Mahabharata

Nalopakhyana Parva

The colloquy between Brihadashva and Yudhishthira. The words of the swan’s speeches. The embassy of Nala. Nala's embassy of the gods. The Svayamvara of Damayanti. The colloquy between Kali and the celestials. On the subject of Nala's gambling. The gambling of Nala. The exile of Nala. The desertion of Damayanti by Nala. The curse of Damayanti on the hunter. In Damayanti’s meeting with the caravan. Damayanti's living in the house of the King of the Chedis. The discourse between king Nala and Karkotaka. Nala's lamentations. The parley between Damayanti and Sudeva. Searching for Nala. The declaration of Damayanti's second Svayamvara. The departure of Rituparna for the Vidharbhas. Nala's delivery from Kali. Rituparna's entering the city of Bhima. The colloquy between Nala and Keshini. Nala's beholding his Children. The union of Nala and Damayanti. The returning of Rituparna to his own City. Nala's victory over Pushkara at dice and Pushkara's arrival at his own City. The departure of Brihadashva.

Janamejaya said:
When the illustrious son of Pritha (Arjuna) had gone to the region of Indra with a view of obtain the arms, what did Yudhishthira and the other Pandavas do?

Vaishampayana said:
When the illustrious son of Pritha had gone to the region of Indra for obtaining the arms then those foremost ones of the Bharata race lived with Krishna (Draupadi) in the forest of Kamyaka.

Thereupon those excellent ones of the Bharata race, much aggrieved at heart, were seated one day with Krishna on a clean and solitary turf (in the forest). They were greatly afflicted with grief; their voices were choked up with the tears and also they were overwhelmed with sorrow on account of the absence of Dhananjaya. A flood of grief passed over them, tormented as they were by his separation.

Thereupon the heroic Bhima, afflicted with sorrow for the separation of Dhananjaya and the loss of kingdom, addressed Yudhishthira in the following terms.

"O great king, this chief of the Bharata race Arjuna, has gone away in obedience to your command. On him depend the very lives of the sons of Pandu.

Losing Arjuna, we with all our sons, the Panchalas, as also the Satyaki and Vasudeva, are sure to die.

For what can we grieve more than this, that the righteous Vibhatsu goes away at your behest, thinking upon the various sorrows?

Relying upon the strength of arms of that illustrious hero, we can take for granted that our enemies are already vanquished and the possession of the earth is ours.

But for the intervention of that mighty-armed hero in the meeting of warriors, I could not send the descendants of Dhritarashtra with the Subalas to the other world (i.e. of death).

We are supported by Vasudeva and are the mightiest warriors. We were constrained to suppress the wrath that had been awakened in ourselves, because you are the cause of that anger.

As a matter of fact, assisted by Krishna, having slain all our foes with Karna at their head, we are in a position to rule the whole world, conquered by the might of our own arms.

Although we are not devoid of manliness yet we are the most unfortunate and that is for the reason of your gambling vice. Meanwhile the foolish sons of Dhritarashtra are growing very strong with the tributes (collected from the dependant chiefs).

O great king, it is necessary for you to keep in view the duties of a Kshatriya. O great king, to live in the forest should not be his duty.

The sages have said that the duty of a Kshatriya is to rule the kingdom. O king, you, are versed in the Kshatriya moralities, should not go astray from the path of your duty, the most righteous as you are.

Calling back Partha and Janardana, let us, O king, go away from the forest and slay the descendants of Dhritarashtra even before the expiry of pledged period of twelve years.

O great monarch, O high-souled one, O king of kings, I shall send the sons of Dhritarashtra to the other world (even if they are encircled by their soldiers in battle-array) by the very push of our arms. I shall slay all the sons of Dhritarashtra accompanied by the Subalas, Duryodhana and Karna and others who will encounter me (or us) in battle.

The enemies thus being slain by me, you may come back to the forest again, O king of kings, there will be no fault of yours if thus acted.

O sir, O chastiser of foes, if thus a sin be committed, we are able to wash it off by the performance of various sacrifices and we may ascend a superior heaven.

O monarch, such may happen, if our king be not foolish or procrastinating. Indeed you are, O king, righteous.

Undoubtedly the deceitful persons should be done away with deceitful means. Surely it is no sin to destroy them by frauds.

O Bharata, O great prince, the pious, who are conversant in morality, have regarded a day and a night as equivalent to an entire year.

O illustrious one, the Veda text is often heard to signify that a year, O great monarch, passes away like a day, if one is engaged in strict devotion.

Therefore regard, O one of unfading glory, accepting the authority of the Vedas, the period of thirteen years equal to a day or so.

O chastiser of foes, this is the (proper) time to kill Duryodhana with all his attendants. Otherwise, O prince, he will bring the whole world under his subjection.

O most excellent of princes, this has been the out-come of your love for gambling. We are almost ruined by your promise to live one year undiscovered.

I do not find a country where, if we live, that wicked and evil-natured Suyodhana will not be able to discover us by his spies.

And having thus traced us, that stupid one will again deceitfully banish us (to live in exile) into the woods.

If that sinful wretch beholds us to return from the woods after the expiration of that period of our undiscovered life, he will again invite us to game at dice.

O great prince, the game of chance will once more begin. And then being again summoned at dice, we are sure to be banished.

He (the king) is unskilled at dice and beyond doubt he looses his senses when at dice. Therefore, O great monarch, you shall have again to live in the woods.

O great prince, if it behoves you not to make us miserable for life, observe fully the teaching of the Vedas, which lay down, that verily the deceitful ought to be destroyed by the deceitful means. If I but have your command, I would go forth (to Hastinapur) and even as fire consumes heap of grass, would slay that wicked Suyodhana with all my power. It behoves you therefore, O charioteer, to grant me permission."

And king Dharmaraja Yudhishthira, having consoled and smelling the crown of the head of that son of Pandu, Bhima, who thus (as above) addressed, spoke thus.

"You shall, O mighty-armed warrior, assisted by the wielder of the Gandiva, slay, without doubt, Suyodhana after the expiration of the pledged period of thirteen years.

O son of Pritha, as for what you say, that "O Lord, the period is complete," I dare not tell a lie, for it never finds place in my heart.

O son of Kunti, you shall without the help of deceit, which is doubtlessly a sin, slay that irrepressible Suyodhana with all his adherents."

Whilst Dharmaraja Yudhishthira, was thus speaking to Bhima, there came before him that great and most illustrious sage, Brihadashva.

That righteous and high-souled monarch, Yudhishthira, worshipped the virtuous ascetic with the respectful offerings of Madhuparka (made of honey, curd clarified-butter, sugar and milk in a small cup made of some metal) whom he beheld standing before him.

When the great sage was seated, the mighty-armed Yudhishthira, having supplied him with the refreshments, sat before him, looking and spoke to him in the most piteous terms.

"O almighty one, summoned by those evil-minded and mischievous but skillful gamblers at dice. I have been deprived of my wealth and kingdom (through gambling).

I am not an expert at dice, the sinful men, having recourse to the foul means, defeated me at dice and even brought my wife, who is dearer to me that life itself, into the midst of the assembly (of heroes).

And defeating me at dice a second time, they have exiled me into the fearful woods, where I lead a disastrous life, clad in deer-skin.

Greatly afflicted with sorrow, I am at present leading a very distressful life in the woods. The cruel speeches which I heard uttered (by my enemies) on the occasion of the past. Gambling and the expressions of my afflicted friends regarding the game and other subjects, live still fresh in my heart and when remembered, they put me into serious thinking during the whole night.

I am, even as deprived of my life, as I am in destitute of that high-souled wielder of the Gandiva, on whom depend the very lives of us all.

Ah! when shall I see the swift-speaking and liberal Vibhatsu, who is so full of the milk of human kindness and aptitude, coming back to us with all the arms collected from heaven!

Is there a prince, on the earth, who is more wretched than I am? Have you ever heard of or seen such a one before. So far as I think, there is no such person, who is more afflicted with grief than myself."

Brihadashva said:
O great prince, O son of Pandu, you say that on this earth there is no such a person more wretched than yourself. O sinless monarch, I will narrate to you if you would listen to me, the history of a king who was (really) more miserable than yourself.

Vaishampayana said:
Thereupon the king spoke to the great sage, "O most glorious one, relate as I am desirous to hear, the history of the king who had fallen in the most distressful condition of life."

Brihadashva said:
O prince, O you that never lapse hear attentively, with your brothers the history of the king who was more miserable than yourself.

O great king, there lived a famous prince among the Nishadhas, who was known by the name of Virasena. He had a son, named Nala, who was versed in religion (virtue) and (in the knowledge of acquiring) wealth).

We have heard that the king was deceitfully defeated by Pushkara; and in consequence defeated by Pushkara; and in consequence thereof he dwelt in the forest with his spouse, pressed with distress.

O king, while living in the forest, Nala had neither servants nor chariots, (nor charioteers), neither he had a brother or friends with him.

But you are encircled by your war-like brothers, who are equal to the celestials and also by the best of the twice-born Brahmanas, who are like unto Brahma himself. Consequently, O king, you should not lament.

Yudhishthira said:
O foremost of the story-tellers, I am very desirous of hearing in detail the history of that illustrious king, Nala. It behoves you therefore, to tell me.

Brihadashva said:
There was a heroic king, named Nala the son of Virasena. He was possessed of desirable attainments, handsome and well-acquainted with the management of horses.

He stood at the head of all the princes, even as the king of the celestials; and exalted above all, was equal to the sun in splendour. He was the well-wisher of the Brahmanas and the lord of the Nishadhas. He was truthful, the commander of a mighty force, consisting of cavalry and infantry and a large number of chariots and elephants but fond of gaming at dice.

He was beloved of women, high-souled and with all passions checked. He was also the refuge of all and the best of bowmen and was like Manu himself.

Like him (Nala) there was a king among the Vidharbhas, named Bhima, who was warlike, possessor of immense power and all accomplishments and beloved of his subjects. But with all these virtues he was without an issue.

He, with a fixity of purpose, made great endeavour for obtaining issue. O Bharata, there came before him, a Brahmarishi named Damana.

Thereupon, O king of kings, the virtuous prince, Bhima, assisted by his wife, satisfied that reverened sage with the-most respectful offerings. Damana, thus pleased, conferred upon the king and his spouse a boon of a daughter like unto a jewel and three sons possessed of liberal heart and great fame.

The daughter and the three sons were named Damayanti.and Dama, Danta and the illustrious Damana. The latter were possessed of all the virtues, most fearful and of terrible might.

But Damayanti of slender waist, obtained celebrity all ever the world in beauty and brightness and in good name, luck and glory.

And when she attained to age, hundreds and hundreds of female servants and hand-maids, decked in ornaments, waited on her like Sachi herself.

There shone in the midst of her hand-maids the daughter of Bhima, of beautiful features and decked with all ornaments like the bright lightning of the sky.

The damsel was possessed of extra-ordinary beauty and large eyes and was like Lakshmi (the goddess of riches) herself. Indeed, there was, none among the celestials or the Yaksha who could be compared with her.

No body among men or others, was possessed of such beauty, seen or heard of. In fact, the damsel was most pleasant to look at and more handsome than the celestials.

That foremost of men, Nala, was peerless in the worlds; because on earth he resembled in beauty Kandarpa (the god of love) himself in his embodied form.

Moved with admiration, they (the heralds) again and again uttered the praises of Nala before her (Damayanti) and those of Damayanti before the king of the Nishadhas, Nala.

Although they had not seen each other, yet they conceived a love (for each other) produced by their repeatedly hearing each other's accomplishments. O son of Kunti, that mutual attachment began to grow very strong.

And then Nala, incapable of holding it in his bosom, passed much of his time in solitude in the gardens adjacent to the inner apartments (of his palace).

There he saw, one day, a lot of swans, with golden wings, roving in those woods. Of them he caught one with his hands.

Thereupon that sky-roving one spoke unto Nala. "O king, it behoves you not to kill me. I will render some good to you.

O prince of the Nishadhas, I will speak of you before Damayanti and in such a manner that she will never mind to have any other person (for her lord) but yourself."

Thus spoken, the king liberated the swan. Thereafter the swans, spreading their wings, betook themselves to the country of the Vidharbhas.

Arriving at the city of the Vidharbhas the birds alighted from heaven before Damayanti, who also beheld them.

Damayanti surrounded by her hand-maids, having seen those birds of extraordinary beauty, desired to catch those rovers of the skies without loss of time.

Thereupon the swans fled in all directions in that charming forest; and the ladies ran after them, each pursuing one.

The swan which Damayanti pursued, led her into a solitary corner of the gardens and addressed her a human speech the following words,

"O Damayanti, there is a prince among the Nishadhas, named Nala, who is in beauty, like the Ashvins; and he has not his equal among men.

In beauty he is like Kandarpa (the god of love) himself in his embodied form. O fair complexioned one, if you becomes his wife. O you of slender waist, your birth and also your beauty may be of some avail. We have, as a matter of fact, seen celestials, Gandharvas, men, Nagas and Rakshasas; but never have we seen one like him (Nala). As you are a jewel among the maidens, so Nala is the best among men. The best united with the best is of merit.

O Prince, Damayanti was in the above way addressed by the swan. She (Damayanti) in return said to the swan, "you also thus speak unto Nala." O Prince, the bird having uttered to the daughter of Vidharbha "So be it" returned to the country of the Nishadhas and described everything to Nala himself.

Brihadashva said:
O Bharata hearing the words of the swan, Damayanti thence forth became restless on account of her anxiety for Nala.

For this reason, Damayanti became filled with great anxiety and grief; and sighning heavily became lean and pale-faced.

She always gazed on high with contemplative turn of mind and looked like a dementate. Possessed by the god of love, she also became pale and slender.

She had no desire for the enjoyments, either of beds or seats. And she did not lie down either during the day or night and lamented again and again with the exclamations of Ah and Alas.

O King, the hand-maids, of Damayanti beholding her that condition and features, represented them to the ruler of Vidharbha. The king Bhima hearing all from the handmaids was set to serious thinking regarding the affair of his daughter; the thought within, himself why was it that his daughter seemed to be so uneasy at present.

The king, seeing his daughter had attained to puberty, observed in his mind that it was his own duty to make arrangements for Damayanti's Svayamvara (marriage).

O exalted one, the king united all the rulers of the earth saying, "O heroes, the Svayamvara ceremony of Damayanti is going to be held."

Having learnt of Damayanti's Svayamvara (marriage), all the kings, the rulers of the earth, in obedience to the invitation of Bhima, came to him. The earth was filled with the noise caused by the clatter of the cars, the neighing of horses and the roars of elephants; and those high-souled rulers of the earth, who came with their fair-complexioned battalions decked in ornaments and handsome garlands, were received by that heroic Bhima with the most suitable offerings. Thus honoured by a respectful reception, the kings took up their abodes (in the city of Bhima).

At this juncture, those most exalted of the divine sages, the illustrious, greatly wise and austere Narada and Parvata, having arrived at the regions of Indra, obtained admittance into his palace with a respectful reception.

The illustrious Maghavat (Indra), having offered them proper worship, inquired after their everlasting welfare and peace regarding all matters.

Narada said:
O Lord, O God, we enjoy peace as regards all matters; and O Maghavat, O illustrious one, so also the beings of the entire world.

Brihadashva said:
Hearing the speeches of Narada the slayer of Bala and Vitra, asked, "Where are those war-like Kshatriyas and why do I not find those princes, coming to me, as they are my most favourite guests? They are the virtuous rulers of the earth, renouncing their life in battle. Your meet death by weapons, when time is come; and never turn their faces away from the battle; their is this world, eternal unto them and bestowing upon them all the objects of enjoyments, even as it does to me. Narada, thus addressed by Shakra, said in reply.

Narada said:
O Maghavat, listen to me, why the rulers of the earth are not being seen by you now. The king of the Vidharbhas has a daughter the famous Damayanti; who, in beauty, surpasses all the women of the earth.

O Shakra, her Svayamvara will shortly take place. There the kings and princes are going from all directions.

O slayer of Bala and Vitra, the kings, desirous of getting that pearl of the earth, all desire to have her most eagerly.

While they were discoursing thus, the most excellent of the immortals, the Lokapalas, (with Agni among them) came before the king of heaven, Indra.

They then all heard the speeches of Narada pregnant with lofty ideas and becoming greatly delighted to hear them said that they would also go there.

O great king, mounted on their vehicles, accompanied by their attendants, they all betook themselves to the country of the Vidharbhas where all the rulers of the earth had gone.

O son of Kunti, the lofty-minded king, Nala, hearing of the assembly of the kings, set out, thinking of Damayanti.

The celestials saw Nala on the way walking on the earth. In beauty he resembled even the god of love himself in his embodied form.

The Lokapalas, having sent him resplendent as the sun, were struck with astonishment at his wealth of beauty; and they, therefore, abandoned their idea (of getting her).

The celestials, leaving their cars, alighted from heaven and (then) addressed the king of the Nishadhas thus.

"O the most exalted of the rulers of the Nishadhas, O Nala, O you who do observe the vow of truth, O the foremost of men, help us; be our messenger."

