SECTION –LXXI
(Nalopakhyana Parva Continued)
"Vrihadaswa continued, 'Having heard the
words of Sudeva king Rituparna, soothing Vahuka with gentle words, said, 'O
Vahuka, thou art well-skilled in training and guiding horses. If it pleases
thee, I intend to go to Damayanti's Swayamvara in course of a single day.' Thus
addressed, O son of Kunti, by that king, Nala felt his heart to be bursting in
grief. And the high-souled king seemed to burn in sorrow. And he thought within
himself, 'Perhaps Damayanti in doing this is blinded by sorrow. Or, perhaps,
she hath 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 hath been great; perhaps she is acting
so, because she hath 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 thither. I will, therefore, accomplish
Rituparna's and my own purpose also.' Having resolved thus in his mind, Vahuka,
with his heart in sorrow, spake unto king Rituparna, with joined hands, saying,
'O monarch, I bow to thy behest, and, O tiger among men, I will go to the city
of the Vidarbhas in a single day. O king!' Then, O monarch, at the command of
the royal son of Bhangasura, Vahuka went to the stables and began to examine
the horses. And repeatedly urged by Rituparna to make haste, Vahuka after much
scrutiny and careful deliberation, selected some steeds that were lean-fleshed,
yet strong and capable of a long journey and 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. And seeing those horses, the king
said somewhat angrily, 'What is this, that thou wishest to do? Thou shouldst
not jest with us. How can these horses of mine, weak in strength and breath,
carry us? And how shall we be able to go this long way by help of these?'
Vahuka 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, thou thinkest of choosing others, point them out and I shall yoke them
for thee.' Rituparna rejoined, 'O Vahuka, thou art versed in the science of
horses and art also skillful (in guiding them). Do thou speedily yoke those
that thou thinkest to be able.' Thereupon the skillful Nala yoked upon the car
four excellent steeds of good breed that were, besides, docile and fleet. And
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,
O king, that foremost of men, the blessed king Nala began to soothe horses
endued with energy and strength. And raising them up with the reins and making
the charioteer Varshneya sit on the car, he prepared to set out with great
speed. And those best of steeds, duly urged by Vahuka, rose to the sky,
confounding the occupant of the vehicle. And beholding those steeds gifted with
the speed of the wind thus drawing the car, the blessed king of Ayodhaya was
exceedingly amazed. And noticing the rattle of the car and also the management
of the steeds, Varshneya reflected upon Vahuka's skill in guiding horses. And
he thought, 'Is he Matali, the charioteer of the king of the celestials? I find
the same magnificent indications in the heroic Vahuka. Or, hath Salihotra
versed in the science of horses taken this human shape so beautiful? Or, is it
king Nala the reducer of hostile towns that hath come here? Or, it may be that
this Vahuka knoweth the science that Nala knoweth, for I perceive that the
knowledge of Vahuka is equal to that of Nala. Further, Vahuka 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.
Vahuka, again is endued with every accomplishment. I think, therefore, he is
Nala.' Having thus reasoned long in his mind, O mighty monarch, Varshneya, the
(former) charioteer of the righteous Nala, became absorbed in thought. And that
foremost of kings Rituparna, also, beholding the skill of Vahuka in equestrian
science experienced great delight, along with his charioteer Varshneya. And
thinking of Vahuka's application and ardour and the manner of his holding the
reins, the king felt exceedingly glad.'"
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