly my friend, and, you are also related to me. Henceforth I shall find greater delight in you. With all my desires gratified, I lived happily in your abode, in fact more happily there than in my own house. This your horse-lore is in my keeping. If you wish, I will make it over to you.” Saying this, Naishadha gave unto Rituparna that science and the latter took it with the ordained rites. The royal son of Bhangasura, having obtained the mysteries of equestrian science and having given unto the ruler of the Naishadhas the mysteries of dice, went to his own city, employing another person for his charioteer. After Rituparna had gone, king Nala did not stay long in the city of Kundina.

 

Nala and Damayanti return to their kingdom

 

The ruler of the Nishadhas having dwelt there for a month, set out from that city with Bhima's permission and accompanied by only a few followers for the country of the Nishadhas. With a single car white in hue, sixteen elephants, fifty horses, and six hundred infantry, that illustrious king, causing the earth itself to tremble, entered the country of the Nishadhas without loss of a moment and swelling with rage. The mighty son of Virasena, approaching his brothers Pushkara said unto him, “We will play again, for I have earned vast wealth. Let Damayanti and all else that I have be my stake, let your kingdom be your stake. Let the play begin again. This is my certain determination. Blessed be you! Let us stake all we have along with our lives. Having won over and acquired another's wealth or kingdom, it is a high duty, says the ordinance, to stake it when the owner demands. Or, if you do not relish play with dice, let the play with weapons begin. Let me or yourself have peace by a single combat. That this ancestral kingdom should, under all circumstances and by any means, be recovered, there is the authority of sages for holding. O Pushkara! choose you one of these two things--gambling with dice or bending the bow in battle!”

 

Thus addressed by Nala, Pushkara, sure of his own success, laughingly answered that monarch, saying, “O Naishadha! it is by good fortune that you have earned wealth again to stake. It is by good fortune also that Damayanti's ill-luck has at last come to an end. It is by good fortune that you are still alive with your wife! It is evident that Damayanti, adorned with this wealth of yours that I will win, will wait upon me like an Apsara in heaven upon Indra. I daily recollect you and am even waiting for you, since I derive no pleasure from gambling with those that are not connected with me by blood. Winning over to-day the beauteous Damayanti of faultless features, I shall regard myself fortunate, indeed, since she it is that has ever dwelt in my heart.”

 

Hearing these words of that incoherent braggart, Nala in anger desired to cut off his head with a scimitar. With a smile, however, though his eyes were red in anger, king Nala said, “Let us play. Why do you speak so now? Having vanquished me, you can say anything you like.”

 

Then the play commenced between Pushkara and Nala. Blessed be Nala who at a single throw won his wealth and treasures back along with the life of his brother that also had been staked. The king, having won, smilingly said unto Pushkara, “This whole kingdom without a thorn in its side is now undisturbedly mine. You can not now even look at the princess of Vidarbha. With all your family, you are now, O fool! reduced to the position of her slave. But my former defeat at your hands was not due to any act of yours. You know it not that it was Kali who did it all. I shall not, therefore, impute to you the faults of others. Live happily as you choose, I grant you your life. I also grant you your portion in the paternal kingdom along with all necessaries. Without doubt, my affection towards you is now the same as before. My fraternal love also for you will never know any diminution. O Pushkara! You are my brother, live you for a hundred years!”

 

Nala of unbaffled prowess, having comforted his brother thus, gave him permission to go to his own town, having embraced him repeatedly. Pushkara himself, thus comforted by the ruler of the Nishadhas saluted that righteous king, and addressed him saying these words with joined hands, “Let your fame be immortal and live you happily for ten thousand years, you who grants me both life and refuge.” Entertained by the king, Pushkara dwelt there for a month and then went to his own town accompanied by large force and many obedient servants and his own kindred, his heart filled with joy. That bull among men all the while blazed forth in beauty of person like a second Sun. The blessed ruler of the Nishadhas, having established Pushkara and made him wealyour and freed him from troubles, entered his richly decorated palace. The ruler of the Nishadhas, having entered his palace, comforted the citizens. All the citizens and the subjects from the country horripilated in joy. The people headed by the officers of state said with joined hands, “O king, we are truly glad to-day throughout the city and the country. We have obtained to-day our ruler, like the gods their chief of a hundred sacrifice!”

 

After the festivities had commenced in the city that was full of joy and without anxiety of any kind, the king with a large force brought Damayanti from her father's home. Her father, too, Bhima of terrible prowess and immeasurable soul, sent his daughter, having honoured her duly. Upon the arrival of the princess of Vidarbha accompanied by her son and daughter, king Nala began to pass his days in joy like the chief of the celestials in the gardens of Nandana. The king of undying fame, having regained his kingdom and becoming illustrious among monarchs of the island of Jambu, began once more to rule it. He duly performed numerous sacrifices with abundant gifts to Brahmanas.