Brihadashva said:
O Bharata, Nala promised to them (the celestials) saying that he would do it; and then, approaching with folded hands, asked them, "Who are you? And who is he, by whom I am desired to be his messenger? what further shall I render to you; tell me what really is."

Maghavat, being thus addressed by the king of the Nishadhas, said in reply, "Be informed that we, the celestials, come here for Damayanti.

O king I am Indra, this one is Agni; he is the lord of the waters and this is even Yama, the destroyer of human bodies.

Do you inform Damayanti that we, Lokapalas with Mahendra at our head, are all come and going to the assembly (of the heroes), filled with the desire of witnessing (the Svayamvara).

And the gods-Shakra, Agni, Vasava and Yama, all desire to win you. Hence choose one of them for your husband."

Nala, being thus spoken to by Shakra, requested them with folded hands not to send him, as he also has come with the same purpose.

"O gods, pardon me; and how it is that a person, who is in the same way determined (to get Damayanti), can dare speak to the damsel on behalf of others."

The Gods said:
O king of the Nishadhas, you promised to us beforehand that you would do it. O king of the Nishadhas, why, therefore will you not act up to it? Tell us without (a moment's) hesitation.

Brihadashva said:
The king of the Nishadhas, being thus spoken by the gods, said again to them: "How can I dare enter those palaces so well-guarded."

Indra again said to him in reply "you shall get access." Nala, saying "so be it," repaired to the mansion of Damayanti.

There he saw the daughter of the ruler of Vidharbhas, who was encircled by her hands-minds, effulgent in beauty and form and of fair color.

She also possessed extraordinarily symmetrical handsome limbs, slender waist and fair eyes; her splendour was supposed to ecclipse the light of the moon.

His (Nala's) love increased at the very sight of that sweet smiling one (Damayanti). But being desirous of carrying out the truth, he repressed the love (that was aroused in him).

Then beholding the king of the Nishadhas, all the respectable and beautiful ladies sprang up from their seats, possessed as they were by the splendour (of his beauty).

Filled with amazement and highly gratified, they praised Nala; but they spoke nothing to him, only worshipped him in the mind.

Oh! what beauty, what effulgence and what patience are possessed by this high-souled one! Who is he! Is he a god or a Yaksha or a Gandharva?

Those most excellent women, over-powered by his splendour and out of bashfulness, were not at all able to go near or address him.

Filled as she was with amazement, yet Damayanti, smilingly addressed the heroic Nala, who, also gently smiled at her. She smilingly said thus.

"Who are you, O you of beautiful form, you have aroused love in me. O warlike one, O sinless one, I desire to know how have you come here. Why have you come here! And how is it you have not been perceived by any body? Indeed, my palace is so well-guarded; and so strict are the commands of the king." Being thus addressed by the daughter of Vidharbha king, Nala said to her in reply-

Nala said:
"O handsome damsel, know me by the name of Nala; I have come here as the messenger of the gods. The gods, Shakra, Agni, Varuna and Yama, all desire to have you. O beauteous one, choose one of the celestials as your husband.

It is through the influence of those celestials I have entered the palace undiscovered and for this reason also that none has perceived me, nor put obstacles in my way.

O respected one, I have been sent by the illustrious gods on this errand. O lucky one, form your opinion by hearing this, as you please.

Brihadashva said:
Saluting the celestials, (Damayanti) smilingly said to Nala, "O king! love me with due respect and say what shall I do for you.

Myself and whatever riches that I have got are all yours. O lord, make love with full confidence.

O prince, the speeches of the swans are burning me out. It is for you indeed, O lord I have caused the kings assemble here.

O the bestower of honor, if you forsake me who worship you, I must have recourse to either poison or fire, water or the rope for your sake."

Thus addressed by the daughter of the king of the Vidharbhas, Nala said to her in reply:
"How is it that you choose a man rejecting the Lokapalas (guardians of the worlds) who are present?

Do you lead your heart towards those illustrious celestials, who are the creators of the worlds and even with the dust of whose feet I am not equal.

By offending the celestials, the mortals receive death. Therefore, O beauteous lady, save me by choosing one of the gods for your lord.

By choosing the celestials you will enjoy garments unsullied with dust, gaudy garlands of variegated color and superior ornaments.

What lady will not accept as her husband Hutasha, who, by reducing the dimensions of this entire earth, swallows it also?

What lady will not accept him as her husband, by the terror of whose club all the assembled creatures are propelled to walk in the path of virtue!

What lady will not accept as her husband Mahendra, who is the lord of the gods and who is the most virtuous and illustrious and who is also the rcpressor of the Daityas and the Danavas.

Should you cherish in you heart the love of Varuna among the guardians of the worlds, do so without delay. Hear this my friendly advice.

Thus addressed by the king of the Nishadhas, Damayanti spoke to him with eyes overflowed by the tears produced by sorrow.

O the ruler of the earth, to tell you the truth, I accept you for my lord after I have saluted all the celestials,

The king, who had come on the mission of the gods, answered her thus who was trembling (with fear), standing with joined hands, ‘O blessed one, O gentle one, do what you please.

Having promised the celestials specially and come in their interest, how can I venture to look to my own (interest).

If virtue be consistent with the seeking of one's own interest, I will surely look to it and so also do you, O gentle one, act according to this (principle).

Thereupon Damayanti, whose words were choked up with tears, spoke to Nala with blameless smiles.

"O the most supreme among men, I find out this sinless way, following which no sin, whatever, O king, will hang upon you.

O the foremost of men, yourself and the celestials with Indra at their head, all come together when my Svayamvara takes place.

O the best of men, there I will accept you for my lord among the guardians of the world. Thus, O foremost of men, there will be no blame hanging upon you.

O ruler of the earth! thus addressed by the daughter of the king of the Vidarbhas, king Nala returned where the assembled celestials took their quarters.

Thereupon the great lords, who are the guardians of the world, seeing him approach, to them, inquired of him about all that had taken place there.

"O Prince, did you see Damayanti of blameless smiles? O blameless one, O Prince, tell us all whatever she pronounced.

Nala said:
At your behest, I entered the mansion of Damayanti consisting of large and beautiful chambers and guarded by old guards with bludgeons in their hands.

When I entered, no man, through your influence, discovered me there except the daughter of the king.

I was perceived by her hand-maids, whom I saw too. O the foremost of the gods, beholding me they were all struck with amazement.

O the most excellent of the celestials, although I related all about you, yet the fair-complexioned one settled her mind to choose me for her lord.

The Maiden said:
O the foremost of men, I wish the assembled celestials would come with you where my Svayamvara will take place.

O king of Nishadhas, I will choose you among those celestials. O you mighty-armed warrior, if this be done, no blame will surely touch you.

O the exalted of gods, this is all, I relate to you what happened there. O the lords of the gods, it behoves, you therefore, to settle everything finally.

Brihadashva said:
When the auspicious hour, the sacred lunar day and the propitious season set in the king Bhima summoned all the rulers of the earth to the Svayamvara.

Hearing this, all the rulers of the earth, repressed by her love and filled with the desire for Damayanti, repaired (to the Svayamvara).

Those kings entered the amphi-theater furnished with golden pillars and adorned with beautiful gates even as the furious lions force their way into the mountain caves.

There all the rulers of the earth decked in fragrant garlands and adorned with ornaments set with gems suspended from their ears, took their respective seats.

That sacred conclave of the rulers of the earth abounded in the foremost of men even as Bhogavati abounds in the Nagas or as the mountain caves in tigers.

Their arms were sinewy looking like maces; and they were well-shaped and smooth, even as the five-headed snakes.

The countenance of the kings, embellished with beautiful locks and fine noses and brows, glittered even as the stars shine in the firmament.

Thereupon the fair-complexioned Damayanti entered the amphi-theater; and thus attracted the eyes and hearts of the assembled princes.

When the kings beheld her, their eyes, unmoved, were finally fixed upon those parts of her body, wherever they had fallen first.

Thereupon, O Bharata, the names of the kings having been uttered, the daughter of Bhima beheld five persons all alike in their form.

Thereafter the daughter of the king of the Vidharbhas, having seen all of them of similar forms could not make out which one was prince Nala; for doubts had already arisen in her mind.

Whomsoever she saw among the kings, she supposed him to be the prince Nala; and thus the thoughtful lady pondered and deliberated in her mind.

‘How shall I discern the gods and how shall I ascertain prince Nala?' This thought engrossed the mind of the daughter of the king of the Vidarbhas and also afflicted her with great grief.

O Bharata, she deliberated in her mind upon the marks of which she heard, as appertaining to the gods, I have heard from the old men whatever marks belong to the celestials and indeed those are never seen to appertain to any one of these assembled in this earth.' Thus she thought on this subject over and over in several ways and came to the conclusion, viz., that she should, after saluting the celestials.

After that with the mind and words and with joined hands, resolve upon obtaining the assistance of the gods themselves. Trembling with fear she spoke to the celestials thus, "On hearing the words of the swans I accepted the prince of the Nishadhas as my husband. For the sake of that vow of mine, O celestials, point him out to me.

As I am always firm to him either in speech or thought, so for the sake of that truth, it beloved the celestials to point him out to me.

When it was settled to me by the celestials that the prince of the Nishadhas should be my husband; for the sake of that truth it behoves the celestials to point him to me.

When I have commenced my vow for the worship of king Nala; for the sake of that truth, it behoves the celestials to reveal him to me.

It behoves the Lokapalas, the most excellent of the gods, therefore, to assume their respective forms, that I may ascertain that virtuous prince (Nala).

The celestials, having heard the words of Damayanti full of compassion and known for certain that her love for the prince of the Nishadhas was most fervent and also realizing her fixed will, purity of heart and mind and her passion for that prince, fulfilled what they had been prayed for by assuming their proper forms.

She then beheld all the gods, not perspiring, with fixed eyes and spotless garlands (round their neck) and seated without touching the earth.

She, on the other hand, saw Nala standing preeminent with his own shadow and (unlike the gods) full of perspiration and with floral wreaths stained with dust and the king of the Nishadhas was also seated on the ground with staring eyes.

O Bharata, she saw both the celestials and that righteous king. But, O descendant of Pandu, the daughter of Bhima accepted (as her husband) the prince of the Nishadhas in accordance with her vow.

The bashful and larged-eyed maiden held the flying-end of her cloth and put a most handsome garland round his neck. Thus the fair-faced damsel had chosen him as his lord.

Thereupon all the celestials suddenly gave utterance to their woe by saying, Ah! Alas!!

O Bharata! all the celestials and the great sages became struck with amazement and uttered the cry. "Excellent and Excellent" while at the same time they were praising king Nala.

O Kauravya! the prince-the son of Virasena, with the gladness of heart, consoled that fair-complexioned maiden thus-

O blessed one, as you rejecting all the gods, choose a man to be your lord; so know me, therefore, for your husband, ever ready to obey your words (of command).

O you of blameless smiles, I truly promise to you that as long as my life will reside in my body, till then I will continue to be yours.

Damayanti, with joined hands, showed due respect to him (Nala) by similar expressions. Thereupon the happy pair, each having seen those celestials headed by Agni, mentally prayed for their protection.

Then the guardians of the worlds of great splendour, beholding the prince of the Nishadhas accepted by the daughter of Bhima, became greatly gratified; and they all granted to Nala eight boons.

At first Shakra, the husband of Sachi, well pleased, bestowed upon the king of the Nishadhas a boon. viz., that in the sacrifices he should attain to divinity and thence to each of the extraordinarily great and happy abodes.

Agni gave assurance of his own presence wherever the king of the Nishadhas would wish. Hutashana also granted to him regions as resplendent as himself.

Then again Yama lent him a superior taste for food, as well as a highest place in virtue.

The presiding god of the water granted to Nala the boon of his own presence wherever he would wish, as well a floral wreaths of superior fragrance. Thus each one of the assembled gods had given Nala a couple of boons.

Having granted these boons to him, all the celestials returned to heaven. And the monarchs also, having witnessed this choice-marriage of Damayanti with Nala, became filled with astonishment; and highly gratified, went away wherever they came from.

And after the departure of the best rulers of the earth, the lofty-minded and well-pleased Bhima celebrated the marriage ceremony of Damayanti and Nala.

The foremost of men, the prince of the Nishadhas, having passed there some time his in-laws house, then return to his own city with the permission of the king Bhima.

O king, that righteous prince, having obtained a maiden like a gem, began to enjoy her sweet company, even as the slayer of Bala and Vritra enjoys the company of Sachi.

The warlike monarch, resplendent as the sun, was exceedingly glad to rule and maintain his subjects most righteously.

That talenled one like Yayati the son of Nahusha held the horse and several other sacrifices, offering abundant gifts of the Brahmanas.

Then again Nala passed his days in joy in the company of Damayanti in the woods and the pleasure gardens, even as the immortals themselves.

Thereupon the illustrious prince begot upon Damayanti a son named Indrasena and a daughter named Indrasenaa.

Thus the ruler of the earth, the fore-most of men having celebrated the sacrifices and passed his days in joy (with Damayanti), governed the earth abounding in wealth.

Brihadashva said:
After the daughter of Bhima had accepted the king of the Nishadhas as her husband, the protectors of the worlds, of great energy, met, when they were returning, Dvapara accompanied by Kali, approaching towards them.

Shakra, the slayer of Vala and Vritra, beholding Kali, said to him, 'O Kali, tell me, whither are you going with Dvapara as your companion?'

Thereupon Kali replying to Shakra's words said, 'Hearing the Svayamvara of Damayanti, I am going there. I shall take her to be my wife; for my heart has been captivated by her?'

Indra smilingly said to him, "That Svayamvara is now over; king Nala has been accepted by her as her husband even in our presence."

Thus spoken to by Shakra, Kali, the viler among the celestials, waxing worth, said to them (celestials) all, the following words:

"In as much as neglecting the divinities she has accepted a man for her husband, it is but equitable that she shall suffer severe punishment?"

When Kali had spoken in the above manner, the celestials replied, 'With our permission, Nala has been chosen by Damayanti.

Also what maiden would not accept Nala as her lord, who is endued with all (excellent) qualities, who is acquainted with all systems of religion, who is a strict observer of vows, who has studied the four Vedas as also the Puranas that are styled the fifth; in whose house the deities are always satisfied by sacrifices performed in accordance with the rules prescribed for their observance; who never does any harm to any one, who is truthful and of unshaken vows; in whom truthfulness, forgiveness, knowledge, rigid austerities, purity, self-control and quiescence are ever present; who is the foremost of kings, like the guardians of the worlds. O Kali, that foolish creature, that desires to imprecate Nala of this description, does surely curse his own self and does kill himself by his own agency.

O Kali, he that wishes to pronounce malediction on Nala of such qualities, sinks into the vast, unfathomable, lake of hell replete with various torments. 'Thus speaking to Kali and Dvapara the celestials repaired to heaven.

After the celestials had disappeared, Kali said to Dvapara, 'O Dvapara, I cannot restrain my wrath, I will enter into the Nala and disposes him of his kingdom. He shall not any longer hold any dalliance with the daughter of Bhima. Placing yourself at the dice, you ought to help me.

Brihadashva said:
Having entered into this agreement with Dvapara, Kali came to the place where the king of the Nishadhas was.

Always intent on detecting a flaw in Nala, he resided in the country of the Nishadhas. In the twelfth year Kali found out a fault of his.

Naishadha, after having with water, rinsed his mouth, performed the Sandhya ceremony, without having previously washed his two feet. Thereupon Kali possessed him.

He, having entered into Nala, went to Pushkara and said to the latter, "Come, play at dice with Nala?

With my help you shall conquer Nala at a game of dice; and vanquishing king Nala and wining his kingdom, do you govern the Nishadhas?"

Thus spoken to by Kali, Pushkara went to Nala; Kali also repaired to Pushkara becoming the principal die.

Pushkara, the chastiser of hostile heroes, having approached the warlike Nala, repeatedly asked him to game together at dice.

Thereupon the illustrious monarch could not desire to reject the summons. For the reason of Damayanti's presence there, he fixed the time for game also.

Being taken up by Kali, the prince Nala lost at dice his gold and silver statues, his cars with their teams and also the valuable garments. The illustrious chastiser of the foes was maddened at the game, from which none of his friends could make him desist.

Thereupon, O Bharata, all the inhabitants of the city with the ministers came to see the troubled prince and also to dissuade him (from the play).

Then the charioteer, having approached Damayanti, said to her "O auspicious one, all the citizens and the state officers are staying at the gate.

O lady, do you inform the king of the Nishadhas that all his citizens have come here, who cannot really bear with the calamitous game of their monarch, who is so very well versed in virtue and in the acquisition or wealth.”

Thereupon the daughter of Bhima, overpowered by grief and deprived of senses by distresses, said to the prince of the Nishadhas in terms choked with tears -

'O king! foremost in loyalty, all the citizens accompanied by the ministers, are waiting at the gate with the desire of seeing you.' She repeatedly told him to grant them an interview. But as the king was possessed by Kali, he answered nothing to them or his queen of handsome looks, who gave utterance to her sorrows thus: And the counselors and all the citizens, overwhelmed with grief and shame and having uttered (unto themselves) that he would never stand, went back to their homes; and thence forward. O Yudhishthira, the gambling of Pushkara and Nala continued for several months, while the righteous king was always defeated.

Brihadshava said:
Damayanti beheld the righteous king to be maddened at the gambling and deprived of his reason. Thereupon, O Monarch, the daughter of Bhima was overwhelmed with terror and grief and meditated upon the seriousness of the matter regarding the king, her husband.

Beholding Nala deprived of all his possessions and being afraid of the calamity that had befallen her husband and desirous of doing good to him, Damayanti addressed to her nurse and maid-servant who was most noted, well-meaning beloved and intent upon doing good to all and well-speaking-these words -

'O Brihadsena! inviting all the ministers in the name of king Nala, go and inform them what things are lost and what wealth still remains.'

Thereupon all the ministers, having been informed of the summons of the king, uttered-"O this was most unfortunate for them all" and advanced to Nala.

When again the daughter of Bhima informed Nala, that all his subjects came there in a body for the second time, the king said nothing to her in reply.

Damayanti, beholding that her lord uttered not a word to her in reply, felt shame and entered her own apartments. And also hearing that the virtuous Nala was always defeated at dice and deprived of all his possessions, she spoke again unto her nurse, Brihadsena! O blessed one do you go and summon, in the name of Nala, Varshneya, the charioteer, as a very serious matter is near at hand.

Hearing the words of Damayanti, Brihadsena brought Varshneya summoned by faithful servants. Thereupon the daughter of Bhima, who was unblameable and was never out of place or season, consoled Varshneya by sweet speeches and said to him words suitable to the occasion -

It is known to you how always you were treated by the monarch. Now it is necessary for you therefore, to remember this and help him in his distress.

The more the king is defeated by Pushkara in the game, the greater becomes his earnestness for it.

As the dice fall in accordance with the commands of Pushkara, so it is seen they are adverse to the interests of Nala in the play.

Deeply engaged in the game, as he is deaf regarding the advices of his friends and relatives, so he does not accept my counsel. Surely me-seems, the high-souled Naishadha is not to be blamed for his not listening to my words, absorbed as he is in the game.

O charioteer! I seek your protection. Act according to my commands. My mind is not very sanguine. King Nala may come to danger.

Yoking the favourite steeds of Nala, fleet as the glance of mind and placing my twins (a son and a daughter) on the car, you should repair to Kundina in all haste.

Leaving the children and the car and these horses with my relatives, do you go there or go away wherever it pleases you to go,"

Varshneya the charioteer of Nala, told in detail these words of Damayanti to the chief counsellors of Nala.

O lord of earth! deciding (the matter) with their aid and with their permission placing the children on the chariot the charioteer hastened towards Vidarbha.

There leaving the horses, the excellent of cars and the boy Indrasena and the girl Indrasenaa and saluting king Bhima and afflicted and grieving for Nala, the charioteer started from that place and repaired to the town of Ayodhya.

He approached king Ritupama with a sorrowful heart and entered into the service of the monarch as a charioteer.

Brihadashva said:
After Varshneya had gone away, his kingdom and what else of wealth he possessed, were won by Pushkara from Nala of good fame, who was engaged at dice.

O king! Pushkara said to Nala whose kingdom had been won from him, with a (sinister) smile:- 'Let our game at dice commence anew, but what else to stake you have got now?'

Damayanti alone is left to you; everything else has been won by me. Well if you think it right hold Damayanti as your stake now?

Thus spoken to by Pushkara Nala of holy fame felt as if his heart would burst in grief. Neither did he speak a syllable to him.

Thereafter Nala of high renown, possessed with extreme anguish, looking at Pushkara, began to take all the ornaments off every part of his body. Then wearing a single piece of cloth, with his person uncovered enhancing the grief of his friends and forsaking his vast wealth the king went out.

Also Damayanti, attired in a single piece of cloth, followed the departing king behind. With her the king of Naishadha, passed three nights outside the precincts of the town.

O mighty king in the meantime Pushkara had it proclaimed within the city, that any body that should regardfully (hospitably) behave towards Nala would become his victim.

O Yudhishthira! in consequence of this proclamation of Pushkara and his malice towards Nala, the citizens offered no respectful conduct towards him.

Thus unregarded, though worthy of their (citizen's) regards, that king stayed three nights outside the precincts of the city living, all the while solely on water.

Oppressed with hunger, the king started from the vicinity of the city with the object of collecting fruits and roots while Damayanti followed him (closely).

Afflicted sore with (the pangs of) hunger, after the lapse of many days, Nala saw some birds, the colour of whose plumage resembled that of gold.

Thereupon the powerful ruler of the Nishadhas, thought (within himself)-My food today will consist of these and afterwards their plumage shall be my wealth.

Then he covered them with the piece of cloth he was wearing. Taking on their back that piece of cloth belonging to him, those rangers of the sky flew to the heavens.

When rising up (to the sky) the birds of the earth seeing Nala sorrowful and seated on the car with his person nude and countenance down towards the ground, addressed these words to him.

'O greatly foolish one! we are even those dice. We had come hither desirous of robbing your cloth. For surely we feel no pleasure, even if you depart wearing your cloth.'

O king! then Nala of holy fame beholding the dice depart and himself naked, thus spoke of Damayanti. O unblameable lady! they, in consequence of whose wrath I have been deprived of my (royal) fortune and being distressed and oppressed with hunger I cannot procure my livelihood, they through whose (malign) influence the citizens of Naishadha paid me no regard, O timid one! those very dice have assumed the form of birds and are even now flying away with my cloth.

I, your husband, have met with a great catastrophe. I am afflicted with sorrow and am devoid of my consciousness. Listen to my words, which (when acted upon) shall conduce to your good.

These various roads before you, passing by the (city of) Avanti and crossing the Rikshavat mountain lead to the Deccan.

Yonder is the mighty range of mountains known under the name of Vindhya; there is the river Payashini flowing toward the sea and you lie the hermitages of the illustrious sages replete with many kinds of fruits and roots. This road leads to Vidharbha, the other one proceeds towards the country of the Kosalas; beyond them in the southern direction lies the Deccan.

O descendant of Bharata's race! addressing the daughter of Bhima, king Nala sorely afflicted with grief, carefully spoke these words to Damayanti, over and over again.

Thereupon distressed with sorrow and in a voice choked with the vapour of grief, Damayanti spoke to Nala these piteous words.

Damayanti said:
O ruler of the earth! on continuous thinking of your intention, my heart trembles and all my limbs are sinking. How can I depart leaving you in this lonely forest, deprived of your kingdom despoiled of your wealth, yourself not covered even with a single piece of cloth and afflicted with hunger and toil?

O illustrious sovereign! when fatigued with toil and oppressed with hunger in the midst of this dreary wilderness, you shall remember your former happiness, then shall I solace you in your troubles.

'In all descriptions of misery there is no medicine similar to a wife, this is the opinion of all the physicians, I tell the forsooth.

Nala said:
O you of delicate loins! O Damayanti, what you have said, is indeed true; to a man aggrieved there is no friend equal to a wife that serves as a remedy.

O timid one! why are you afraid? I do not intend to forsake you; O faultless one, I can part with myself, but not with you.

Damayanti said:
O great monarch! if you seek not to desert me, why then do you instruct, (point out to) me, about the road that leads to the dominion of theVidharbhas?

O protector of your subjects! I know also that you cannot leave me. But, O ruler of the earth! you may renounce me, as your mind (reason) is spoiled (distracted) by Kali.

O foremost of men! you are repeatedly instructing me about the road. O divine one! it is in this way that you are adding to my sorrow.

If it be your wish that I should go back to my kinsmen, then if it list you, we both together shall repair to the kingdom of Vidharbha.

O bestower of honor! there, the king of the Vidharbhas shall worship you. Thus held in great respect by him, you shall live in happiness in our residence.

Nala said:
No doubt, your father's kingdom is the same as mine own. But thither by any means I will not go, being in embarrassed circumstances.

There was a time when repairing there in all my prosperity, I enhanced your delight. Shorn of it (prosperity) how can I now repair there to add to your sorrow?

Brihadhsava said:
Thus repeatedly speaking unto Damayanti, used to all happiness, king Nala tried to console her, now clad only in half of her cloth. Both of them wrapped in a single piece of cloth, when wandering this way and that, arrived at an inn, worn out with hunger and thirst.

Then on reaching that inn, the ruler of the Nishadhas seated himself on the surface of the earth with the daughter of the king of Vidharbha.

Destitute of his garments, unsightly, with his person unclean, covered with dust, he laid himself down with Damayanti on the surface of the earth in fatigue.

Then ever used to happiness, the comely and innocent Damayanti, too, suddenly visited with misfortune, became unconscious in sleep.

O lord of your subjects! when Damayanti fell asleep, king Nala, owing to his heart and mind being agitated with grief, could not sleep as before (in his days of happiness).

He, musing over the loss of his kingdom, his abandonment by his friends, the disaster he met with in the forest and over his other misfortunes, began to reflect (in the following manner).

"What will accrue from my doing this? And what from my not doing this? Which is preferable to me now, my death or the desertion of my wife?

She is (fondly) attached unto myself. For this reason she suffer these afflictions for me. But (when) forsaken by me, she may possibly repair to her relatives.

Devoted as she is to me, she is sure to suffer distress if she accompanies me; but it is doubtful, whether she would suffer them or not, were I to forsake her. Perchance, she may sometime attain to happiness."

O Monarch! thus repeatedly cogitating over this subject and reflecting again and again about it, he (at last) decided the desertion of Damayanti to be the best course open to him.

‘For her spiritedness, nobody will be able to insult, on the way, this high-souled, chaste and illustrious lady who is (fondly) devoted to me.’

Thus through the instrumentality of the wicked Kali, his mind then ceased to dwell on Damayanti and he settled his purpose of abandoning her.

Thinking of his own want of garment and of Damayanti's being clad in a single piece of cloth, the King intended to pair off half of her cloth.
'How shall I cut off her cloth, so that my beloved may not awake.' Thus thinking, king Nala then began to wander about that inn.

O descendant of Bharata's race! walking with hasty steps up and down, Nala obtained, near the inn, an excellent unsheathed sword.

That chastiser of his enemies, having with this sword cut off one half of her cloth, wore it. And then leaving the daughter of the Vidharbha king asleep and unconscious, he hurriedly went away.

But then his heart being attracted towards Damayanti, the ruler of the Nishadhas, came back to that inn; and finding her in that condition he began to lament:

'My dear-loved wife, whom even the winds or the sun could not see before, is even now lying asleep like one helpless on the ground of this inn.

How will this sweet smiling and slender-waisted Damayanti live, when awaking, she shall find herself clothed, like one mad, in half apiece of cloth?

How will this blessed daughter of Bhima, the chaste Damayanti, roam, without me and all alone, in this dreary wilderness, inhabited by beasts and serpents.

O noble-hearted one! may the Adityas, the Vasus, the Rudras, the twin Asvinis together with the wind-gods, protect you! Or you are protected by yours own virtue!'

Thus speaking unto his dear-loved wife matchless on earth in beauty, king Nala, deprived of his senses by Kali, endeavoured to go away.

The royal Nala departing again and again, returned again and again to the inn, once dragged away by Kali and again drawn back by his love (to his wife).

It seemed as if the heart of the distressed king was divided in twain, who like a rocking cradle repeatedly went away from and came back into the inn.

Befooled and deprived of his reason by Kali, Nala ran away deserting his sleeping wife and lamenting profusely and plaintively for her.

Losing his senses through the influence of Kali and ruminating over a variety of thoughts, the king went away with his heart full of sorrow, forsaking his wife, alone, in that solitary wilderness.

Brihadashva said:
O king, after Nala, had gone away, the slender-waisted Damayanti, getting over her fatigue, awoke in terror in that solitary wilderness. Terrified at not finding her husband and oppressed with grief and troubles, she called aloud for Naishadha, saying: 'O Maharaja.

O master! O mighty sovereign! O husband! why have you forsaken me? Alas! I am done for, I am lost, I am (greatly) terrified in this lonely forest.

O mighty monarch! you are virtuous and truthful. How then, promising not to do so you have forsaken me asleep, in the woods?

Why have you gone away forsaking your able and devoted, wife, specially when she had done you no harm, but you have been wronged by others?

O lord of your people! you ought faithfully to fulfill those words of yours in respect of me, that you had uttered in days gone by, before the guardian deities of the worlds.

O best of men! because mortals are not ordained to die before their appointed time, therefore, it is, that your beloved wife live even a moment after your abandonment of her.

O foremost of men! enough of his joke, let us have no more of it. O invincible one! I am awfully frightened. O lord! show yourself.

You are discovered O king! you are discovered! O ruler of the Nishadhas I have seen you! concealing yourself behind the corpses, why do you not answer me?

Alas, O king of kings! it is very cruel of you. For seeing me in this and so bewailing, you do not, O king, come near to console me.

I lament not for myself, nor for any thing else. But, O king, I only grieve thinking, how you will live alone.

O king! when, in the evening you will sit thirsty, hungry and worn out with toils under the trees, how will you live without seeing me (by the side)?

Then oppressed with poignant grief and burning with anger, the miserable Damayanti began to run hither and thither bewailing.

At times the youthful princess would stand up suddenly. At other times she would sink down bewildered. Now she would conceal herself alarmed and the next moment, she would cry and wail aloud.

Then the chaste daughter of Bhima, bewildered and afflicted with heavy grief and sighing again and again, spoke weeping:

'May that being suffer grief greater than ours, through whose curse the afflicted king of the Nishadhas bear this woe!'

May that sinful wretch, who has reduced Nala of pious heart into this plight, live a more miserable life than his (Nala's) own, fraught with such greater woes.’

Thus bewailing, the consort of that high-souled monarch began to search her dear lord in that forest, infested with wild beasts. Thus continuously lamenting, the daughter of Bhima ran hither and thither like an insane person, crying aloud, 'alas alas O king.'

As she was crying aloud and bitterly lamenting like a female osprey, grieving profusely in piteous words and bewailing again and again, a huge and hungry serpent suddenly seized the daughter of Bhima, who came and rolled near it.

Being devoured by the monster and swelling with sorrow, she grieved not so much for herself, as for the king of the Nishadhas.

'O lord! why do you not run after me, seeing that I am swallowed by this huge serpent like one helpless, in this desolate wilderness?

O king of the Nishadhas! how will you live, when you shall remember me (when I am gone)? O master! how have you gone away today forsaking me in the woods?

How will you live without me, when liberated from your curse, you will regain your mind, senses and wealth? O lord of the Nishadhas! O sinless one! O foremost of kings! who will remove your fatigue when you will be worn out with toil, oppressed with hunger and depressed with grief?'

Then a hunter who was roaming in the deep forest, hearing the sound of her loud wailing's speedily came near her.

The hunter, who live upon the proceeds of hunting, seeing that large-eyed one swallowed up by a serpent, came up with haste and speed and dispatching that inert snake with a sharp-edged weapon, tore it open from its mouth. Then O Bharata! the hunter freeing her from the coils of the serpent and washing her with water and consoling her, asked her when she had taken some food.

'O you having eyes like those of a young gazelle! whose are you! Why also have you entered into this forest? O handsome one! how have you fallen in this great predicament?'

O lord of your people! O descendant of Bharata's race! thus questioned by him,
Damayanti, related unto him precisely, all that had occurred.

The huntsman, seeing her, covered with half a piece of a cloth, with heaving breasts and shapely lips, with delicate and faultless limbs, with countenance resembling the full moon, with eyes furnished with graceful eye-lashes and with words very pleasing, was made the slave of the god of love.

Inflamed with lust, the hunter comforted her mildly and in smooth words. But the graceful Damayanti soon saw through his purposes.

The chaste Damayanti then understanding the intentions of this evil-minded one, possessed with fierce rage, seemed to blaze forth in anger.

That evil minded one, having waxed irascible and fired with desire, endeavoured to insult her (by force) who was unconquerable even as a flame of blazing fire.

Then Damayanti afflicted with sorrow and deprived other husband and kingdom, bursting with rage, cursed the huntsman when he had passed the limit of being checked by words.

'If even in my mind I have never thought of any other person than the king of the Nishadhas, then let this puny one living by hunting, fall down devoid of life.

No sooner did she utter these words, than that one subsisting on chase, fell down dead on the ground, even as a tree consumed by fire.

Brihadashva said:
Thus having slain the huntsman she, of eyes resembling lotus leaves, entered deeper and deeper into that desolate and dreadful forest, echoing with the jingling of crickets.

That forest full of lions, leopards, Rurus tigers, buffaloes, bear and deer; swarming with various kinds of birds; inhabited by robbers and low hybrid tribes.

Containing Salas bamboos, Dhabas, Asavathas. Tindukas Ingudas Kinsukas, Arjunas, Aristhas Sundanas together with Salmalas; abounding in Tumbus, mango trees, Lodras the catechu, the cane and Salas; overgrown with, Padmakas, Amiakas, Plakhas, Kadamvas, Udumvaras; covered with Badaris, Vilvas and banians, Piyalas, palms, date-trees, Haritakis and Vivitakas.

She (Damayanti) saw, many mountains containing mines of different kinds of metals; groves singing with the notes of birds; many valleys of beautiful sight.

Many rivers, lakes, expanses of water and various kinds of birds and beasts; large number of serpents, Rakshasas and goblins of frightful figures; and pools, tanks, mountain-peaks on all sides; and streams and cataracts of picturesque appearance.

There the daughter of the king of the Vidharbhas, saw, herd after herd, of buffaloes, boars and bears and numberless wild snakes. Possessed of energy, glory, beauty and high dignity, the princess of the Vidharbhas then began to roam alone in that wilderness, in quest of Nala.

Afflicted at her husband's calamity and having entered into that fearful forest, that princess, the daughter ofBhima, was not afraid of anything.

O King! the royal daughter of the king of the Vidharbhas, seating herself down on the surface of a stone, greatly aggrieved and with her limbs trembling with sorrow for her husband, thus lamented.

"O you of expanded breast! O you of long arms! O protector of the Nishadha people! O king! whither have you gone today forsaking me in this desolate wilderness? O hero! O foremost of men! it does not behoove you, who have performed the horse-sacrifice and various other sacrifices accompanied by profuse Dakshinas, to play false with myself.

O foremost of men! O auspicious one! O your of blazing lustre! O excellent of kings! you ought to remember the words you did utter in my presence.

O ruler of earth! you ought also to remember what the sky-ranging swans said before you and also what they declared before me.

O foremost of men! surely the performance of one single promise on one side, weighs equal with the study of the four Vedas in all their extent and the Angas and Upangas taken together, on the other.

Therefore, O slayer of your adversaries! O lord of men! O brave one! you ought to fulfill your promise, that you did make before, in my presence.

Alas O hero! O Nala! verily am I done for in this wood, although I belong to you. O sinless one! wherefore do you not answer me lost in this dreary forest?

This fearful sylvan sovereign, of expanded jaws and frightful figure and oppressed with hunger, is distressing me. Do it not befit you to save me?

You did always use to say, 'Except yourself, there is none dear unto me’ O auspicious one! O king! prove the truth of that assertion you did make previously.

O ruler of men! wherefore do you not answer me, your dear wife, raft of reason and bewailing you, although you love her and are loved in return?

O monarch! O respected one, O repressor of your enemies! wherefore do you not behold me, O large-eyed one, lean, emaciated, distressed, discolored desolate, bewailing like one helpless, weeping, covered with one piece of cloth and resembling a lovely does strayed out of the herd.

O mighty monarch! in this vast wilderness I, your best-loved Damayanti, now forlorn and forsaken, am calling out your name; why do you not answer me?

O foremost of men! I do not find you, this day, on this mountain, who are possessed of a noble lineage and (an excellent) character and shapely limbs enhancing your personal beauty.

O ruler of the Nishadhas! O foremost of men! O you who are adding to my grief in this fearful wilderness infested by lions and tigers, of whom shall I, woeful and distressed with grief on your account, enquire whether you are sitting or lying down or staying or gone?

Whom shall I ask, 'Have you seen king Nala ranging in these woods? Of whom shall I enquire about the royal Nala lost in this wilderness?

From whose lips shall I this day hear these honeyed words viz. 'That graceful and high-souled king Nala of eyes resembling lotus leaves, the slayer of hostile troops, in quest of whom you are wandering in this forest, is staying even here.’

Yonder come the handsome sovereign of the forests, the tiger having four teeth and protruding jaws. Even unto him shall I repair fearlessly. 'You are the lord of beasts. You are the king of this forest.

Damayanti said:
Know me for Damayanti, the daughter of the king of the Vidharbhas and the wife of Nala the king of the Nishadhas and the slayer of his foes.

O lord of animals! console me-who am, alone seeking my husband, distressed and woe-stricken-with the news of Nala if you have at all seen him.

O lord of this forest! on the other hand, if you know nothing of Nala, then, O foremost of animals, devour me up and thereby relieve me from this misery.’

Hearing me bewailing in this wilderness, this forest king himself, is wending towards the rivulet containing tasteful water that is rolling towards the sea.

I shall now for the tidings of the kings, ask yonder king of mountains, adorned with various beautiful and many hued peaks reaching the skies.

Containing heaps of sacred rocks; replete with many kinds of metals; decked with diverse pieces of stones; flowing like a streamer over this wide wilderness.

Haunted by lions, tigers, elephants, boars, bears and deers; ringing on all sides with the notes of various kinds of birds.

The mountain graced with Kinsukas, Asokas, Bakulas and Tannagas; beautified with, Karnikaras Dhabas and Plakshas bearing blossoms.

The mountain abounding in rivers infested by water fowls; and decorated with crested summits. Now I ask about king Nala from the king of mountain.

Damayanti said:
O mighty and foremost of mountains! O you of picturesque appearance! O highly famous hill! O you shelter (of the distressed)! O highly blessed hill! O you pillar of the Earth! I salute you.

Approaching I bow down unto you. Know me for a kings' daughter, a king's daughter-in-law, a king's wife and for Damayanti by name.

The royal Bhima, the ruler of the Vidharbhas, the great warrior, the lord of the Earth and the protector of the four different orders, is my sire.

That foremost of the descendants of Prithu, performed the Rajasuya sacrifice and the horse-sacrifice accompanied by profuse Dakshinas. Possessing large and beautiful eyes graced with arching brows, well-versed in the Vedas, of pious nature, true-speaking, free from jealously, of good character, endued with prowess, of immense prosperity, acquainted with all morality and pure, that lord defeating all his adversaries completely protect the people of Vidharbha. O mighty one! know me to be his daughter thus approaching you.

My father-in-law, the foremost of men, was the illustrious sovereign ruling over the Nishadhas. He was known under the name of Virasena and was of high renown.

The son of this king, a mighty warrior, possessed of prosperity and of infallible prowess, who govern well the kingdom that he had inherited from his father, is known under the name of Nala of holy fame, of complexion like molten gold. He is respectful towards Brahmanas, versed in the Vedas, eloquent and performer of meritorious deeds; he is used to the drinking of Soma and the worship of Fire; he celebrates sacrifices, is immensely charitable and heroic and a just chastiser (of sinful) men. Know me for his principal consort now helpless and come unto you. O excellent of mountains! devoid of prosperity, deprived of the company of my husband, helpless and distressed with affliction, in quest of my lord I have approached you.

O foremost of mountains! by means of your hundred peaks reaching the skies, have you seen anywhere in this dreary wilderness the royal Nala?

Have you anywhere seen the heroic and unconquerable Nala, my husband, the ruler of the Nishadhas, with the gait of an elephant of great intelligence, having long arms, of illustrious renown, endued with prowess and possessed of energy? O best of mountains! seeing me desolate and lamenting and fainting (with grief) wherefore do you not console me by speaking to me as your own afflicted daughter.

O hero! O you of great prowess! O you versed in righteousness! O veracious one! O lord of the earth! if you are present in this forest then, O king! show yourself unto me?

When shall I again heat the words of the royal and high-souled Nala, sweet and sonorous and resembling the rumbling of clouds and delicious like nectar and calling me the "princess of the Vidharbhas" with distinct and holy accents and spoken according to the precepts of the Vedas and eloquent and soothing all my grief. O king! O righteous one, it behoove you to comfort me, who am greatly terror-stricken."

Having spoken in the above manner to the foremost of mountains, the princess Damayanti again roamed towards the northern quarters.

That supremely beautiful damsel, after having wandered for three whole days and nights, saw an incomparable woody retreat of ascetics, furnished with beautiful gardens, inhabited by anchorites, like Vasishtha, Bhrigu and Atri, self-governed and abstemious, performing the ten prescribed purifactory rites; some living on water, some on air and some on (fallen) leaves, with passions under thorough control, of eminent parts, seeking the way to Heaven, wearing barks of trees and skins of deer and with senses held in check. She saw that charming hermitage inhabited by the ascetics and abounding in various species of animals and swarming with monkeys and graced by the presence of hermits and she was comforted (with the sight).

That dear-loved spouse of the son of Virasena; that best of damsels, the pitiable Damayanti of eminent parts, of black and large eyes, of beaming splendour and pure fame, having long tresses, a dainty waist, heaving breasts, graceful eye-brows and a face adorned with pearly teeth, then entered into that asylum of ascetics.

She, saluting those sages grown old in the practice of austerities, stood in an attitude of humility. In that forest she was offered 'welcome' by those ascetics.

Then those ascetics, offering due adoration unto her, said, 'Sit yourself down and speak what shall we do for you?"

That damsel of delicate loins replied unto them saying, 'O sinless ones! O you of eminent parts! is everything progressing well regarding your rigid austerities, (sacrificial). Fires, your righteousness, the religious rites of your own sect and the birds and beasts of this hermitage?" And they answered her saying, 'O illustrious lady! O blessed one! prosperity attend us in every respect.

O you of faultless limbs! tell us who are you and what do you seek? We are amazed seeing your great beauty and your extreme splendour. Be consoled and do not grieve. O faultless one! O blessed one! say whether you are the presiding deity of this forest or of this mountain or of this rivulet? Speak the truth!"

She said unto the sages, "O twice-born ones! neither am I the deity of this forest, nor the goddess of this mountain, nor of this river. Know me for a daughter of human beings, O you sages of ascetic wealth! I am relating my history in detail, do you listen attentively to me.

The ruler of the earth, Bhima by name, is the sovereign of the Vidharbhas, O foremost of twicc-born ones! know me for his daughter.

The heroic, the ever-victorious (in battle), the learned lord of the Nishadhas, Nala by name, of illustrious fame, great intelligence and the ruler of men, is my husband.

That foremost of kings named Nala, of splendour like unto that of the lord of the celestials, of large eyes and of face resembling the full moon, the destroyer of his foes, the worshipper of the gods, devoted to the Vedas, of great prosperity, the captor of his enemies' towns, the represser of his foes, that veracious and wise being, acquainted with all religions, of truthful promise, of eminent energy and great prowess, the protector of the race of the Nishadhas, occupied in the adoration of the celestials, kind towards the regenerate ones is my husband. He is the celebrator of principal sacrifices and is versed in the Vedas and their branches and the slayer of his adversaries in battle. He resemble in lustre the sun and the moon.

This king devoted to truthfulness and ruler of the earth, was one day challenged to play a game at dice, by some mean-minded, vile and deceitful men of uncultivated soul and skillful in gambling. He was defeated and lost his wealth and kingdom.

Know me to be the consort of that foremost of kings, famous under the name of Damayanti and anxious to enjoy a sight of my missing husband.

I am wandering through the length and breadth of this wood, over mountains, among rivers, lakes, tanks and expanses of water and forests, with a sorrowful heart, in quest of my lord Nala, versed in the tactics of war, skilled in the use of weapons and of high soul.

Have the royal Nala, the ruler of the Nishadha people, for whom, O Brahmanas! afflicted, I am roaming in this dreadful and deep wilderness, full of terrible things and infested by tigers and other beasts of prey-visited this charming hermitage of your almighty selves!

If within a few days and nights I do not see king Nala, I will secure my own welfare by renouncing this body.

What is the use of my life, separated as I have been, from that foremost of men? How shall I live today, afflicted with sorrow for my husband?"

Those truth-seeing ascetics then said unto the forlorn Damayanti, the daughter of Bhima, who had been bewailing for her lord in the forest.

"O auspicious and blessed one! you shall attain to happiness in future. We see by our power of asceticism, that ere long you shall see Naishadha.

O daughter of king Bhima! you shall meet Nala, the Ruler of the Naishadhas, the slayer of his foes and the foremost of those who protect righteousness, with his fever of misery subsided.

O blessed one! you shall see your royal husband purged of all sings, adorned with diverse kings of gems, ruling the self-same excellent of towns, the subduer of his foes, the terror of his enemies, the destroyer of the grief of his friends and crowned with all blessings."

Having thus spoken to that daughter of a king, the dear-loved queen of Nala, the ascetics, with their sacrificial fires and with the asylum itself, disappeared from sight.

Seeing this wondrous phenomenon, Damayanti of faultless shape and limbs and the daughter-in-law of king Virasena became greatly amazed.

“Did I dream a dream! what an event have occurred even now? Where are all those ascetics and where is that asylum (gone).

Where is that enchanting rivulet of holy waters, inhabited by water-fowls of various species? Where again are those delightful trees adorned with flowers and fruits?

Thus thinking for a while, Damayanti of pure smiles, the daughter of Bhima, indulging in grief for her husband and miserable, grew pale-faced.

Thereafter wandering to another part of the forest and beholding there an Ashoka tree, she began to lament, her voice choked with the vapour of grief and her eyes overflowing with tears.

She in that forest approached that foremost of trees, the Ashoka, bedecked with flowers, charming, loaded with thick foliage and echoing all round with the notes of birds.

Oh! this charming tree in the heart of this wilderness ornamented with fruits and flowers, is shining like a glorious king of mountains.

"O Ashoka (this tree is fabled to discard the grief of those, who have a view of it)! do you speedily relieve me from my grief, O you of graceful appearance! Have you anywhere in this forest seen king Nala, freed from all grief and fear and unobstructed by any hindrance?

Have you seen the dear-loved husband of Damayanti, my best beloved one, by name Nala, the king of the Nishadhas, the subduer of his foes, wearing half a piece of cloth, of delicate body and skin and that warrior who, crushed under calamity, has repaired into this forest?

O Ashoka tree! so manage that I may go away from you relieved from all grief. O Ashoka! vindicate your denomination of Ashoka, which mean the destroyer of grief?"

That excellent of damsels the afflicted daughter of Bhima, then three-times going round the Ashoka tree, entered a more dreary part of the wilderness.

She beheld many trees and many streams, many charming mountains and various kinds of birds and beasts.

That daughter of Bhima saw, when roaming in quest of her husband, many caverns and ridges and rivulets of amazing sight.

After Damayanti of pure smiles had proceeded a long way, she saw a large caravan of trades together with their horses cars and elephants landing on the banks of a broad, lovely, charming and delightful river, containing cool and clear water, covered with cane-bushes, resounding with cries of cranes and ospreys and ringing with the notes of the Chacrabaka and abounding in tortoises, alligators and fishes and adorned with a large number of small islands.

As soon as the illustrious and delicate-waisted spouse of Nala, roving like an insane person, afflicted with grief, wearing half a piece of cloth, lean, discoloured and pale and with hair soiled with dust saw this great caravan, she approached it and entered into the midst of its people.

Seeing her in their midst, some people of the caravan began to fly in fear, some became greatly anxious and some began to cry aloud.

Some laughed at her, some began to hate her. Some showed kindness towards her and some, O Bharata, questioned her in the following manner.

'O blessed one! who are you and whom do you belong to? What seek you in this forest? Seeing you among us we are greatly anxious! Are you human?

O blessed one! speak the truth, as to whether you are the deity presiding over this forest or the goddess of this mountain or of the cardinal quarters? We seek your shelter.

Be you a female Yaksha or a female Rakshasa or a heavenly damsel, do good unto us and O blameless one! protect us completely. O blessed one! do you so ordain that, ere long, this caravan may start from this place attended with prosperity in every direction, as also that poor personal property may be secured.

Thus spoken to by the men of the caravan, the princess Damayanti, devoted to her husband and greatly oppressed with sorrow replied to them thus.

"O leader of the caravan, You traders, You men that belong to this caravan! You youths, you guides of this caravan! Know me for a female human being, a daughter of a royal parent, a daughter-in-law of a sovereign, spouse of a king and as one eager to have a sight other husband.

The sovereign of Vidharbhas is my father, the illustrious Ruler of the Nishadhas is my husband, known under the name ofNala. Even now I am wandering in quest of that unconquerable one.

Tell me without delay if you have seen my beloved husband, king Nala, the foremost of men and the slayer of his enemies."

Thereupon the lord of that great caravan, the leader of it, by name Suchi, said unto that damsel of faultless limbs. "O blessed one! listen to my words."

O you of pure smiles, I am a merchant and the guide of this caravan. O renowned lady, I have not seen any man bearing the name of Nala.

In this extensive wilderness, uninhabited by men, I see only elephants, leopards and buffaloes, as also tigers birds and other animals.

Save and except yourself I do not find any mortal in this terrible forest. So, may Manibhadra, the king of the Yakshas, be propitious on us this day!

Thereupon she asked the merchants and the leader of the caravan, 'You ought to tell me wither the caravan is going.’

The leader of the Caravan said :
O daughter of the foremost of men! for purposes of profit this caravan is going in haste to the territory of Subahu the truth-seeing king of the Chedis.

Brihadashva said:
Thereupon that beauteous lady, hearing the words of the leader of the caravan, went away with the company of travellers, hoping to find out her lord.

Thus many days passed over, when the merchants saw in the midst of that fearful and extensive forest a very large lake, which was all-beautiful, pregnant with lotuses, most delight-some, containing abundant grasses and fuels and also various sorts of delicious fruits and flowers (on its banks) and inhabited by several kinds of birds; and also finding the water of the lake to be pure and tasteful, most charming and cool, these tired traverllers made up their mind up stop there.

The caravan dispersed itself into the forest at the behest of its leader. But when the day (i.e., the sun) slanted down the west, that great company took its quarters there.

Then, at midnight, when everything was hushed and silence prevailed, the travellers fell into sleep, while there came a multitude of elephants. And while going to the mountain stream to drink its water, soiled by their own exudations, they saw the merchants as well as a good number of other elephants possessed by them.

Beholding those domesticated elephants, the wild ones, maddened at the fury, rushed towards them with the object of killing them, while the juice was exuding from their temples.

The violence of the forward rush of these elephants became intolerable, even as the fall of the peaks, broken from the mountain tops, directed towards the ground.

The course of the rushing elephants through the paths of the woods was hindered, as the good caravan was sleeping, obstructing the way to the lake filled with lotuses.

The elephants, all on a sudden, crushed the caravan, which was sleeping in the ground. Then the merchants, uttering the cries of Ah! and Alas! sought for protection. Blinded by sleep, they all rushed towards the bushes and the forest (for protection). But some of them were killed by the tusks of those elephants and some by trunks, as also some were killed by their legs.

Thus a large number of camels and horses was killed; as also the countless men, who were on their legs, killed one another, as they were all rushing in terror. Several of the merchants, who were crying loudly, fell down on the surface of the earth; several others climbed on trees; and some again fell down on uneven ground.

O king! thus accidentally attacked by a large number of elephants, the good merchants underwent a great loss.

Then there arose a great uproar, terrifying the three worlds; and also there broke out a fire. "O! save us from this trouble. Do you now fly away? These heaps of gems are scattered on all sides. Take them. Why do you fly?

These riches are nothing. My words are not untrue.

You terror-stricken ones! think upon the words that I tell you again. Exclaiming in the way as above, they all ran about in fright.

While that terrible slaughter prevailed, Damayanti rose up with a mind agitated by terror and anxiety.

There the maiden, possessing eyes like the lotus-leaves, saw the effects of that unforeseen accident, viz., the slaughter, which meant to frighten all the worlds. On her awakening, she became insensible with fear; and also with an affected countenance, she became out of breath. Those of the caravan, who escaped from the slaughter unhurt, all assembled together and talked on the action of which that (the slaughter) was the result. "Surely we have not worshipped that well-reputed Maharudra or that auspicious and magnanimous king of the Yakshas, Vaisravana. Or it might be that we have not worshipped the deities that cause distresses. Or perhaps we have not paid them the first offerings. 'Or this unnatural circumstance is the sure result of the birds (we beheld). Our presiding stars are not unfavourable; what else there is, from which this calamity has ensued?'

Other again, distressed and deprived of wealth and friends as they were, said, 'That mad-like woman of unnatural look came among this mighty company of merchants, assuming an inhuman appearance. It is by her that this terrible illusion had been prearranged.

This woman must surely be a Rakshasi or a Yakshi or a dreadful Pishachni. All this evil has been wrought by her, regarding which there should be no scruples. 'Should I again find out that vicious woman, who is the slayer of merchants, giving innumerable sufferings to them, I must kill her by either (throwing) stones or dust or grass or wood or by strokes of the hand.'

Damayanti, hearing their words, was afflicted with fright and shame; and she on suspicion of their evil designs fled into the forest, greatly terrified. She also upbraided herself, saying -

'Oh! the god's anger is violent and great upon me; and hence it is that peace never follows me. Of what deed (or misdeed) is this the result?

I do not remember that I have ever done any harm to any body, either by actions or thought or by speeches. Of what deed (or misdeed) is this, therefore, the result?

I have met with these sufferings, which are the results of that great calamity that has befallen me. Certainly all these are owing to my perpetrating a cruel deed during my past existence.

The consequence of that calamity are the loss of kingdom by my husband; his defeat (at dice) by his relatives; my separation from my husband, son and my daughter; and also this my unprotected condition; and my exile in these woods abounding in all classes of beasts of prey.' O king! thereupon the next day the rest of the merchants, who survived the slaughter, departed from the country, lamenting for the loss of their brothers, fathers, sons and relatives.

The daughter of the king of the Vidharbhas again lamented, saying, 'What a misdeed I had committed in the past! As the result of my misfortune, the crowd of men, whose company I have found in this solitary wood, was all destroyed by elephants. As it seems, surely I shall have to suffer certain distresses for a pretty long period.

I have heard from old men that none dies before his time. Had this not been true, my afflicted self would surely have been crushed to death this day by the herd of elephants.

Indeed, there exists nothing of men that does not fall within the category of destiny. I had committed no crime even in my childhood, either in action, though or speech, for which reason this great calamity might befall me.

On the occasion of the Svayamvara, the assembled divine guardians of the worlds were neglected by me, for the sake of king Nala; and surely I think, it is through their potent interference, that I have been suffering from this separation.' That fair complexioned Damayanti, devoted to her husband, uttering these words of grief, became greatly afflicted with sorrows and looked pale.

O foremost of kings! even as the autumnal moon herself, she then went away with the Brahmanas, conversant with the texts of the Vedas, who survived that terrible slaughter. In the course of her going with haste, the maiden arrived in the evening at the great city of truthful Subahu, the king of the Chedis.

When she entered that good city, half dressed, the citizens saw her terror-stricken, very weak and helpless, of loosened hairs, unbathed and faring even as a mad woman. Through curiosity the boys of the city pursued her, while they saw her enter into the city of the king of the Chedis. Then the damsel, thus surrounded by the boys, came to the front of the palace.

From the palace the Queen-mother beheld her surrounded by a large number of persons; and asked her nurse to go and bring her before her Highness.

The Queen-mother also saw her, vexed by the people, helpless, overpowered by sorrows and seeking for protection; but the splendour of her beauty was such that it illumined the whole palace.

That beautiful and large-eyed lady, even as Sri herself, looked like a mad woman. Then, O king, the nurse ordering the crowd to disperse, took her into the palace and, struck with amazement, inquired of Damayanti, saying:
'How do you, oppressed with sorrow, bear a graceful form.

Do you blaze like lightning in the midst of clouds? O! tell me who are you and to whom do you belong? Surely your beauty is not human, although you are not decked in ornaments.

O you effulgent one like unto the celestials! although you are helpless, yet you are unmoved by these (outraging) persons?' Hearing these words of the nurse, the daughter of king Bhima spoke the (following) words to her,

'Know that I am a woman, devoted to my husband; and a female-servant, belonging to a high caste. Know also that I stay wherever I like and subsist on fruits and roots. I am lonely; and I stop when evening draws nigh. My lord possesses innumerable virtues; and he was ever devoted to me.

I was also attached to that heroic one, following him in his course even as a shadow. It so happened that once he was engaged in the play at dice, at which he was defeated; and in consequence thereof he came alone into the wood. Beholding my heroic husband, wearing a single piece of cloth, maniac-like and afflicted with grief, I also followed him into the forest with a view to console him. Once on a time, that warlike one, for some reason go to in forest.

He oppressed with hunger, lost, in the woods, that single piece of cloth out of carelessness. Following him, naked, maniac-like and devoid of all his senses as he was, I, with a single piece of cloth on, could not sleep for several nights. Thus many days passed away when I fell asleep. He then tore off one-half of my garment and forsook me there, although I had not done to him any harm. Hence it is that I fare about seeking my husband and bum day and night in distress.

Thus afflicted, I am unable to find out my lord, who is the darling of my heart and whose splendour is like the filaments of the lotuses. I do not see my lord, who is the delight of my heart, my own presiding god, most beloved of me and who again is like the celestials in appearance.'

The Queen-mother herself addressed the daughter of Bhima, whose eyes were full of tears, bewailing in the above manner and whose voice was choked up on sorrow. O blessed lady! O gentle one! stay here with me. I am much pleased with you. By me will seek your husband in the woods.

It may so happen that he shall come here of himself in course of his roving about in the forest. O gentle one! do you live here now; and you shall get your husband back.'

Hearing these words of the Queen-mother, Damayanti spoke to her; 'O mother of heroes! I dare reside with you, provided that I shall not have to eat the remnants of a dish, nor I shall have ever to speak with other men.

If any body shall solicit me (to be his wife), that person must be punished by you. Or should he solicit me repeatedly, that criminal person shall be punished with death. This is the vow that I have prearranged.

'I will find out those Brahmanas, who will search for my husband. Should you arrange all this, I shall no doubt live with you.'

If it is otherwise, to live does not find place in my heart.' The Queen-mother said to her:

'I will do all this. Very good is this your vow.' O monarch! the daughter of king Bhima was thus addressed by the Queen-mother. O Bharata! she called her daughter Sunanda and spoke to her this: "O Sunanda! know well that this maiden is a goddess, even as your Shairindhri (a high class maid-servant).

As she is of the same age with yourself, do you take the lady as your companion and also play with her always without any apprehension in the mind.'

Thereupon Sunanda, having received Damayanti with the greatest delight, conducted her into her own apartments, attended by all her companions.

Damayanti was highly gratified with the respectful behaviour of her companion; and she lived there for some time, because all her desires were excellently satisfied.

Brihadashava said:
O king! king Nala, having forsaken Damayanti, beheld a great fire breaking out in that dreadful forest.

There in the midst of that great fire he heard the voice of some living object, which cried over and over again unto the righteous Nala, Saying-Come hither. Nala answered him, saying-do not fear. Thus saying, he entered into the conflagration and saw there the king of the snakes lying in coils.

Thereupon the Naga (the king of the snakes), with folded hands and trembling with fear, addressed Nala. 'O king! know me that I am Naga (snake), Karkotaka by name. O lord of men! the great sage, Narada, observing rigid austerity, was once deceived by me; and who, again, filled with rage, coursed me, saying: “Remain here like some immovable thing, until king Nala leads you hence. And, indeed, wherever shall he take you, there shall you be released from my curse.”

‘It is owing to his curse that I am unable to move even a step-father. It behoves you, therefore, to release me; and then I will instruct you as regards your welfare.

I have not a peer among the snakes; I will be your companion. I am very light. So do you carry me in your hands and speedily go.'

Having thus addressed the king, the prince of the snakes assumed the size of the thumb. King Nala, having thus taken him up, repaired to a country, free from the conflagration.

Having approached an open ground, free from the fire, Nala was desirous of leaving him, whereupon the Naga (king of the snakes) again said to him:

"O king of the Nishadhas! do you proceed counting your own steps. O mighty-armed warrior! I will render great good to you."

Thereupon the king commenced counting his own steps; and at the tenth step he was bit. Having thus bitten him, the snake soon assumed a speedy change, viz., his original form.

Beholding the change of form, Nala became struck with astonishment. The ruler of the earth also beheld the snake to assume his real form.

Thereupon the snake, Karkotaka, consoling him, spoke to Nala: "I have wrought this change of your beauty for the reason that the people will not recognise you."

As I have done this, O Nala, the person, by whom have you been cast into great distress, will dwell within yourself, oppressed by my venom."

O foremost of the kings! as long as the person will not leave you, he shall have to miserably reside in yourself with the whole body filled with my poison.

O king of men! from the person by whom, out of anger or hate, have you been cast into distress, I have saved you.

O best of kings! O ruler of men! (hitherto fore) you shall have no fear either from the animals with fangs or from your enemies or the Brahmanas conversant with the texts of the Vedas; for I am most graceful to you.

O king! you shall feel no uneasiness owing to my venom. O best of kings! you shall ever gain victory in battles.

O monarch! O the prince of the Nishadhas! do you go from here this day to the city of Ayodhya before Rituparna, who is most skilled in the game at dice, calling yourself that you are the charioteer, Bahuka by name. That king will exchange his skill at dice for your knowledge in the management of horses.

That prosperous one, descended from the line of Ikshvaku, will be your friend. Then shall you obtain skillfulness at dice and meet your prosperity.

I tell you the truth that you shall find your wife, son and daughter and also obtain your kingdom back and so be not filled with grief.

O king of men! when shall you desire to witness your own form, call me back to your mind; and put on these pieces of cloth.

Wearing these pieces of cloth, you shall recover your proper form. Having said this, the king of the snakes then gave to him (Nala) two pieces of cloth of superior worth."

O descendant of Kuru! O king! having thus advised Nala and given to him the celestials garment, the monarch of the snakes disappeared then and there.

Brihadashva said:
After the disappearance of the Naga, Nala, the prince of the Nishadhas, repaired to the city of Ritupama on the tenth day.

He approached the king with these words: "I am Bahuka, skilled in the management of horses. I have not a peer in this earth.

I may be referred to on the matters of pecuniary difficulty, as well as on those of skill. I know the art of cooking, in which I am unsurpassed by others.

O Ritupama, I will take care to bring under operation all the arts, that rest in the world and also other matters difficult of accomplishment. Therefore, do you maintain me."

Ritupama said:
O Bahuka! stay with me! All hail unto you! Shall you perform all this. Always my mind particularly turns to this, viz., to be driven very fast.

Do you adopt some such means that my horses may become very fast. Be then the superintendent of my stables, on a salary of ten thousand coins.

Varshneya and Jivala shall always be guided by you; and in whose company shall you pass your days in joy. O Bahuka! do you, therefore, stay with me.

Brihadashva said:
Having been thus addressed, Nala, thus received, lived there in the city of Ritupama in company with Varshneya and Jivala.

That king continued to live there in anxiety for the daughter of the king of the Vidharbhas; and every evening he repeated a verse which runs thus:

Where does lie that glorious one, oppressed with hunger and thirst and fatigued with toil; and always meditating upon that miserable one, to whom does she now attach herself?"

Jivala asked the king, while he was muttering the above verse in the night, saying:
“O Bahuka! I desire to learn about the person, for whom do you mourn every day.

O you blessed with longevity! whose is that lady, for whom do you lament every day?" Thus spoken, king Nala answered him, saying, 'There was a wretch, who had lost all his senses. He had a spouse known to many. He was false in his promises (to her). For a certain cause he was separated from her.

Being thus separated (from her), that wicked person roved about. He was repressed with sorrow; and burning with grief, he never slept either by day or night.

Remembering her during the night, he sings the above verse. Then having wandered over the whole world and at last coming to a place where he, undeserving of the calamity that has overtaken him, resides always remembering his wife.

Having fallen into distress, the person was followed by his wife into the forest. Forsaken by that man of little virtue, the lady, afflicted with sorrow, hardly lives. That solitary girl, having no knowledge of the forest paths, saves her life with difficulty.

As she, fatigued with hunger and thirst, is quite unfit to wander about in that dreadful and dense forest, always haunted by fierce animals. O friend! having left her (in that dreadful forest), the stupid king of the Nishadhas of little fortune thus remembered Damayanti, while he was living an unknown life in the house of that king.

Brihadashva said:
When Nala, deprived of his kingdom, turned himself to a servant with his wife, then king Bhima sent away Brahmanas, with the object of seeing Nala.

Bhima, having given immense wealth to the Brahmanas, asked them to go in quest of Nala and his daughter, Damayanti.

"To him, who will perform this deed, viz., learning the place where at the king of the Nishadhas does live now or bringing him hither with his wife, will I give a thousand kine, fields and a village like a city. Should he fail to bring hither Nala as well as Damayanti, his very knowledge of them would be rewarded by my giving him wealth in the shape of a one thousand kine."

Having been thus addressed, the Brahmanas went out in all directions, searching for Nala and Damayanti in the various cities and provinces. But they could not see Nala or the daughter of Bhima anywhere. While at last a Brahmana, Sudeva by name, was searching in the city of the king of the Chedis, he saw the daughter of the king of the Vidharbhas, Damayanti.

She seated with Sunanda, in the house of that monarch, who at the time was repeating his prayers. She was faintly seen, on account of the great luminosity of her extraordinary beauty. Even as her splendour was like the blazing of a fire enveloped by smokes. Thus beholding that lady, with large eyes, colorless and weak, he, after arguing from various reasons, decided her to be the daughter of Bhima.

Sudeva said:
As I saw the lady beforehand, she seems to be the self-same in appearance at present. This day I think myself blessed by the very sight of her, who is like Sree herself, delighting all the worlds.

Also, the lady is like the full moon in splendour. She looks ever youthful, possessing a handsome breast; and dispelling darkness from all the directions by virtue of her effulgence.

She again looks even as Kama's Rati herself, having eyes as large as the handsome lotus-leaves. She is the delight of all the worlds like the rays of the full moon.

Separated on account of her adverse fortune from that Vidharbha lake, she looks like the transplanted lotus-stalk, besmeared with mire. Or also, she looks like the night of the full moon, when that nocturnal god is swallowed up by Rahu. Repressed by sorrow for her, husband, she looks slender like the river with all its current dried up.

She looks (in her present condition) like a ravaged lake, with the leaves of its lotuses crushed by the trunks of elephants and with its birds all flying away from fear.

Possessed of slender constitution and handsome limbs and fit to dwell in a jewelled palace, she looks like a transplanted lotus-stalk burnt by the rays of the sun.

Endued with beauty and liberality and undecked in ornaments, although befitting them, she looks like the crescent of the moon, newly appearing in heaven and enveloped with the dark clouds.

Deprived of all the delightful objects of enjoyments and separated from friends and relatives, she lives a miserable life, cherishing the hope of beholding her husband again.

The best ornament of a woman, who is without the ornaments, is (the accompaniment of) her husband. Destitute so such an ornament (as the husband), she does not shine, although she is beautiful.

Nala performs a very arduous task by holding his life without his dear wife and also without succumbing to sorrow.

My heart aches to behold that maiden, possessing black hairs and eyes as large as the lotus leaves and afflicted with sorrow, although she is most deserving of prosperity.

When, after sometime, the auspicious lady will surely have bridged over this ocean of woe, then she, devoted to her husband as ever, will, in company with her lord, look like Rohini in company with the Moon.

Certainly the king of the Nishadhas will obtain great delight by regaining his wife, even as the monarch, deprived of his kingdom, does by recovering his lost territories.

The king of the Nishadhas deserves the daughter of Vidharbha, who is like Nala in disposition, age and birth; as also the daughter of Vidharbha with black eyes is quite becoming to him.

It is my duty to console the wife of that immensely powerful one who is gifted with prowess and goodness, as she is most anxious for beholding her lord.

I will (rather must) comfort the lady the splendour of whose face is like that of the full moon; and who is oppressed with such an woe that she had never experienced before; and also who is ever in fervid devotion for her husband.

Brihadashva said:
Thereupon the Brahmana, Sudeva by name, having recognised the daughter of Bhima by observing the various circumstances and signs of hers, advanced to her and addressed her thus, O the daughter of Vidharbha! I am Sudeva, the intimate friend of your brother. Enjoined by king Bhima, I have come here searching for yourself.

O princess! your father is at peace, as also your mother and .brothers. Those, your son and daughter, are enjoying length of days and living in peace.

Your friends and relatives, though living, are like the dead on your account; and hundreds of Brahmanas are wandering about over the whole world in quest of you.

Brihadashva said :
O Yudhishthira! Damayanti came to recognize Sudeva; and then asked him about all her friends and relatives in succession.

O king! crushed with misery as she was, the daughter of the king of the Vidharbhas began to lament most bitterly at the unexpected sight of that best of the Brahmanas, Sudeva, who is the friend of her brother.

Thereupon, O Bharata! Sunanda, seeing her (Damayanti) conversing in private with a Brahmana and weeping most bitterly, was hard pressed with sorrow and informed her mother, saying: 'Sairindhri is most bitterly lamenting. Know this, if should you like.'

Thereafter the mother of the king of the Nishadhas, having left the inner apartments of the palace, repaired to the place where that lady (Damayanti) was waiting with the Brahmana.

O the ruler of the earth! the Queen-mother summoned Sudeva before her and asked him, saying, 'whose wife is this lady? and whose daughter? and how this damsel, possessing handsome eyes has been separated from her husband as well as her relatives? O Brahmana! how have you come to know her, falling in this great distress?

I desire to hear from you all about her in detail. Do you surely relate to me, as I am asking of that lady of celestials splendour."

O monarch! Sudeva, the foremost of the Brahmanas, thus addressed by the Queen-mother, sat at his ease and began to relate the true account of Damayanti.

Sudeva said:
There is a virtuous and illustrious king of the Vidharbhas, named Bhima, whose daughter is this blessed lady, known by the name of Damayanti.

Also there is the king of the Nishadhas, named Nala, who is the son of Virasena. This blessed damsel is the daughter of that virtuous and intelligent monarch.

That ruler of the earth was defeated at dice by his brother; and, thereby deprived of his kingdom, went away with Damayanti without the knowledge of any body.

We (the Brahmanas) are roving over the whole world for the sake of Damayanti, which lady is at last discovered in the palace of your son.

There exists no woman like her in beauty. This maiden of unchanging youth has a beautiful mark, from her birth, resembling a lotus. This freckle was seen by me; but now it has disappeared, owing to its being soiled with dust, even as the moon seems to vanish when covered over with clouds.

That mark of prosperity and wealth, made and given to her by God, is now faintly seen, even as the crescent of the new moon does faintly shine, in the evening of the first day. Although her body is soiled with dust, yet her beauty has not suffered. And again her person, though not washed, is conspicuous and shines like gold. This celestials lady was ascertained by me by my identifying her form as well as that mark (between the eye-brows), even as fire though hid (in ashes) is ascertained by its heat.

O monarch! Sunanda, having heard the words of Sudeva, cleaned the dust that soiled the freckle (between the eye-brows of Damayanti).

The mole of Damayanti, having been cleared of the bad dust, became conspicuous like the moon, which appears in the sky when the clouds are dispersed.

O Bharata! seeing that mark, Sunanda as well as the mother of the king, wept; and, embracing her, stood there for some time.

Shedding tears and in a low voice, the Queen-mother said, 'Know by this your mole, you are the daughter of my sister.

O handsome looking one! myself and your mother are the daughters of that illustrious king, Sudaman, who is the ruler of the Dashamas.

She was given to king Bhima and myself was given to Virabahu. I saw you were born at our father's palace in the country of the Dashamas.

O beauteous lady! as is your father's house, so is mine, to you. O Damayanti! my wealth is to you, even as your own.

O monarch! thereupon Damayanti, having bowed down unto her with a delightful heart, addressed her mother's sister, saying:-

"Although I stayed here unrecognised, still I lived with your happily and supplied with all the objects of my desire and ever protected by you.

Undoubtedly I shall have a happier abode than this. Therefore, O mother, grant permission unto me, who am ever living in exile.

My children, the son and daughter, were led to my father's palace, where they are living now, hard pressed with sorrow on account of their separation from their father and mother.

Should you wish to do me some good order at once a vehicle; for I am desirous to go to the country of the Vidharbhas." Thereupon, O monarch, saying, "So be it," the sister of Damayanti's mother, the queen-mother highly satisfied and with the permission of her son, sent away Damayanti in a beautiful vehicle conveyed by men and guarded by a strong force, as also the lady, O the foremost of the descendants of Bharata, was provided with tasteful food and drink and valuable dresses.

Then the lady immediately went away to the country of the Vidharbhas, where all her friends and relatives, satisfied with her arrival, offered praises to her.

O king, beholding that her relatives, her son and daughter, father and mother and all her companions were at peace, the goddess-like and all-glorious Damayanti worshipped the gods and the Brahmanas in the best way.

The king, beholding his daughter, became gratified and presented to Sudeva a thousand kine, immense fortune and a village.

O monarch! the handsome lady having spent there the whole night at her father's palace and taken perfect rest, addressed her mother thus:

Damayanti said:
O mother! should you desire me to live, I tell the truth, take care to bring here that hero among men, viz., Nala.

Thus addressed by Damayanti, the goddess-like queen became greatly afflicted with grief and was suffused with tears and spoke nothing to her in reply.

Thereupon all the inmates of the king's harem uttered the exclamations of 'Oh'! and 'Alas'! at this dangerous situation of Damayanti and also wept most bitterly.

Then the queen spoke to the illustrious king, Bhima, thus: 'Your daughter, Damayanti, is lamenting, for her husband.

O monarch! unblushed with shame, Damayanti herself said that my men should try to find out the whereabouts of that virtuous king (Nala).

Thus urged by the queen, the king sent out the dependant Brahmanas in all directions; and enjoined them to strive to find out the whereabouts of king Nala.

Thereupon, at the injunction of the king of the Vidharbhas, all the Brahmanas approached Damayanti and told her that they were going away (for searching Nala).

Then the daughter of Bhima asked them to repeat, in all countries and before all crowds of men, these words.

'O gambler, O beloved one, did you tear off a half of my cloth and flee away forsaking your dear and devoted wife sleeping in the forest?

'Indeed, in obedience to your command that lady, covered in half a piece of cloth and greatly burning with woe, is ever expecting you.

'O monarch, O mighty one, do you answer; and do you show favour to her, who is ever weeping on account of that woe.'

Do you cry, saying this and the like, viz., fire (here compared with grief of Damayanti), ed by the wind (compared with time), consumes the forest (compared with the body of Damayanti); and then the lord will pity me.

Further do you cry, saying: 'The wife is always to be maintained and protected by the husband. You are righteous and honest as well. Why, therefore, these virtues of yours are being neglected by you.

You are well reputed, wise, respectable and always kind. But why now have you become unkind; and that is perhaps for the reason of my adverse fortune.

O foremost of men, O the most excellent of persons, be you kind to me. For I have heard from you, that kindness is the chief virtue."

If anybody answer you, as you would speak in this way, that man should be known by you in every way; and also it should be learnwhat is he and where does he live.

O excellent of the regenerate ones! do you convey to me the words of that man who, hearing these words of yours, will answer you.

Do you take care that no body should know that these words are uttered by you at my behest; neither do you do such to return to me.

You should know whether the man is rich or poor or powerless; and know also his desires.

O king, thus advised, the Brahmanas departed in all directions in order to search for Nala, who had fallen into such great calamity. O monarch, the regenerate ones wandered in the cities, kingdoms, villages, the dwellings of the cowherds and the retreats of he sages in search of king Nala.

O ruler of the earth, all the Brahmanas repeated the words, wherever they wandered, which Damayanti had enjoined them to do.

Brihadashva said:
After a very long time, a Brahmana, Parnada by name, came back to the city of the king of the Vidharbhas and spoke to the daughter of king Bhima these words:

"O Damayanti, searching Nala, the king of the Nishadhas, at last I went to the city of the Ayodhya and presented myself to Vangasuri.

O fair-complexioned one, O best of women, I recited the very words of yours before that illustrious Rituparna. Hearing these words, which I had repeatedly uttered to them, neither king Rituparna, nor any one of his courtiers, said anything in reply.

When I was dismissed by the king, some person in the service of Rituparna, Bahuka by name, told me in private.

That Bahuka is the charioteer of that foremost of monarchs. He is also possessed of extraordinary appearance and short arms; and is skilled in driving with speed and also in cooking sweet food.

Sighing heavily and frequently and weeping incessantly, he asked about my welfare; and then addressed me with these words:

'Although fallen into great calamity, the chaste women guard themselves by their own efforts; and thus undoubtedly obtain heaven (heavenly blessings).

Again, chaste women, even if they be forsaken by their husbands, do never become angry (with them); rather they hold their lives shielded by virtuous behaviours.

She should not be angry, forsaken as she was by a person, who himself was foolish, overtaken by distress and also destitute of all happiness.

It behoves the lady of unchanging youth not to be angry with a person, who was deprived to his cloth by a bird while trying for sustenance (in the forest); and also who was burning with woe.

Also, it behoves the lady, treated fairly or unfairly, not to be angry with her husband, seeing him in that miserable condition, in which he was deprived of both wealth and kingdom and oppressed with hunger and overwhelmed with distress.

Hearing these words of his, I instantly came here. Do you, therefore, inform the king all about these words, which you have heard."

O monarch, hearing these words of Parnada, Damayanti, with her eyes filled with tears, repaired to her mother and said to her these words,

"O mother, let not king Bhima, by any means, know my object. I like to employ that foremost of the Brahmanas, Sudeva, in your presence. Should you desire my welfare, do you act in such a manner that king Bhima will not come to know this purpose of mine.

Let Sudeva go at once, with the performance of the same auspicious ceremonies, by the doing of which I was brought to my relatives instantly by him. O mother, let him go hence to the city of Ayodhya in order to bring Nala here."

Thereupon the beauteous lady, the daughter of the king of the Vidharbhas, worshipped, with the bestowal of immense riches, the foremost of the regenerate ones, who has now taken perfect rest. And she said to him, "O Brahmana, I will, again, give you much wealth at the arrival of Nala here.

O foremost of the regenerate ones, indeed you have done much for me, which none else will do; and for this reason only that I will soon regain my husband."

Thus addressed by her, that high-souled Brahmana solaced Damayanti by the expression of auspicious benedictions; and then he returned home, thinking himself successful in his endeavours.

Thereupon, O Yudhishthira, Damayanti summoned Sudeva; and overwhelmed with grief and calamity, she addressed him in the presence other mother thus,

"O Sudeva, like a bird which falls straight, do you at once depart to the city of Ayodhya and tell king Rituparna, who dwells in it, these words:

'Damayanti, the daughter of king Bhima, will again hold the Svayamvara, to which all the kings and princes are rushing from all directions.

Calculating the time, this will beheld tomorrow. So, if possible, O chastiser of foes, go at once.

At the next sun-rise she will accept a second husband; as it is not known whether heroic Nala is still living or otherwise.'

O monarch, thus addressed by her, the Brahmana, Sudeva by name, started at once. He spoke to king Rituparna what he was ordered by her to do.

Brihadashva said:
Hearing these words of Sudeva, king Rituparna comforted Bahuka with sweet speeches and addressed him thus,

"O Bahuka, O you who are well-versed in the knowledge of horses, if you are willing, I desire to go, in course of a day, to the country of the Vidharbhas, where will be held the Svayamvara of Damayanti."

O descendant of Kunti, thus addressed by that king, Nala had his mind bursting with grief and that lofty-minded one also burned with sorrow.

He thought" "It may be that Damayanti, afflicted by sorrow, does this; or, perhaps, by doing this, she has conceived a great policy for my sake.

That virtuous lady, the daughter of the king of the Vidharbhas, is willing to do this, is, indeed, very cruel; and that is for the reason of my deceiving her, who am an insignificant, sinful and senseless one. In this world, the nature of women is very subtle. My fault is also very great. She works out this end; for she no longer entertains any love for me, on account of my long separation from her.

The lady, possessing slender waist, oppressed as she is by sorrow for me, will, as a matter of fact, not be able to do this; especially because she has got children (by me).

I will go there and know for certain whether there is any truth in this; or the fact is unreal. I will surely fulfill the desire of Rituparna; for in doing this I will serve my own purpose."

Having thus settled his mind, Bahuka, whose mind was filled with sorrow, folded his hands and said these words to king Rituparna, "O best of kings, O foremost of men, O monarch, I am determined at your command to go to the city of Ayodhya in course of a single day."

O king, thereupon Bahuka went, at the behest of the royal son of Vangasura, to the stables; and there he examined the horses.

Bahuka, having been repeatedly asked by Rituparna, examined the horses and balanced in his mind over and over again. Then, at last, he selected such horses that were very lean but able; and also that are capable of bearing hard-hips of a long journey and endued with strength and energy; well bred and gentle and unmarked by inauspicious marks; possessed of broad nostrils and swelling cheeks.

These horses were also faultless as regards 'the ten hairy curls' and born in (the country called) Sindhu and swift as the wind. The king, seeing these steeds, became a little angry and said,

"What do you want to do? You should not jest with me. How these weak and breathless steeds will carry us? How this long way we would travel with the help of these horses?"

Bahuka said:
These horses, respectively bearing one curl on the forehead, two on the temples, four on the sides, four on the breast and one on the back, will, without doubt, reach the country of the Vidharbhas. But, O monarch, should you like others, tell me and I will yoke them for you.

Rituparna said:
O Bahuka, you are well conversant with the knowledge and guiding of horses. Soon yoke those that you think fit.

Thereupon clever and skillful Nala yoked to the car high-bred, gentle and swift steeds.

Then the monarch most speedily mounted the car, to which such horses had been yoked. But these best of horses fell down upon the ground on their knees.

O monarch, thereupon that most auspicious and best of men, king Nala, comforted the horse, that were endued with strength and energy.

Nala, then raising the steeds by the reins and making Varshneya, the charioteer, sit on the car, commanded great speed and set out. Thereafter those foremost of horses, having been conducted by Bahuka according to the rules, rose to the sky and confounded the occupant of the car.

The blessed king of Ayodhya, having seen these horses carrying him with the speed of winds, was struck with great astonishment.

Varshneya, hearing the sound of the car (of its wheels) and witnessing the management of the horses, was set to thinking on the knowledge of Bahuka in the science of steeds. He said, "Was he not Matali, the charioteer of the king of the gods? That auspicious mark is seen in heroic Bahuka.

Is he not Salihotra, who is conversant with the knowledge of horses? Or Salihotra has taken this beautiful human form?"

He continued to think, "That he might be king Nala, the reducer of hostile cities, who has come here.

Or it might be that Bahuka knew the science with which Nala was conversant; for Nala's knowledge seemed to be identical with that of Bahuka.

Again, both Nala and Bahuka seem to be of the same age. This person may not be identical with Nala of great energy; but he must be somebody of equal knowledge.

Sometimes, indeed, great men rove over this world in disguise either ordained by mishap or in obedience to the dictates of the Shastras.

There should be no change of my opinion on account of his ugly appearance; rather my opinion is that this one has under gone some change in the body.

This one is of the same age with him but there is some difference in the form. Again, he Bahuka gifted with all the accomplishments? Therefore I think he is Nala."

O the foremost of kings, having deliberated upon this over and over again, Varshneya, the charioteer of virtuous Nala, went on thinking in his mind.

Along with his charioteer, Varshneya, the excellent king Rituparna, highly delighted, was absorbed in the thought, regarding Bahuka's knowledge in the management of horses.

Also he was greatly delighted to behold the attentiveness and zeal of Bahuka, as also his manner of holding the reins and his skill in it.

Brihadashva said:
As the bird course through the sky, so he (king Nala) speedily crossed the rivers, mountains, woods and lakes.

While the car was thus coursing, the conqueror of hostile towns, the king Vangasura, saw his sheet drop down upon the ground.

When the garment had thus dropped down, then the lofty-minded king instantly expressed to Nala his desire to recover it. O you of profound intelligence, do you restrain these horses of great swiftness, until Varshneya bring me back my upper garment here.

Thereupon, Nala said to him in reply, "Your garment had dropped down far away; that is, we had advanced about eight miles from that place. It is, therefore, impossible to recover it."

O monarch, having been thus addressed by Nala, the royal son of Vangasura came near a tree, called Vibhitaka with fruits, in the wood.

Beholding the tree, the king instantly said to Bahuka, "O charioteer, do you also see my great power of calculation.

All men do not know all things; in fact, there is none, who is acquainted with all the branches of knowledge. In one person, the knowledge in its entirety, is not centered.

O Bahuka, the leaves and fruits that have fallen from the tree (respectively) exceed the leaves and fruits, that are on the tree itself, by one hundred and one. O Bahuka, these two branches of the tree contain five millions of leaves. Examine the two branches and all their boughs and their fruits will number two thousand and ninety-five."

Thereupon Bahuka stopped the car and addressed the king, "O monarch, O the chastiser of foes, you are saying to me what is beyond my power of perception. O king, I will make this matter perceptible (by my sense) by cutting down the tree Vibhitaka; and when I will really count, there nothing will remain to be supposed. O foremost of kings, I will hew down the tree Vibhitaka in your presence. I do not know whether what you say will really come to pass or not.

O ruler of men, I will number the fruits of the tree, while you will see it. Let Varshneya pull up the reins of the horses for a moment."

The monarch asked the charioteer not to lose any time. But Bahuka, with great humility, answered him, saying, "Do you wait for a moment; or, if you are in a hurry, go then with Varshneya, as your charioteer. The way goes smooth and straight."

O descendant of the Kuru race, king Rituparna, having comforted Bahuka, addressed him, saying: "O Bahuka, there is none else in this world, who is like you, as a charioteer.

O you versed in the equestrian science, I desire to go to the country of the Vidharbhas with your assistance. May I obtain your protection. It is necessary for you not to cause any obstacle.

O Bahuka, I shall fulfill your desire, (that is, whatever you will tell me) if you take me today to the country of the Vidharbhas and make me see the sun-rise."

Thereupon Bahuka answered him, saying: "Having counted the (leaves and fruits of) Vibhitaka tree. I shall go to the country of the Vidharbhas. Act up to my words."

Surely the king most unwillingly said to him count. (He also said), "O unblameable one, O you versed in the knowledge of horses, having counted (the leaves and fruits of) one portion of this branch, you will be satisfied of the truth of my affirmation." He (Nala) then dismounted from the car with all haste and cut down the tree.

Then again he numbered all the fruits; and found out the truth of what the king had said; and, thus struck with astonishment, he addressed the monarch, saying,

"O king, this is most wonderful. I found your high proficiency (in calculation), O monarch, I desire to be informed of your art, by (virtue of) which you have known all this." Thereupon the prince, as he was most desirous to go speedily, said to him this" "Do you know that I am conversant with the play at dice and versed in calculation as well."

Then Bahuka said to him" "O foremost of men, do you impart this art to me and take from me my knowledge, regarding the management of horses."

Thereupon king Rituparna, for the reason of the great importance of his business and also for his extreme desire to acquire the knowledge of horses, agreed to what Bahuka had said.

"As you have asked, do you take from me my great skill at dice. O Bahuka, let my knowledge of horses remain with you in trust. Thus saying, king Rituparna gave Nala his knowledge of the play at dice.

When he (Nala) thus acquired the knowledge of this art of playing at dice Kali came out of his body; while he continued to vomit from his mouth the most virulent poison of Karkotaka. Then that fire of curse (by Damayanti), by which Kali had greatly been afflicted, also came out of his body. In fact, the king, like one of unregenerate soul, had long remained repressed by him (Kali).

Thereupon Kali, with his soul freed from the poison, assumed his own form. Then Nala, the prince of the Nishadhas, became angry and was intent upon cursing him.

Kali became frightened; and, trembling with fear, folded his hands; and said to him this: "O king, restrain your anger and, in return, I will impart you great fame.

The mother of Indrasena cursed me in wrath long ago, that is, at the time when she had been left by you. From that time forward I have greatly been oppressed (by that curse).

O foremost of kings, O unconquered one, burning day and night in the poison of the prince of the snakes, I most miserably resided within you.

I place myself under your protection. Do you listen to these my words. Should you not curse me, who am seeking your protection and greatly terrified by you, then the men of this world, attentively repeating your story, will never have any fear on my account." Having been thus said, king Nala suppressed his own wrath.

Thereupon Kali became terrified and instantly entered into the tree Vibhitaka. While Kali, thus conversing with the king of the Nishadhas, was invisible to others.

Thenceforth the king became freed from all afflictions; and, having numbered the fruits of the tree, he was filled with great joy and was endued with great energy. Then the mighty one mounted on the car; and, urging the swift steeds, proceeded onwards.

Having been possessed by Kali, the Vibhitaka tree grew worthless. Highly satisfied at the very core of his heart, Nala urged the excellent horses which, like the birds, mounted again and again into the air. Thus the glorious monarch proceeded in the direction of the country of the Vidharbhas.

When Nala went a long way off, Kali too returned home. Thus prince Nala, having been left by Kali, became delivered from all afflictions. But, O monarch, that ruler of the earth did not regain his native form.

Brihadashva said:
Thereupon king Rituparna of undaunted courage had, in the evening, arrived at the city of the Vidharbhas. The people then brought to prince Bhima the intelligence of his arrival.

The king (of Ayodhya), at the request of Bhima, entered the city of Kundina, filling all the directions (the points of the horizon) with the rattle of his car.

Thereupon the horses of Nala, that were there, heard the rattle of his car; and, having heard it, they felt great pleasure, which they had really done before in the presence of Nala himself.

Damayanti also heard the rattle of Nala's car, which was like the sound of the deeply rumbling clouds during the rains.

She was struck with great astonishment to hear that sound. The daughter of king Bhima, the horses of Nala as well, supposed that chattering sound to be like one, which they heard in the days gone by, while Nala himself urged his own horses.

The peacocks of the palace, the elephants in the stables and also the horses, all heard the rattle of the car of that monarch (Rituparna).

O king, hearing the chattering sound of the car, the elephants as well as the peacocks, began to cry aloud with their faces in that direction; and they became very glad, even as they heard the rumbling of the clouds themselves.

Damayanti said:
As the rattle of this car fills the entire earth and highly delights my heart, it must be king Nala, who comes from that direction.

If I do not see Nala, that hero of innumerable virtues and whose face is like the moon, surely I will die.

If I am not to enter within the arms of that hero and not to feel the pleasurable touch of his embrace, I will doubtlessly cease to exist.

If the king of the Nishadhas do not come to me with his voice as deep as the rumbling of the cloud, today I will surely enter into the fire of golden brilliance.

If that foremost of kings, of prowess like that of a lion and of courage like that of a furious elephant, do not come to me, there will be no doubt that I will die.

I do not remember a little untruth in him; neither I remember any injury committed by him to others; nor he ever told a lie even in jest.

My Naishadha is illustrious forgiving, warlike and liberal. He is superior to other monarchs; and he never behaves with low persons regarding private matters; and he is like an eunuch respecting other women than myself.

Remembering his virtues day and night, my mind is always directed towards him; and my heart is about to burst in grief on account of the absence of that beloved one.

O descendant of the Bharata race, thus lamenting, the lady, as if senseless, mounted the (terrace of the) large palace with the desire of seeing that righteous king.

From the central portion of the mansion she saw on the car king Rituparna, with Varshneya and Bahuka.

Thereupon Varshneya, as well as Bahuka, alighted from that excellent car; and then loosened the steeds; and at last kept the car apart.

Having alighted from the car, king Rituparna appeared before that excellent monarch, Bhima, of terrible prowess.

Thereupon king Bhima received him with respectful offerings. Thus the best of the kings, Rituparna, was highly honoured by that monarch.

While residing in that beautiful city of Kundina, that ruler of the earth saw nothing (no signs of the Svayamvara) there, although he looked about all again and again. Then, at last, the lord of the Vidharbhas presented himself before that monarch and welcomed him. O descendant of the Bharata race, Bhima asked him on what business he was pleased to come there; for, in the absence of a proper occasion, an illustrious personage can not be had.

In fact Bhima did not know that he (Rituparna) had come to win the hands of his daughter. The intelligent king Rituparna, possessed of unbaffled power, beheld that there was neither a king nor a prince; nor he saw any gathering of Brahmanas; nor he heard any talk regarding the Svayamvara. Thereupon the ruler of Koshala meditated in his mind and after a while addressed him, saying, "I have come here to pay you homage?"

Struck with amazement, king Bhima reflected on the cause of Rituparna's visit, who had travelled more than a hundred yojanas. Bhima supposed, "That simply to pay him respects was not the reason of his coming there, after having passed over so many monarchs and crossed over countless villages.

He attributes his arrival to a very slight cause. Be what it may. I will find out the reason in the future time." Thus thinking, Bhima did not dismiss the monarch at once; rather he honoured him.

He also said to him again and again, "Do you take rest, as you are very weary." Thus regarded by the pleased monarch, the ruler of the earth (Rituparna) was highly satisfied at the mind; and, with the gladness of his heart, repaired to his appointed quarters, accompanied by the servants of the royal household. O king, after king Rituparna had gone away with Varshneya, Bahuka caught hold of the car and took it to the stables. He then unyoked the horses and looked after them according to the rules.

Thereafter Bahuka comforted the horses and seated himself on a side of the car; while Damayanti, the daughter of the king of the Vidharbhas, afflicted with grief, saw prince Vangasura and Varshneya, the son of the charioteer, as also Bahuka in that posture; and she continued to meditate upon, "Of whose car was the rattle?

This loud sound is like that of Nala's car. But I do not find that prince of the Nishadhas. It is surely then that this art (of driving) was learnt by Varshneya. It is for this reason that the clattering sound of the car has been as loud as that of Nala. Or it may be, that king Rituparna is equal to Nala (in driving). Hence this rattle appears to be like that of the king of the Nishadhas."

O lord of the earth, thus meditating, blessed Damayanti sent a female messenger in search of the king of the Nishadhas.

Damayanti said:
O Keshini, do you go; and know who that charioteer is, sitting down on a side of the car, most unsightly and with short arms.

O gentle one, O blameless one, approaching him and becoming careful, do you ask his welfare; and do you enquire all the particulars about this person.

I am greatly afraid, lest this person be king Nala himself. For so great is the satisfaction of my mind, as also the easiness of my heart regarding this matter.

O one of beautiful waist, O unblameable one, after you have finished your enquiry, tell him the words of Parnada and understand his reply to them.

Brihadashva said:
Thereupon the female messenger carefully approached Bahuka and addressed him, while blessed Damayanti looked from her palace what would come to pass.

Keshini said:
O best of men, O excellent of persons, you are welcome! I wish you prosperity! Now listen to the words of Damayanti with attention.

When did you start! What did you come here for? Tell me all the particulars; for the daughter of the king of the Vidharbhas wishes to hear all about these.

Bahuka said:
The high-souled monarch of Koshala had learnt from a Brahmana that there would be held a second Svayamvara of Damayanti.

Hearing this, the monarch and myself as his charioteer, set out with excellent steeds, that are capable of travelling one hundred yojanas and that are as fleet as the wind itself.

Keshini said:
Whence is the third among you come? And, again, whose (son) is he? Whose (son) are you and how has this work been performed by you?

Bahuka said:
Indeed, he is the charioteer of righteous Nala; and is known by the name of Varshneya. O blessed one, after Nala had been deprived of his kingdom, he came to the royal son of Vangasura.

I am too, well versed in the management of horses; and hence I have been appointed as a charioteer. King Rituparna himself appointed me to be his charioteer as well as his cook.

Keshini said:
O Bahuka, Varshneya perhaps knows where has king Nala gone. He also may have told you about him.

Bahuka said:
Having brought here the children of Nala, of golden deeds, he (Varshneya) then repaired to wherever he wished. Indeed, he does not know where the king of the Nishadhas is.

O glorious one, no other person knows the whereabouts of king Nala; for a king (in distress) roves about in the world unawares and with an unsightly appearance.

Nala's self only knows Nala; and she also knows him, who is his second self. Indeed, Nala never shows his own marks anywhere.

Keshini said:
The Brahmana, who had first gone to the city of Ayodhya, uttered again and again these expressions, suitable to the lips of a female:

"O gambler, O dear one, where have you gone, tearing off half my garment and forsaking me, your devoted and beloved wife, asleep in the forest.

Indeed, she herself, enjoined by you, remains there, expecting to receive you, clad only in half a piece of cloth and burning whole day and night in sorrow.

O monarch, O mighty one, as she is incessantly lamenting for that distress; so be you kind and give answer to her words.

O high-minded one, do you recite that story agreeable to her, which words that blameless daughter of Vidharbha wishes to hear."

Hearing these words (as above), you formerly gave answer to the Brahmanas. As you did before, so do now; for the daughter of the king of the Vidharbhas wishes to hear them in detail.

Brihadashva said:
O descendant of the Kuru race, hearing these words of Keshini, Nala's heart became afflicted with grief; and his eyes, too, were filled with tears.

Having suppressed his grief and burning with sorrow, the lord of the earth uttered again these words in a voice choked with tears.

Bahuka said:
Chaste women, falling in distress, protect themselves by their own efforts and thus doubtlessly obtain heaven.

The women, that are the best, become never angry and hold .their lives, protected by the armour of good character, e.ven if they be left by their husbands.

Because she has been abandoned by one, who himself has fallen in distress and who is foolish and deprived of all happiness. She, therefore, should not be angry.

The lady of unchanging youth should not be angry with one, who deprived of his cloth by the birds, while seeking his food in the forest, is ever burning in grief.

Behaved well or badly, the lady should not be angry with her husband, when he is in that miserable condition (that he is deprived of his kingdom and happiness); and also he is overtaken by hunger and distress.

O Bharata, while speaking these words, Nala, afflicted with calamity, could not check the flow of his tears and began to weep bitterly.

Thereupon Keshini went away and informed everything to Damayanti regarding that discourse (between herself and Nala), as also the overtaking of his calamity.

Brihadashva said:
Having heard all these, Damayanti became afflicted with sorrow; and, suspecting that he must be Nala, addressed Keshini, saying,

"O Keshini, do you go again and scrutinize the conduct of Bahuka; and keeping yourself in silence at his side, behold all his bevaviours.

O beautiful one, find out the cause, whenever he does anything; and marks well whenever he performs anything skillful.

O Keshini, whenever he may ask fire or water, you will not be in a hurry to give it; and thus obstruct him.

"Seeing all these, do you let me know his conduct, as also what human or super-human will be seen in Bahuka. Do you also report to me what else you will see in him."

Thus spoken by Damayanti, Keshini went away. Having learnt the behaviours of that person, who was versed in the knowledge of horses, Keshini returned.

She reported to Damayanti the whole history, mentioning what human or superhuman she saw in Bahuka.

Keshini said:
O Damayanti, I have never heard or seen before any person of his character, having so great a 'power over the elements.'

Whenever he comes to a narrow hole, he never stoops low; rather the hole opens wide at his touch; and he easily passes through it.

Thus a small hole grows largely wide at his coming. There were sent by the king (Bhima) various sorts of food, as also flesh of many animals, for Rituparna. There were also many vessels sent for washing the flesh.

Those vessels, whenever looked at by him (Bahuka), became at once filled with water. Thereupon Bahuka washed them and set himself to cooking. Then again he grasped a handful of grass and held it to the sun, where suddenly fire blazed up.

Beholding that greatest wonder, I was struck with astonishment and have come hither. Also another great wonder was marked by me in him.

O beautiful one, although he touched fire, still he was not burnt. The water, falling at his command, flowed rapidly.

I have marked another wonder, which was extraordinarily great, that he took some flowers in his hands and pressed them slowly. Although these flowers were pressed by him with the hands, yet they, instead of losing their original forms, became more fragrant and beautiful than before. Observing those marks of wonder, I have hastily come here.

Brihadashva said:
Having heard of those wonderful behaviours of that righteous one and having known him by his acts, Damayanti considered that Nala was obtained.

Again, by these marks suspecting Bahuka to be her husband, Damayanti wept and again addressed Keshini in a sweet speech, "O handsome one, do you go again and fetch here from the kitchen, without the knowledge of Bahuka, some meat cooked by him." The beneficent lady instantly went to Bahuka; and immediately returned, taking some hot meat therefrom.

O descendant of the Kuru race, thereupon Keshini gave the meat to Damayanti, who had, during the past days, very often tasted meat boiled by Nala.

Thus tasting the meat brought by her female servant, she decided the charioteer to be Nala himself; and, much aggrieved, she wept bitterly. Overtaken by great calamity, she then washed her face. O Bharata, thereafter she sent her two children with Keshini. Bahuka recognised Indrasena with her brother. Thereupon the monarch (in the guise of Bahuka) came up speedily and, embracing his children, placed them on his lap. Then again, embracing his children, who were like the children of the celestials, Bahuka became filled with the greatest misery and wept bitterly in a soft voice. Thus having expressed his mental derangement over and over again, the prince of the Nishadhas left the children all on a sudden and spoke Keshini there words,

"O beauteous one, these twins are like my own children. Hence seeing them suddenly, I shed tears.

If you come to me very often, people may think evil; because we are men of other country. So, O handsome one, do you go away hence with ease."

Brihadashva said:
Having learnt all about the mental agony of that righteous and wise one, Keshini came back and spoke everything to Damayanti.

Thereupon Damayanti sent again Keshini to her mother; as she, sorely aggrieved, was most desirous to see Nala.

Damayanti said: "Suspecting Bahuka to be Nala, I have examined him several times; but I have some doubt about his appearance, which I like to know myself.

O mother, with or without the knowledge of my father, make this arrangement for me; either allow him to enter my mansion or give me permission to go to him."

Thus spoken by Vaidharbhi, that lady told king Bhima the intention of his daughter, which the king learned.

O foremost of men, Damayanti obtained the permission of both her father and mother; and thus she caused Nala to enter her own apartments. Unexpectedly beholding Damayanti, prince Nala became oppressed with grief and calamity; as also she was overwhelmed with tears.

Then that excellent of women, Damayanti, beholding Nala is that plight, was greatly afflicted with sorrow.

Thereupon, O great king, Damayanti, who was dressed in a red garment, wearing matted hairs and tainted with clay and dust, spoke these words do Bahuka:

"O Bahuka, did you ever see any men, who, known as virtuous, had gone away leaving his wife asleep in the woods?

Who excepts that righteous Nala, could go away, abandoning his beloved hand unoffending wife in the woods, when she was overtaken by fatigue?

What offence did I give to that ruler of the earth since my youth, for which he had gone away forsaking me in the woods; while I was overpowered by sleep?

Formerly I had selected him as my lord, rejecting the very celestials. Therefore how it was that he should abandon his wife, who am ever devoted and dear to him as also the mother of his children?

He had taken my hand; and, before the fire and in the presence of all the gods, he had pledged that he would truly be mine. But where now was that pledge gone?"

O chastiser of foes, while Damayanti was speaking all these, tears of sorrow flowed copiously from her eyes.

When Nala saw her thus oppressed with sorrow, he also shed tears from his eyes, which were black like those of the gazelle, with red extremities; and addressed her, saying:

"O timid one, the loss of my kingdom was not wrought by me. It was done by Kali, on whose account I had abandoned you in the woods.

O best of virtuous ladies, long ago you cursed Kali, while you were living in the forest, greatly afflicted with sorrow and burning in grief for me day and night. Since then Kali, burning with that curse, was living in my body. As a matter of fact, Kali, burning with your curse, was always dwelling within me, as fire dwells within fire.

Now he had been vanquished by my observances and devotion. Therefore, O auspicious one, there will be an end of our sorrows.

O you of round hips, leaving me, the wretched one had gone away. It is for this that I could come here. Indeed, in my coming here I have no other object than to get you back.

O timid one, is it possible that a lady, forsaking her dear and devoted lord, will ever select a second husband like yourself?

At the command of the monarch, the messengers are roving all over the world, proclaiming that the daughter of king Bhima would surely choose a second husband.

And like an unchaste woman, she would choose one, worthy of her, whomever she likes. Hearing this, the royal son of Vangasura had arrived here with all speed."

Hearing these weeping of Nala, Damayanti became greatly terrified; and she, trembling with fear and with folded hands, spoke these words.

Damayanti said:
O ruler of the Nishadhas, O blessed one, it behoves you not to suspect any fault in me; for I have selected you as my husband, discarding all the celestials.

With a view to bring you here, the Brahmanas had gone away in all directions, (to the ten points of the horizon) singing my words, composed in ballads.

At length, a learned Brahmana, known by the name of Parnada, found you out, O monarch, in the palace of Rituparna in the kingdom of Koshala.

It was after hearing his words and your proper answer thereto, that I devised this project in order to receive the king of the Nishadhas back.

O ruler of the earth, O foremost of the kings, there is none else in this world, who is able to journey, with the help of steeds, a hundred yojanas in a single day.

O lord of the earth, touching these your feet, I can truly swear that even in thought I have not committed any sort of crime.

Let the all-seeing air, that always moves about the whole world, take away my life, if I have committed any sin.

Let the sun of bright rays, that always travels over the sky, take away my life, if I have committed any sin.

Let the moon, that lives in the heart of all creatures as a witness, take away my life, if I have committed any sin.

Let the three gods, that preside over the whole of the three worlds, relate the whole history truly; or let them abandon me today.

Brihadashva said:
Thus spoken the wind-god addressed from above, saying, "O Nala, I tell you the truth that she had not committed any sin.

O monarch, protected by Damayanti, the honour of your family, even as the wealth, has much increased. We bear testimony to this, as we have been her protectors for the last three years.

This unrivalled project was planned by her for your sake: for, except you, there is no other person in this world who can clear in a single day an hundred yojanas.

O ruler of the earth, the daughter of king Bhima has been obtained by you; as also you have been obtained by Bhaimi. You should hold no doubt about her conduct. Be you united with your consort."

While the wind-god was thus speaking, there was a downfall of floral showers; as also the divine kettle-drum played and auspicious breezes began to blow.

O son of the Bharata race, seeing this greatest wonder, king Nala, the chastiser of foes, threw away all doubts regarding the character of Damayanti.

Thereupon the ruler of the earth put on a fresh garment; and, then remembering that king of serpents, assumed his original form.

Beholding her husband in his original form, the faultless daughter of king Bhima embraced the righteous one and wept bitterly.

King Nala, again, embraced the daughter of Bhima, who was attached to him as before; as well as he embraced his two children; and thus felt great satisfaction.

Thereupon the lady, of beautiful face and of large eyes, hiding her face in his bosom, became overwhelmed with grief and began to sigh heavily.

That foremost of men, overwhelmed as he was with grief, stood in silence for some time, while embracing that lady of blameless smiles, who herself was covered with dust.

O monarch, thereupon the mother of Vaidharbhi, with a glad heart, informed king Bhima all that had passed between Nala and Damayanti.

The great king said in reply: "Tomorrow I shall see Nala with Damayanti by his side, after he shall have sanctified himself (by bath and prayers). Let him dwell in peace this day."

O king, thereupon the happy pair passed the night at ease, relating to each other the past events of their wanderings in the forest.

Both the princess of Vidharbha and Nala began to dwell most happily in the palace of king Bhima, desirous to make each other happy.

Then in the fourth year, (after his exile) king Nala, regained his wife and had all his desires satisfied; and thus once more he enjoyed the highest pleasure.

Damayanti on the other hand, was exceedingly satisfied to recover her husband, even as the fields of half-born seedlings are highly benefited to receive a shower.

When the daughter of the king and thus regained her husband, all her weariness had disappeared, as well as all her anxieties. She herself became elated with joy and blazed forth in her native beauty like the night, that is favoured by the uninterrupted rising of the moon.

Brihadashva said:
The king Nala, having passed that night in peace, decked himself in gay ornaments; and, with Damayanti by his side, appeared before the king in due time.

Thereupon Nala saluted his father-in-law; and, after him, blessed Damayanti also saluted her father.

Illustrious Bhima received him as a son with the greatest delight; as also he offered him due respects and consoled him with his devoted wife in words suited to the occasion.

King Nala, on the other hand, acknowledged the honour according to rules and offered his proper services to him (father-in-law). The citizens felt great delight to see Nala returned. Thereupon there was a great uproar of joy in the city.

The city also was gorgeously decorated by hoisting flags, standards and floral wreaths. Moreover the streets of the town were well watered; and were decorated with the garlands of flowers and various other ornaments; as also flowers were piled at the doors of the houses.

The temples of gods, too, were adorned with flowers. While all this had happened, the foremost king Rituparna became highly gratified to hear that Nala, in the guise of Bahuka, was united with Damayanti. He then called Nala, the ruler of the earth, before him; and begged his pardon.

He again, intelligent as he was, asked his forgiveness for reasons more than one. Thus regarded, the ruler of the earth, Rituparna, who was excellent in speech and acquainted with the real nature of things and who had his face struck with amazement, addressed the prince of the Nishadhas, saying, "That you, by recovering the company of your consort, have obtained greatest delight.

O prince of the Nishadhas, O lord of the earth, perhaps I had not done any wrong to you, while you were living in my house in disguise.

If I have done any wrong to you, with or without my knowledge, pardon me for all this,"

Nala said:
O monarch, you have not done me the slightest wrong. Even if you have done any, you should be pardoned in every way; for it excited no worth in me.

O prince, formerly you had been my friend and relative; and hence that I should find enough of enjoyments in you. Indeed, I lived with you most happily with all my desires gratified.

O king, 1 always lived in your house most happily, not even in my own house. This your knowledge about horses now rests with me.

O monarch, if you like, I may give it to you." Saying this, the prince of the Nishadhas made over that equestrian learning to king Rituparna.

O king, the royal son of Vangasura accepted that horse-learning, performing all the acts, as ordained by fate. And having thus received this horse-knowledge and also having made over his kill in the game at dice to the prince of the Nishadhas, he went to his own city, appointing another charioteer in the place of Bahuka.

O monarch, O lord of the earth, after Rituparna had thus gone away, prince Nala did not remain long in the city Kundina.

Brihadashva said:
O son of Kunti, the prince of the Nishadhas, having lived there for about a month, obtained permission of Bhima and went, with a small number of attendants, to the country of the Nishadhas.

That agile and lofty-minded monarch, who was swelled with rage, entered the country of the Nishadhas speedily, with a single white car, sixteen elephants, fifty horse and six hundred infantry and thereby he trembled the whole earth.

Thereupon the heroic son of Virasena, advancing towards Pushkara (his brother), expressed his intention to play at dice; because he again earned vast wealth. "O Pushkara, let Damayanti and everything else, that I have, by my stake; and let your kingdom be yours. Let the game at dice begin again; for this is my firm resolution. Be you happy. Let us stake all that we possess, as well as our lives.

To stake back other's possessions, that is, wealth and kingdom, that are already won, is said to be the chief virtue.

If you do not like the game at dice, do you then engage yourself in the play at weapons. Really, O king, let us have peace by fighting out a duel.

The sages have laid down their authority by saying, that the ancestral kingdom should be obtained under any circumstance or by an means.

O Pushkara, do you choose today one of these two; that is, do of you either game at dice or bend the bow in battle.

Brihadashva said:
Having been thus addressed by the prince of the Nishadhas, Pushkara, with the assurance of his own success, answered the king smilingly.

"O Naishadha, by good fortune you have acquired the vast wealth, in order to stake it back again. Most fortunately the adversity of Damayanti has come to an end.

O monarch, O mighty-armed one, that you are still living with your wife, is owing to your good luck. Indeed, the daughter of king Bhima, decked in ornaments, will attend me with all the wealth, that I will gain from you, even as the Apsaras wait upon Shakra in heaven. O prince of the Nishadhas, do I, therefore, recollect you and expect you always.

To play at dice with those that are not my relatives, gives me no pleasure. Having this day obtained the hand of Damayanti, who is most beautiful and possessed of blameless features, I shall think myself very lucky, for she is, as ever, the darling of my heart."

Having heard these expressions of that infatuated braggart, king Nala became filled with rage and desired to sever his head by the sword. King Nala smilingly, though his eyes were red with anger, addressed him, saying,

"Let us begin the play. Why do you speak thus now? You will speak in any way you like, after you shall have defeated me at dice." Thereupon the gambling began between Pushkara and Nala. Pushkara, who had even staked his own life, was defeated at a single throw by Nala; and thus he lost all his wealth and treasures.

The king, having defeated Pushkara, laughingly said to him: "This entire kingdom is now undisputedly mine. The thorns (the enemies) are all destroyed. O worst of kings, now you are not able even to have a look of Vaidharbhi. O foolish one, you are now reduced to her slave with your family.

That formerly I was defeated by you, was not wrought by you. That act was done by Kali; and it was not you, that did so. O stupid one, this you do not understand.

I will never attribute the faults, committed by others, to you. Indeed, do you live happily. I grant you your life.

As before, I give you your portion of the whole kingdom. O hero, the amount of my love for you is doubtlessly the same as before.

O Pushkara, the fraternal love, that I entertain for you, will never decrease. You are my brother. Do you live for a hundred years.

Having thus accosted his brother, Nala of undaunted courage embraced him repeatedly and asked him to go to his own city.

O king, having been thus consoled by the prince of the Nishadhas, Pushkara then, with folded hands, saluted and answered that virtuous prince, saying, "O prince, let your fame be immortal; and do you live at peace for hundred years, for you have give to me both life and shelter."

O monarch, having been thus honoured by the king (his brother, Nala). Pushkara, gratified at heart, then repaired to his own city attended by his relatives, after he has passed about a month with his brother. O foremost of men, also attended by a great force and humble servants, Pushkara went away; and he looked like the resplendent sun in appearance.

After having settled Pushkara and enriched and delivered him from all anxieties, the blessed prince entered his own palace, most gorgeously decorated.

After having entered the palace, the prince of the Nishadhas consoled all the citizens, who, as well as the subjects from the country, again, greatly expressed their satisfaction.

All the officers of government, headed by their minister, addressed him with folded hands, saying, "O king, really we are all glad today both in the city and the country, even as the gods themselves, after having obtained their chief of a hundred sacrifices for worship."

Brihadashva said:
When the great festivities began in the city which was full of joy, the king with a large army brought Damayanti (back to his capital).

Her father, that slayer of hostile heroes, Bhima of great prowess and of high soul, also having honoured her duly, sent Damayanti (to her husband's palace).

On the arrival of the Vidharbha princess accompanied by her son and daughter, king Nala passed his days in great happiness, like the chief of the celestials in the Nandana (garden). The greatly illustrious king, having regained his kingdom and becoming famous among the kings of the Jambudvipa, began once more to rule it.

He duly performed many sacrifices with large Dakshinas to the Brahmanas. O great king, you, too, with your relatives and friends, will soon perform many sacrifices.

O foremost of men, O best of the Bharata race that conqueror of the hostile cities, Nala, thus fell into great distress in consequence of his playing at dice.

O ruler of the earth, Nala alone suffered such great and terrible distress; but he regained his lost glory.

O son of Pandu, you, however, with Krishna (Draupadi) and your brothers, sport here in this great forest, with your heart fixed on virtue.

O king, what cause is there for your sorrow, when you are always mixing with the greatly exalted Brahmanas learned in the Vedas?

To recite the history of Naga Karkotaka, of Damayanti, of Nala and of the royal sage Rituparna, is destructive of evil (Kali).

O undeteriorating one, O ruler of men, this history, which is destructive of evil (Kali), is capable of comforting persons like you, when they hear it.

Considering that human exertion is always futile, you should joy or grieve at prosperity or adversity.

O great king, hearing this history, be comforted. Do not grieve. You should not be aggrieved at calamity.

Reflecting on the caprice of fate and futileness of human exertions, men of self-possession never allow themselves to be aggrieved.

Those who recite the great history of Nala and those who often hear it are never touched by calamity.

He, who hears this excellent and old history, gets all his desires fulfilled and obtains wealth and

Sons, grandsons, animals, a high position, health and joy. There is no doubt in this.

O king, the fear, that you entertain that some one would again summon you to play, I shall dispel.

O greatly powerful hero, O son of Kunti, I am an expert in the science of dice. I am pleased with you; learn it from me, I shall tell it to you.

Vaishampayana said:
Thereupon with great joy the king (Yudhishthira) thus spoke to Brihadashva, "O exalted one. I desire to learn the science of dice from you."

Thereupon he taught the science to the illustrious son of Pandu. Having taught it, the great ascetic went to Asvasira to bathe.

When Brihadashva had gone away, he (Yudhishthira) heard that the son of Pritha Savyasachi (Arjuna) was engaged in severe asceticism, living on air. He heard this from the greatly intelligent Brahmanas and ascetics who came to him from various directions and from places of pilgrimage, from mountains and forests. He heard that the mighty Partha (Arjuna) was engaged in such fearful asceticism that none else, before him, had done it.

He heard that Dhananjaya Partha (Arjuna) engaged in asceticism, observing vows of silence and deep in meditation, appeared like the blazing deity, Dharma.

O king, having heard that his beloved brother, the son of Kunti, Yaja (Arjuna) was thus undergoing asceticism in the great forest Yudhishthira began to grieve.

Thus burning in grief, Yudhishthira sought consolation in the great forest and talked with the Brahmanas learned in all Shastras.

Mahabharata

Nalopakhyana Parva

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