srimahabharat - book 3 (vana parva) - chapters 41 to 70

The Sacred  Scripture of

 great Epic Sree Mahabharatam:

The Mahabharata

                                      Mahabharata of Krishna-Dwaipayana Vyasa
                                                        translated by
                                  Sreemaan Brahmasri  Kisari Mohan Ganguli

 

 

Book 3 (vana parva)
Chapter 41

1 [bhagavān]
      naras tvaṃ pūrvadehe vai nārāyaṇa sahāyavān
      badaryāṃ taptavān ugraṃ tapo varṣāyutān bahūn
  2 tvayi vā paramaṃ tejoviṣṇau vā puruṣottame
      yuvābhyāṃ puruṣāgryābhyāṃ tejasā dhāryate jagat
  3 śakrābhiṣeke sumahad dhanur jaladanisvanam
      pragṛhya dānavāḥ śastās tvayā kṛṣṇena ca prabho
  4 etat tad eva gāṇḍīvaṃ tava pārtha karocitam
      māyām āsthāya yad grastaṃ mayā puruṣasattama
      tūṇau cāpy akṣayau bhūyas tava pārtha yathocitau
  5 prītimān asmi vai pārtha tava satyaparākrama
      gṛhāṇa varam asmattaḥ kāṅkṣitaṃ yan nararṣabha
  6 na tvayā sadṛśaḥ kaś cit pumān martyeṣu mānada
      divi vā vidyate kṣatraṃ tvat pradhānam ariṃdama
  7 [arj]
      bhagavan dadāsi cen mahyaṃ kāmaṃ prītyā vṛṣadhvaja
      kāmaye divyam astraṃ tad ghoraṃ pāśupataṃ prabho
  8 yat tad brahmaśiro nāma raudraṃ bhīmaparākramam
      yugānte dāruṇe prāpte kṛtsnaṃ saṃharate jagat
  9 daheyaṃ yena saṃgrāme dānavān rākṣasāṃs tathā
      bhūtāni ca piśācāṃś ca gandharvān atha pannagān
  10 yataḥ śūlasahasrāṇi gadāś cograpradarśanāḥ
     śarāś cāśīviṣākārāḥ saṃbhavanty anumantritāḥ
 11 yudhyeyaṃ yena bhīṣmeṇa droṇena ca kṛpeṇa ca
     sūtaputreṇa ca raṇe nityaṃ kaṭuka bhāṣiṇā
 12 eṣa me prathamaḥ kāmo bhagavan bhava netrahan
     tvatprasādād vinirvṛttaḥ samarthaḥ syām ahaṃ yathā
 13 [bhagavān]
     dadāni te 'straṃ dayitam ahaṃ pāśupataṃ mahat
     samartho dhāraṇe mokṣe saṃhāre cāpi pāṇḍava
 14 naitad veda mahendro 'pi na yamo na ca yakṣarāṭ
     varuṇo vātha vā vāyuḥ kuto vetsyanti mānavāḥ
 15 na tv etat sahasā pārtha moktavyaṃ puruṣe kva cit
     jagad vinirdahet sarvam alpatejasi pātitam
 16 avadhyo nāma nāsty asya trailokye sacarācare
     manasā cakṣuṣā vācā dhanuṣā ca nipātyate
 17 [vai]
     tac chrutvā tvaritaḥ pārthaḥ śucir bhūtvā samāhitaḥ
     upasaṃgṛhya viśveśam adhīṣveti ca so 'bravīt
 18 tatas tv adhyāpayām āsa sarahasya nivartanam
     tad astraṃ pāṇḍavaśreṣṭhaṃ mūrtimantam ivāntakam
 19 upatasthe mahātmānaṃ yathā tryakṣam umāpatim
     pratijagrāha tac cāpi prītimān arjunas tadā
 20 tataś cacāla pṛthivī saparvatavanadrumā
     sasāgaravanoddeśā sagrāma nagarākarā
 21 śaṅkhadundubhighoṣāś ca bherīṇāṃ ca sahasraśaḥ
     tasmin muhūrte saṃprāpte nirghātaś ca mahān abhūt
 22 athāstraṃ jājvalad ghoraṃ pāṇḍavasyāmitaujasaḥ
     mūrtimad viṣṭhitaṃ pārśve dadṛśur devadānavāḥ
 23 spṛṣṭasya ca tryambakena phalgunasyāmitaujasaḥ
     yat kiṃ cid aśubhaṃ dehe tat sarvaṃ nāśam eyivat
 24 svargaṃ gacchety anujñātas tryambakena tadārjunaḥ
     praṇamya śirasā pārthaḥ prāñjalir devam aikṣata
 25 tataḥ prabhus tridiva nivāsināṃ vaśī; mahāmatir giriśa umāpatiḥ śivaḥ
     dhanur mahad ditijapiśācasūdanaṃ; dadau bhavaḥ puruṣavarāya gāṇḍivam
 26 tataḥ śubhaṃ girivaram īśvaras tadā; sahomayā sitataṭa sānu kandaram
     vihāya taṃ patagamaharṣisevitaṃ; jagāma khaṃ puruṣavarasya paśyataḥ

SECTION XLI

Vaisampayana said, "The wielder of the Pinaka, having the bull for his sign, thus disappeared in the very sight of the gazing son of Pandu, like the sun setting in the sight of the world. Arjuna, that slayer of hostile heroes, wondered much at this, saying, 'O, I have seen the great god of gods. 'Fortunate, indeed I am, and much favoured, for I have both beheld and touched with my hand the three-eyed Hara the wielder of the Pinaka, in his boon-giving form. I shall win success. I am already great. My enemies have already been vanquished by me. My purposes have been already achieved.' And while the son of Pritha, endued with immeasurable energy, was thinking thus, there came to that place Varuna the god of waters, handsome and of the splendour of the lapis lazuli accompanied by all kinds of aquatic creatures, and filling all the points of the horizon with a blazing effulgence. And accompanied by Rivers both male and female, and Nagas, and Daityas and Sadhyas and inferior deities, Varuna, the controller and lord of all aquatic creatures, arrived at that spot. There came also the lord Kuvera of body resembling pure gold, seated on his car of great splendour, and accompanied by numerous Yakshas. And the lord of treasures, possessed of great beauty, came there to see Arjuna, illuminating the firmament with his effulgence. And there came also Yama himself, of great beauty, the powerful destroyer of all the worlds, accompanied by those lords of the creation--the Pitris--both embodied and disembodied. And the god of justice, of inconceivable soul, the son of Surya, the destroyer of all creatures, with the mace in hand, came there on his car, illuminating the three worlds with regions of the Guhyakas, the Gandharvas and the Nagas, like a second Surya as he riseth at the end of the Yuga. Having arrived there, they beheld, from the effulgent and variegated summits of the great mountain, Arjuna engaged in ascetic austerities. And there came in a moment the illustrious Sakra also, accompanied by his queen, seated on the back of (the celestial elephant) Airavata, and surrounded also by all the deities. And in consequence of the white umbrella being held over his head, he looked like the moon amid fleecy clouds. And eulogised by Gandharvas, and Rishis endued with wealth of asceticism, the chief of the celestials alighted on a particular summit of the mountain, like a second sun. Then Yama possessed of great intelligence, and fully conversant with virtue, who had occupied a summit on the south, in a voice deep as that of the clouds, said these auspicious words, 'Arjuna, behold us, the protectors of the worlds, arrive here! We will grant thee (spiritual) vision, for thou deservest to behold us. Thou wert in thy former life a Rishi of immeasurable soul, known as Nara of
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great might At the command, O child, of Brahma, thou hast been born among men! O sinless one, by thee shall be vanquished in battle the highly virtuous grandsire of the Kurus--Bhishma of great energy--who is born of the Vasus. Thou shalt also defeat all the Kshatriyas of fiery energy commanded by the son of Bharadwaja in battle. Thou shalt also defeat those Danavas of fierce prowess that have been born amongst men, and those Danavas also that are called Nivatakavachas. And, O son of the Kuru race, O Dhananjaya, thou shalt also slay Karna of fierce prowess, who is even a portion of my father Surya, of energy celebrated throughout the worlds. And, O son of Kunti, smiter of all foes, thou shalt also slay all the portions of celestials and Danavas and the Rakshasas that have been incarnate on earth. And slain by thee, these shall attain to the regions earned by them according to their acts. And, O Phalguna, the fame of thy achievements will last for ever in the world: thou hast gratified Mahadeva himself in conflict. Thou shalt, with Vishnu himself, lighten the burden of the earth. O accept this weapon of mine--the mace I wield incapable of being baffled by any body. With this weapon thou wilt achieve great deeds.'"
Vaisampayana continued, "O Janamejaya, the son of Pritha then received from Yama that weapon duly, along with the Mantras and rite, and the mysteries of hurling and withdrawing it. Then Varuna, the lord of all aquatic creatures, blue as the clouds, from a summit he had occupied on the west, uttered these words, 'O son of Pritha, thou art the foremost of Kshatriyas, and engaged in Kshatriya practices. O thou of large coppery eyes, behold me! I am Varuna, the lord of waters. Hurled by me, my nooses are incapable of being resisted. O son of Kunti, accept of me these Varuna weapons along with the mysteries of hurling and withdrawing them. With these, O hero, in the battle that ensued of your on account of Taraka (the wife of Vrihaspati), thousands of mighty Daityas were seized and tied. Accept them of me. Even if Yama himself by thy foe, with these in thy hands, he will not be able to escape from thee. When thou wilt armed with these, range over the field of battle, the land, beyond doubt, will be destitute of Kshatriyas.'"
Vaisampayana continued, "After both Varuna and Yama had given away their celestial weapons, the lord of treasures having his home on the heights of Kailasa, then spake, 'O son of Pandu, O thou of great might and wisdom, I too have been pleased with thee. And this meeting with thee giveth me as much pleasure as a meeting with Krishna. O wielder of the bow with the left hand, O thou of mighty arms, thou wert a god before, eternal (as other gods). In ancient Kalpas, thou hadst every day gone through ascetic austerities along with us. O best of men, I grant thee celestial vision. O thou of mighty arms, thou wilt defeat even invincible Daityas and Danavas. Accept of me also without loss of time, an excellent weapon. With this thou wilt be able to consume the
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ranks of Dhritarashtra. Take then this favourite weapon of mine called Antarddhana. Endued with energy and prowess and splendour, it is capable of sending the foe to sleep. When the illustrious Sankara slew Tripura, even this was the weapon which he shot and by which many mighty Asuras were consumed. O thou of invincible prowess I take it up for giving it to thee. Endued with the dignity of the Meru, thou art competent to hold this weapon.'"
"After these words had been spoken, the Kuru prince Arjuna endued with great strength, duly received from Kuvera that celestial weapon. Then the chief of the celestials addressing Pritha's son of ceaseless deeds in sweet words, said, in a voice deep as that the clouds or the kettle-drum, 'O thou mighty-armed son of Kunti, thou art an ancient god. Thou hast already achieved the highest success, and acquired the statue of a god. But, O represser of foes, thou hast yet to accomplish the purposes of the gods. Thou must ascend to heaven. Therefore prepare thou O hero of great splendour! My own car with Matali as charioteer, will soon descend on the earth. Taking thee, O Kaurava, to heaven, I will grant thee there all my celestial weapons.'"
"Beholding those protectors of the worlds assembled together on the heights of Himavat, Dhananjaya, the son of Kunti, wondered much, Endued with great energy, he then duly worshipped the assembled Lokapalas, with words, water, and fruits. The celestials then returning that worship, went away. And the gods capable of going everywhere at will, and endued with the speed of the mind, returned to the places whence they had come."
"That bull among men--Arjuna--having obtained weapons thus, was filled with pleasure. And he regarded himself as one whose desires had been fulfilled and who was crowned with success."

 

 

 

Book 3
Chapter 42

 

 

 1 [vai]
      tasya saṃpaśyatas tv eva pinākī vṛṣabhadhvajaḥ
      jagāmādarśanaṃ bhānur lokasyevāstam eyivān
  2 tato 'rjunaḥ paraṃ cakre vismayaṃ paravīrahā
      mayā sākṣān mahādevo dṛṣṭa ity eva bhārata
  3 dhanyo 'smy anugṛhīto 'smi yan mayā tryambako haraḥ
      pinākī varado rūpī dṛṣṭaḥ spṛṣṭaś ca pāṇinā
  4 kṛtārthaṃ cāvagacchāmi param ātmānam ātmanā
      śatrūṃś ca vijitān sarvān nirvṛttaṃ ca prayojanam
  5 tato vaiḍūrya varṇābho bhāsayan sarvatodiśaḥ
      yādogaṇavṛtaḥ śrīmān ājagāma jaleśvaraḥ
  6 nāgair nadair nadībhiś ca daityaiḥ sādhyaiś ca daivataiḥ
      varuṇo yādasāṃ bhartā vaśītaṃ deśam āgamat
  7 atha jāmbūnadavapur vimānena mahārciṣā
      kuberaḥ samanuprāpto yakṣair anugataḥ prabhuḥ
  8 vidyotayann ivākāśam adbhutopamadarśanaḥ
      dhanānām īśvaraḥ śrīmān arjunaṃ draṣṭum āgataḥ
  9 tathā lokānta kṛc chrīmān yamaḥ sākṣāt pratāpavān
      mūrty amūrti dharaiḥ sārdhaṃ pitṛbhir lokabhāvanaiḥ
  10 daṇḍapāṇir acintyātmā sarvabhūtavināśakṛt
     vaivasvato dharmarājo vimānenāvabhāsayan
 11 trīṁl lokān guhyakāṃś caiva gandharvāṃś ca sapannagān
     dvitīya iva mārtaṇḍo yugānte samupasthite
 12 bhānumanti vicitrāṇi śikharāṇi mahāgireḥ
     samāsthāyārjunaṃ tatra dadṛśus tapasānvitaḥ
 13 tato muhūrtād bhagavān airāvata śiro gataḥ
     ājagāma sahendrāṇyā śakraḥ suragaṇair vṛtaḥ
 14 pāṇḍureṇātapatreṇa dhriyamāṇena mūrdhani
     śuśubhe tārakā rājaḥ sitam abhram ivāsthitaḥ
 15 saṃstūyamāno gandharvair ṛṣibhiś ca tapodhanaiḥ
     śṛṅgaṃ gireḥ samāsādya tasthau sūrya ivoditaḥ
 16 atha meghasvano dhīmān vyājahāra śubhāṃ giram
     yamaḥ paramadharmajño dakṣiṇāṃ diśam āsthitaḥ
 17 arjunārjuna paśyāsmāṁl lokapālān samāgatān
     dṛṣṭiṃ te vitarāmo 'dya bhavān arho hi darśanam
 18 pūrvarṣir amitātmā tvaṃ naro nāma mahābalaḥ
     niyogād brahmaṇas tāta martyatāṃ samupāgataḥ
     tvaṃ vāsava samudbhūto mahāvīryaparākramaḥ
 19 kṣatraṃ cāgnisamasparśaṃ bhāradvājena rakṣitam
     dānavāś ca mahāvīryā ye manuṣyatvam āgatāḥ
     nivātakavacāś caiva saṃsādhyāḥ kurunandana
 20 pitur mamāṃśo devasya sarvalokapratāpinaḥ
     karṇaḥ sa sumahāvīryas tvayā vadhyo dhanaṃjaya
 21 aṃśāś ca kṣitisaṃprāptā devagandharvarakṣasām
     tayā nipātitā yuddhe svakarmaphalanirjitām
     gatiṃ prāpsyanti kaunteya yathā svam arikarśana
 22 akṣayā tava kīrtiś ca loke sthāsyati phalguna
     laghvī vasumatī cāpi kartavyā viṣṇunā saha
 23 gṛhāṇāstraṃ mahābāho daṇḍam aprativāraṇam
     anenāstreṇa sumahat tvaṃ hi karma kariṣyasi
 24 pratijagrāha tat pārtho vidhivat kurunandanaḥ
     samantraṃ sopacāraṃ ca samokṣaṃ sanivartanam
 25 tato jaladhara śyāmo varuṇo yādasāṃ patiḥ
     paścimāṃ diśam āsthāya giram uccārayan prabhuḥ
 26 pārtha kṣatriya mukhyas tvaṃ kṣatradharme vyavasthitaḥ
     paśya māṃ pṛthu tāmrākṣa varuṇo 'smi jaleśvaraḥ
 27 mayā samudyatān pāśān vāruṇān anivāraṇān
     pratigṛhṇīṣva kaunteya sarahasya nivartanān
 28 ebhis tadā mayā vīra saṃgrāme tārakāmaye
     daiteyānāṃ sahasrāṇi saṃyatāni mahātmanām
 29 tasmād imān mahāsattvamatprasādāt samutthitān
     gṛhāṇa na hi te mucyed antako 'py ātatāyinaḥ
 30 anena tvaṃ yadāstreṇa saṃgrāme vicariṣyasi
     tadā niḥkṣatriyā bhūmir bhaviṣyati na saṃśayaḥ
 31 tataḥ kailāsanilayo dhanādhyakṣo 'bhyabhāṣata
     datteṣv astreṣu divyeṣu varuṇena yamena ca
 32 savyasācin mahābāho pūrvadeva sanātana
     sahāsmābhir bhavāñ śrāntaḥ purākalpeṣu nityaśaḥ
 33 matto 'pi tvaṃ gṛhāṇāstram antardhānaṃ priyaṃ mama
     ojas tejo dyutiharaṃ prasvāpanam arātihan
 34 tato 'rjuno mahābāhur vidhivat kurunandanaḥ
     kauberam api jagrāha divyam astraṃ mahābalaḥ
 35 tato 'bravīd devarājaḥ pārtham akliṣṭakāriṇam
     sāntvayañ ślakṣṇayā vācā meghadundubhi nisvanaḥ
 36 kuntī mātar mahābāho tvam īśānaḥ purātanaḥ
     parāṃ siddhim anuprāptaḥ sākṣād deva gatiṃ gataḥ
 37 devakāryaṃ hi sumahat tvayā kāryam ariṃdama
     āroḍhavyas tvayā svargāḥ sajjībhava mahādyute
 38 ratho mātalisaṃyukta āgantā tvatkṛte mahīm
     tatra te 'haṃ pradāsyāmi divyāny astrāṇi kaurava
 39 tān dṛṣṭvā lokapālāṃs tu sametān girimūrdhani
     jagāma vismayaṃ dhīmān kuntīputro dhanaṃjayaḥ
 40 tato 'rjuno mahātejā lokapālān samāgatān
     pūjayām āsa vidhivad vāgbhir adbhiḥ phalair api
 41 tataḥ pratiyayur devāḥ pratipūjya dhanaṃjayam
     yathāgatena vibudhāḥ sarve kāmamano javāḥ
 42 tato 'rjuno mudaṃ lebhe labdhāstraḥ puruṣarṣabhaḥ
     kṛtārtham iva cātmānaṃ sa mene pūrṇamānasaḥ

 

SECTION XLII

(Indralokagamana Parva)

Vaisampayana said, "After the Lokapalas had gone away, Arjuna--that slayer of all foes--began to think, O monarch, of the car of Indra! And as Gudakesa gifted with great intelligence was thinking of it, the car endued with great effulgence and guided by Matali, came dividing the clouds and illuminating the firmament and filling the entire welkin with its rattle deep as the roar of mighty masses of clouds. Swords, and missiles of terrible forms and maces of frightful description, and winged darts of celestials splendour and lightnings of the brightest effulgence, and thunderbolts, and propellors furnished with wheels and worked with atmosphere expansion and producing sounds loud as the roar of great
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masses of clouds, were on that car. And there were also on that car fierce and huge-bodied Nagas with fiery mouths, and heaps of stones white as the fleecy clouds. And the car was drawn by ten thousands of horses of golden hue, endued with the speed of the wind. And furnished with prowess of illusion, the car was drawn with such speed that the eye could hardly mark its progress. And Arjuna saw on that car the flag-staff called Vaijayanta, of blazing effulgence, resembling in hue the emerald or the dark-blue lotus, and decked with golden ornaments and straight as the bamboo. And beholding a charioteer decked in gold seated on that car, the mighty-armed son of Pritha regarded it as belonging to the celestials. And while Arjuna was occupied with his thoughts regarding the car, the charioteer Matali, bending himself after descending from the car, addressed him, saying, 'O lucky son of Sakra! Sakra himself wisheth to see thee. Ascend thou without loss of time this car that hath been sent by Indra. The chief of the immortals, thy father--that god of a hundred sacrifices--hath commanded me, saying, 'Bring the son of Kunti hither. Let the gods behold him.' And Sankara himself, surrounded by the celestials and Rishis and Gandharvas and Apsaras, waiteth to behold thee. At the command of the chastiser of Paka, therefore, ascend thou with me from this to the region of the celestials. Thou wilt return after obtaining weapons.'"
"Arjuna replied, 'O Matali, mount thou without loss of time this excellent car, a car that cannot be attained even by hundreds of Rajasuya and horse sacrifices. Even kings of great prosperity who have performed great sacrifices distinguished by large gifts (to Brahmanas), even gods and Danavas are not competent to ride this car. He that hath not ascetic merit is not competent to even see or touch this car, far less to ride on it. O blessed one, after thou hast ascended, it, and after the horses have become still, I will ascend it, like a virtuous man stepping into the high-road of honesty.'"
Vaisampayana continued, "Matali, the charioteer of Sakra, hearing these words of Arjuna, soon mounted the car and controlled the horses. Arjuna then, with a cheerful heart, purified himself by a bath in the Ganges. And the son of Kunti then duly repeated (inaudibly) his customary prayers. He then, duly and according to the ordinance, gratified the Pitris with oblations of water. And, lastly, he commenced to invoke the Mandara--that king of mountains--saying, 'O mountain, thou art ever the refuge of holy, heaven-seeking Munis of virtuous conduct and behaviour. It is through thy grace, O mountain, that Brahmanas and Kshatriyas and Vaisyas attain heaven, and their anxieties gone, sport with the celestials. O king of mountains, O mountain, thou art the asylum of Munis, and thou holdest on thy breast numerous sacred shrines. Happily have I dwelt on thy heights. I leave thee now, bidding thee farewell. Oft have I seen thy tablelands and bowers, thy springs and
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brooks, and the sacred shrines on thy breast. I have also eaten the savoury fruits growing on thee, and have slated my thirst with draughts of perfumed water oozing from the body. I have also drunk the water of thy springs, sweet as amrita itself. O mountain, as a child sleepeth happily on the lap of his father, so have I, O king of mountains, O excellent one, sported on thy breast, echoing with the notes of Apsaras and the chanting of the Vedas. O mountain, every day have I lived happily on thy tablelands.' Thus having bidden farewell to the mountain, that slayer of hostile heroes--Arjuna--blazing like the Sun himself, ascended the celestial car. And the Kuru prince gifted with great intelligence, with a glad heart, coursed through the firmament on that celestial car effulgent as the sun and of extra-ordinary achievements. And after he had become invisible to the mortals of the earth, he beheld thousands of cars of extra-ordinary beauty. And in that region there was no sun or moon or fire to give light, but it blazed in light of its own, generated by virtue of ascetic merit. And those brilliant regions that are seen from the earth in the form of stars, like lamps (in the sky)--so small in consequence of their distance, though very large--were beheld by the son of Pandu, stationed in their respective places, full of beauty and effulgence and blazing with splendour all their own. And there he beheld royal sages crowned with ascetic success, and heroes who had yielded up their lives in battle, and those that had acquired heaven by their ascetic austerities, by hundreds upon hundreds. And there were also Gandharvas, of bodies blazing like the sun, by thousands upon thousands, as also Guhyakas and Rishis and numerous tribes of Apsaras. And beholding those self-effulgent regions, Phalguna became filled with wonder, and made enquiries of Matali. And Matali also gladly replied unto him, saying, 'These, O son of Pritha, are virtuous persons stationed in their respective places. It is these whom thou hast seen, O exalted one, as stars, from the earth.' Then Arjuna saw standing at the gates (Indra's region) the handsome and ever victorious elephant--Airavata--furnished with four tusks, and resembling the mountain of Kailasa with its summits. And coursing along that path of the Siddhas, that foremost of the Kurus and the son of Pandu, sat in beauty like Mandhata--that best of kings. Endued with eyes like lotus leaves, he passed through the region set apart for virtuous kings. And the celebrated Arjuna having thus passed through successive regions of heaven at last beheld Amaravati, the city of Indra."

 

 

 

 

Book 3
Chapter 43

 

1 [vai]
      gateṣu lokapāleṣu pārthaḥ śatrunibarhaṇaḥ
      cintayām āsa rājendra devarājarathāgamam
  2 tataś cintayamānasya guḍā keśasya dhīmataḥ
      ratho mātalisaṃyukta ājagāma mahāprabhaḥ
  3 nabho vitimiraṃ kurvañ jaladān pāṭayann iva
      diśaḥ saṃpūrayan nādair mahāmegharavopamaiḥ
  4 asayaḥ śaktayo bhīmā gadāś cograpradarśanāḥ
      divyaprabhāvā prāsāś ca vidyutaś ca mahāprabhāḥ
  5 tathaivāśanayas tatra cakrayuktā huḍā guḍāḥ
      vāyusphoṭāḥ sanirghātā barhi meghanibha svanāḥ
  6 tatra nāgā mahākāyā jvalitāsyāḥ sudāruṇāḥ
      sitābhrakūṭapratimāḥ saṃhatāś ca yathopalāḥ
  7 daśavājisahasrāṇi harīṇāṃ vātaraṃhasām
      vahanti yaṃ netramuṣaṃ divyaṃ māyāmayaṃ ratham
  8 tatrāpaśyan mahānīlaṃ vaijayantaṃ mahāprabham
      dhvajam indī varaśyāmaṃ vaṃśaṃ kanakabhūṣaṇam
  9 tasmin rathe sthitaṃ sūtaṃ taptahemavibhūṣitam
      dṛṣṭvā pārtho mahābāhur devam evānvatarkayat
  10 tathā tarkayatas tasya phalgunasyātha mātaliḥ
     saṃnataḥ praśrito bhūtvā vākyam arjunam abravīt
 11 bho bho śakrātmaja śrīmāñ śakras tvāṃ draṣṭum icchati
     ārohatu bhavāñ śīghraṃ ratham indrasya saṃmatam
 12 āha mām amara śreṣṭhaḥ pitā tava śatakratuḥ
     kuntīsutam iha prāptaṃ paśyantu tridaśālayāḥ
 13 eṣa śakraḥ parivṛto devair ṛṣigaṇais tathā
     gandharvair apsarobhiś ca tvāṃ didṛkṣuḥ pratīkṣate
 14 asmāl lokād devalokaṃ pākaśāsana śāsanāt
     āroha tvaṃ mayā sārdhaṃ labdhāstraḥ punar eṣyasi
 15 [arj]
     mātale gaccha śīghraṃ tvam ārohasva rathottamam
     rājasūyāśvamedhānāṃ śatair api sudurlabham
 16 pārthivaiḥ sumahābhāgair yajvabhir bhūridakṣiṇaiḥ
     daivatair vā samāroḍhuṃ dānavair vā rathottamam
 17 nātapta tapasā śakya eṣa divyo mahārathaḥ
     draṣṭuṃ vāpy atha vā spraṣṭum āroḍhuṃ kuta eva tu
 18 tvayi pratiṣṭhite sādho rathasthe sthiravājini
     paścād aham athārokṣye sukṛtī satpathaṃ yathā
 19 [vai]
     tasya tad vacanaṃ śrutvā mātaliḥ śakrasārathiḥ
     āruroha rathaṃ śīghraṃ hayān yeme ca raśmibhiḥ
 20 tato 'rjuno hṛṣṭamanā gaṅgāyām āplutaḥ śuciḥ
     jajāpa japyaṃ kaunteyo vidhivat kurunandanaḥ
 21 tataḥ pitṝn yathānyāyaṃ tarpayitvā yathāvidhi
     mandaraṃ śailarājaṃ tam āpraṣṭum upacakrame
 22 sādhūnāṃ dharmaśīlānāṃ munīnāṃ puṇyakarmaṇām
     tvaṃ sadā saṃśrayaḥ śailasvargamārgābhikāṅkṣiṇām
 23 tvatprasādāt sadā śailabrāhmaṇāḥ kṣatriyā viśaḥ
     svagaṃ prāptāś caranti sma devaiḥ saha gatavyathāḥ
 24 adrirājamahāśailamuni saṃśrayatīrthavan
     gacchāmy āmantrayāmi tvāṃ sukham asmy uṣitas tvayi
 25 tava sānūni kuñjāś ca nadyaḥ prasravaṇāni ca
     tīrthāni ca supuṇyāni mayā dṛṣṭāny anekaśaḥ
 26 evam uktvārjunaḥ śailam āmantrya paravīrahā
     āruroha rathaṃ divyaṃ dyotayann iva bhāsvakaḥ
 27 sa tenāditya rūpeṇa divyenādbhuta karmaṇā
     ūrdhvam ācakrame dhīmān prahṛṣṭaḥ kurunandanaḥ
 28 so 'darśana pathaṃ yātvā martyānāṃ bhūmicāriṇām
     dadarśādbhutarūpāṇi vimānāni sahasraśaḥ
 29 na tatra sūryaḥ somo vā dyotate na ca pāvakaḥ
     svayaiva prabhayā tatra dyotante puṇyalabdhayā
 30 tārā rūpāṇi yānīha dṛśyante dyutimanti vai
     dīpavad viprakṛṣṭatvād aṇūni sumahānty api
 31 tāni tatra prabhāsvanti rūpavanti ca pāṇḍavaḥ
     dadarśa sveṣu dhiṣṇyeṣu dīptimanti svayārciṣā
 32 tatra rājarṣayaḥ siddhā vīrāś ca nihatā yudhi
     tapasā ca jitasvargāḥ saṃpetuḥ śatasaṃghaśaḥ
 33 gandharvāṇāṃ sahasrāṇi sūryajvalana tejasām
     guhyakānām ṛṣīṇāṃ ca tathaivāpsarasāṃ gaṇāḥ
 34 lokān ātmaprabhān paśyan phalguno vismayānvitaḥ
     papraccha mātaliṃ prītyā sa cāpy enam uvāca ha
 35 ete sukṛtinaḥ pārtha sveṣu dhiṣṇyeṣvv avasthitāḥ
     yān dṛṣṭavān asi vibho tārā rūpāṇi bhūtale
 36 tato 'paśyat sthitaṃ dvāri sitaṃ vaijayinaṃ gajam
     airāvataṃ caturdantaṃ kailāsam iva śṛṅgiṇam
 37 sa siddhamārgam ākramya kurupāṇḍavasattamaḥ
     vyarocata yathāpūrvaṃ māndhātā pārthivottamaḥ
 38 aticakrāma lokān sa rājñāṃ rājīvalocanaḥ
     tato dadarśa śakrasya purīṃ tām amarāvatīm

 

SECTION XLIII

Vaisampayana said, "And the city of Indra which Arjuna saw was delightful and was the resort of Siddhas and Charanas. And it was adorned with the flowers of every season, and with sacred trees of all kinds. And he beheld also celestial gardens called Nandana--the favourite resort of Apsaras. And fanned by the fragrant breezes charged with the farina of sweet-scented flowers, the trees with their lord of celestial blossoms seemed to welcome him amongst them. And the region was such that none could behold it who had not gone through ascetic austerities, or who had not poured libations on fire. It was a region for the virtuous alone, and not for those who had turned their back on the field of battle. And none were competent to see it who had not performed sacrifices or observed rigid vows, or who were without a knowledge of the Vedas, or who had not bathed in sacred waters, or who were not distinguished for sacrifices and gifts. And none were competent to see it who were disturbers of sacrifices, or who were low, or who drank intoxicating liquors, or who were violators of their preceptors' bed, or who were eaters of (unsanctified) meat, or who were wicked. And having beheld those celestial gardens resounding with celestial music, the strong-armed son of Pandu entered the favourite city of Indra. And he beheld there celestial cars by thousands, capable of going everywhere at will, stationed in proper places. And he saw tens of thousands of such cars moving in every direction. And fanned by pleasant breezes charged with the perfumes of flowers, the son of Pandu was praised by Apsaras and Gandharvas. And the celestials then, accompanied by the Gandharvas and Siddhas and great Rishis, cheerfully reverenced Pritha's son of white deeds. Benedictions were poured upon him, accompanied by the sounds of celestial music. The strong-armed son of Pritha then heard around him the music of conchs and drums. And praised all around, the son of Pritha then went, at the command of Indra, to that large and extensive starry way called by the name of Suravithi. There he met with the Sadhyas, the Viswas, the Marutas, the twin Aswins, the Adityas, the Vasus, the Rudras, the Brahmarshis of the great splendour, and numerous royal sages with Dilipa at their head, and Tumvura and Narada, and that couple of Gandharvas known by the names of Haha and Huhu. And the Kuru prince--that chastiser of foes--having met and duly saluted them, last of all beheld the chief of the celestials--the god of a hundred sacrifices. Then the strong-armed son of Pritha, alighting from the car approached the lord himself of the gods--his father--that chastiser of Paka. And a beautiful white umbrella furnished with a golden staff was held over the chief of the celestials. And he was fanned with a
p. 98
[paragraph continues] Chamara perfumed with celestial scents. And he was eulogised by many Gandharvas headed by Viswavasu and others, by bards and singers, and by foremost Brahmanas chanting Rik and Yajus hymns. And the mighty son of Kunti, approaching Indra, saluted him by bending his head to the ground. And Indra thereupon embraced him with his round and plump arms. And taking his hand, Sakra made him sit by him on a portion of his own seat, that sacred seat which was worshipped by gods and Rishis. And the lord of the celestials-that slayer of hostile heroes--smelt the head of Arjuna bending in humility, and even took him upon his lap. Seated on Sakra's seat at the command of that god of a thousand eyes, Pritha's son of immeasurable energy began to blaze in splendour like a second Indra. And moved by affection, the slayer of Vritra, consoling Arjuna, touched his beautiful face with his own perfumed hands. And the wielder of the thunderbolt, patting and rubbing gently again and again with his own hands which bore the marks of the thunderbolt the handsome and huge arms of Arjuna which resembled a couple of golden columns and which were hard in consequence of drawing the bowstring and son enhanced the beauty of the assembly, like the sun and moon god of a thousand eyes--eyeing his son of curly locks smilingly and with eyes expanded with delight, seemed scarcely to be gratified. The more he gazed, the more he liked to gaze on. And seated on one seat, the father and son enhanced the beauty of the assembly, like the sun and moon beautifying the firmament together on the fourteenth day of the dark fortnight. And a band of Gandharvas headed by Tumvuru skilled in music sacred and profane, sang many verses in melodious notes. And Ghritachi and Menaka and Rambha and Purvachitti and Swayamprabha and Urvasi and Misrakesi and Dandagauri and Varuthini and Gopali and Sahajanya and Kumbhayoni and Prajagara and Chitrasena and Chitralekha and Saha and Madhuraswana, these and others by thousands, possessed of eyes like lotus leaves, who were employed in enticing the hearts of persons practising rigid austerities, danced there. And possessing slim waists and fair large hips, they began to perform various evolutions, shaking their deep bosoms, and casting their glances around, and exhibiting other attractive attitude capable of stealing the hearts and resolutions and minds of the spectators."

 

 

 

 

Book 3
Chapter 44

 

 

 1 [vai]
      sa dadarśa purīṃ ramyāṃ siddhacāraṇasevitām
      sarvartukusumaiḥ puṇyaiḥ pādapair upaśobhitām
  2 tatra saugandhikānāṃ sa drumāṇāṃ puṇyagandhinām
      upavījyamāno miśreṇa vāyunā puṇyagandhinā
  3 nandanaṃ ca vanaṃ divyam apsarogaṇasevitam
      dadarśa divyakusumair āhvayadbhir iva drumaiḥ
  4 nātapta tapasā śakyo draṣṭuṃ nānāhitāgninā
      sa lokaḥ puṇyakartṝṇāṃ nāpi yuddhaparāṅmukhaiḥ
  5 nāyajvabhir nānṛtakair na vedaśrutivarjitaiḥ
      nānā plutāṅgais tīrtheṣu yajñadānabahiṣ kṛtaiḥ
  6 nāpi yajñahanaiḥ kṣudrair draṣṭuṃ śakyaḥ kathaṃ cana
      pānapair guru talpaiś ca māṃsādair vā durātmabhiḥ
  7 sa tad divyaṃ vanaṃ paśyan divyagīta nināditam
      praviveśa mahābāhuḥ śakrasya dayitāṃ purīm
  8 tatra deva vimānāni kāmagāni sahasraśaḥ
      saṃsthitāny abhiyātāni dadarśāyutaśas tadā
  9 saṃstūyamāno gandharvair apsarobhiś ca pāṇḍavaḥ
      puṣpagandhavahaiḥ puṇyair vāyubhiś cānujīvitaḥ
  10 tato devāḥ sagandharvāḥ siddhāś ca paramarṣayaḥ
     hṛṣṭāḥ saṃpūjayām āsuḥ pārtham akliṣṭakāriṇam
 11 āśīrvādaiḥ stūyamāno divyavāditra nisvanaiḥ
     pratipede mahābāhuḥ śaṅkhadundubhināditam
 12 nakṣatramārgaṃ vipulaṃ suravīthīti viśrutam
     indrājñayā yayau pārthaḥ stūyamānaḥ samantataḥ
 13 tatra sādhyās tathā viśve maruto 'thāśvināv api
     ādityā vasavo rudrās tathā brahmarṣayo 'malāḥ
 14 rājarṣayaś ca bahavo dilīpa pramukhā nṛpāḥ
     tumburur nāradaiś caiva gandharvvau ca hahāhuhū
 15 tān sarvvān sa samāgamya vidhivat kurunandanaḥ
     tato 'paśyad devarājaṃ śatakratum ariṃdamam
 16 tataḥ pārtho mahābāhur avatīrya rathottamāt
     dadarśa sākṣād devendraṃ pitaraṃ pākaśāsanam
 17 pāṇḍureṇātapatreṇa hemadaṇḍena cāruṇā
     divyagandhādhivāsena vyajanena vidhūyatā
 18 viśvāvasuprabhṛtibhir gandharvaiḥ stutivandanaiḥ
     stūyamānaṃ dvijāgryaiś ca ṛg yajuḥ sāma saṃstavaiḥ
 19 tato 'bhigamya kaunteyaḥ śirasābhyanamad balī
     sa cainam anuvṛttābhyāṃ bhujābhyāṃ pratyagṛhṇata
 20 tataḥ śakrāsane puṇye devarājarṣipūjite
     śakraḥ pāṇau gṛhītvainam upāveśayad antike
 21 mūrdhni cainam upāghrāya devendraḥ paravīrahā
     aṅkam āropayām āsa praśrayāvanataṃ tadā
 22 sahasrākṣa niyogāt sa pārthaḥ śakrāsanaṃ tadā
     adhyakrāmad ameyātmā dvitīya iva vāsavaḥ
 23 tataḥ premṇā vṛtra śatrur arjunasya śubhaṃ mukham
     pasparśa puṇyagandhena kareṇa parisāntvayan
 24 parimārjamānaḥ śanakair bāhū cāsyāyatau śubhau
     jyā śarakṣepa kaṭhinau stambhāv iva hiraṇmayau
 25 vajragrahaṇacihnena kareṇa balasūdanaḥ
     muhur muhur vajradharo bāhū saṃsphālayañ śanaiḥ
 26 smayann iva guḍā keśaṃ prekṣamāṇaḥ sahasradṛk
     harṣeṇotphulla nayano na cātṛpyata vṛtrahā
 27 ekāsanopaviṣṭau tau śobhayāṃ cakratuḥ sabhām
     sūryā candramasau vyomni caturdaśyām ivoditau
 28 tatra sma gāthā gāyanti sāmnā paramavalgunā
     gandharvās tumburu śreṣṭhāḥ kuśalā gītasāmasu
 29 ghṛtācī menakā rambhā pūrvacittiḥ svayaṃprabhā
     urvaśī miśrakeśī ca ḍuṇḍur gaurī varūthinī
 30 gopālī saha janyā ca kumbhayoniḥ prajāgarā
     citrasenā citralekhā sahā ca madhurasvarā
 31 etāś cānyāś ca nanṛtus tatra tatra varāṅganāḥ
     cittapramathane yuktāḥ siddhānāṃ padmalocanāḥ
 32 mahākaṭi taṭa śroṇyaḥ kampamānaiḥ payodharaiḥ
     kaṭākṣa hāva mādhuryaiś ceto buddhimanoharāḥ

 

SECTION XLIV

Vaisampayana said, "The gods and the Gandharvas then, understanding the wishes of India, procured an excellent Arghya and reverenced the son of Pritha in a hurry. And giving water to wash both his feet and face, they caused the prince to enter the palace of Indra. And thus worshipped, Jishnu continued to live in the abode of his father. And the son of Pandu continued all the while to acquire celestial weapons, together with the means of withdrawing them. And he received from the hands of Sakra his favourite weapon of irresistible force, viz., the thunder-bolt and those other weapons also, of tremendous roar, viz., the lightnings of heaven, whose flashes are inferable from the appearance of clouds and (the dancing of) peacocks. And the son of Pandu, after he had obtained those weapons, recollected his brothers. And at the command of Indra, however, he lived for full five years in heaven, surrounded by every comfort and luxury.
"After some time, when Arjuna had obtained all the weapons. Indra addressed him in due time, saying, 'O son of Kunti, learn thou music and dancing from Chitrasena. Learn the instrumental music that is current among the celestials and which existeth not in the world of men, for, O son of Kunti, it will be to thy benefit. And Purandara gave Chitrasena as a friend unto Arjuna. And the son of Pritha lived happily in peace with Chitrasena. And Chitrasena instructed Arjuna all the while in music; vocal and instrumental and in dancing. But the active Arjuna obtained no peace of mind, remembering the unfair play at dice of Sakuni, the son of Suvala, and thinking with rage of Dussasana and his death. When however, his friendship with Chitrasena had ripened fully, he at times learned the unrivalled dance and music practised among the Gandharvas. And at last having learnt various kinds of dance and diverse species of music, both vocal and instrumental, that slayer of hostile heroes obtained no peace of mind remembering his brothers and mother Kunti."

 

 

 

Book 3
Chapter 45

 

 

1 [vai]
      tato devāḥ sagandharvāḥ samādāyārghyam uttamam
      śakrasya matam ājñāya pārtham ānarcur añjasā
  2 pādyam ācamanīyaṃ ca pratigṛhya nṛpātmajam
      praveśayā māsur atho puraṃdara niveśanam
  3 evaṃ saṃpūjito jiṣṇur uvāsa bhavane pituḥ
      upaśikṣan mahāstrāṇi sasaṃhārāṇi pāṇḍavaḥ
  4 śakrasya hastād dayitaṃ vajram astraṃ durutsaham
      aśanīś ca mahānādā meghabarhiṇa lakṣaṇāