Damayanti’s Pure Love

• Author: Vid. Shri Ramavittalacharya
• Translator: Smt. Chomini Prakash

King Bhima pronounced the swayamvara of Damayanti. Several gallant kings hastened to attend it. Along with Nala, Indra-Agni-Yama-Varuna assumed the physical appearance of Nala and remained seated in the swayamvara pavilion. With the five of them looking alike, Damayanti was unable to identify which of them was truly Nala. She was confused. She recalled the attributes of the immortals that she had heard of from her elders and put them to examination. Yet, she identified no differentiation. Enveloped with fear, out of trepidation, with folded palms she prayed “Lords! Upon hearing the words of the swan, I have lost my heart to Nala. This is true. Take pity and show me who Nala is. I shall never transgress my speech or my heart. Be pleased with my truthfulness and reveal Nala. I ask you, by swearing upon the truth of the divine will that Nala is my consort. Please show me, who amongst you is Nala. I have engaged in the worship of the Divine to unite with Nala. Protectors of the world! Display your innate attributes that are exclusive to the immortals and enable me to identify Nala.”

This compassion inducing plea of Damayanti, the purity of her heart, her devotion towards the Lord and love for Nala pleased the demigods and they exhibited their divine disposition and eminent markings. The un-withered garland, absence of sweat and dust on the body, eyes that did not blink, feet that did not touch the ground, enabled her to recognize the immortals. A shadow casting body, withered garland around the neck, sweaty body covered in dust, feet that rested on the ground enabled her to identify her mortal lover Nala and she rejoiced. She garlanded Nala with love and chose him as her suitor. All those who had gathered at the swayamvara acclaimed the pure endearment of Damayanti and exclaimed ‘bhale bhale’ in chorus.
Delighted that Damayanti had chosen a mortal such as him over the more attractive and wealthy immortals, Nala said – ‘Damayanti! I am overjoyed by your intense and unflinching love. I vow to remain committed to you for as long as I am alive.”

Having witnessed the blemishless love between Nala and Damayanti, the pleased protectors of the world (lokapalakas) granted eight boons to Nala.

Indra said “In the sacrificial rituals performed by you, I shall manifest, accept the offerings and confer my blessings. I also bestow upon you superior refuge (uttama gati).” Agni said “I will appear before you at the place you seek. I grant you regions that are as refulgent as me.” Yama said “I shall infuse the finest taste into the ingredients you use for cooking. I grace you with steadfastness in adherence to dharma.” Varuna said “You will find water in abundance wherever you desire. I also bestow you with fragrant celestial garlands.” Having granted these boons to Nala, the demigods proceeded toward their regions. Nala and Damayanti witnessed these events with their own eyes. For the rest of them who had gathered at the swayamvara, it appeared as a dream. After Damayanti chose Nala as her suitor, the other kings too returned to their kingdoms. King Bhima conducted the auspicious wedding of Nala and Damayanti. Having resided there for a while, Nala sought the sanction of King Bhima and returned to his kingdom with Damayanti. He ruled his land with righteousness, performing the ashwamedha and other ritualistic sacrifices. Nala strolled around the beautiful orchards and gardens along with Damayanti. In due course, Nala begot a son named Indrasena and a daughter named Indrasene from Damayanti. He ably reigned his kingdom by pouring a stream of wealth for the welfare of his subjects.

When Indra and the other demigods were returning to their respective regions from the swayamvara, en route, they encountered the demoniacal Dwapara and Kali. Indra asked Kali – “Kali! Where are you going with Dwapara as your companion?” Kali gushed – “I am going to attend the swayamvara of Damayanti. I shall bear away Damayanti who has enthralled my heart.” With a chuckle, Indra said – “I fear you are late. The swayamvara is over. Damayanti has chosen Nala as her consort.” Hearing this, an enraged Kali retorted – “Damayanti who has scorned the immortals and chosen a mortal over them deserves to be punished.” The demigods opined that Damayanti was not to be castigated, for she had sought their sanction and only then proceed to garland Nala.

“Nala is an abode of sterling qualities, conversant with the five vedas, an adherent of dharma, in whose house all the gods are satiated every day by his worship, practices non-violence, is truthful, firm in resolve, proficient, courageous, knowledgeable, engages in penance, maintains cleanliness, has control over the senses and possesses tranquility of the mind. Who would not be desirous of marrying Nala? Who would curse such a virtuous one? Kali! Cursing such an eminent mortal is akin to cursing one’s own self. Such a person would be relegated to the greatest hell (naraka).”

Having spoken thus, the demigods proceeded. Thereafter, Kali said to Dwapara – “My wrath upon Nala remains unabated. Dwapara! I shall enter into Nala and possess him. I shall ensure that Nala is driven away from his kingdom. He shall not live happily with his bride Damayanti. Dwapara! You enter into the dice and influence it so as to help me succeed in my resolve.”

Though the Lords of the directions who possessed enormous wealth appeared before Damayanti, she chose her beloved Nala over them. The women of today value the degree and wealth of the husband more than the love he offers. His virtue and righteousness are no longer a criteria to be considered. Life is being reigned by wealth and luxuries.

Though ineligible of the pious Damayanti, Kali was desirous of her and thus, he conspired to be a thorn in the happy marital life of Nala – Damayanti.

When one cannot have what they desire, wishing ill upon those who possess it and harboring thoughts of vengeance, ruins not only our peace but life too. Betrayal of the virtuous is akin to betraying the self.

• Nala Damayanti Images : Courtesy : Wikimedia

Chomini Prakash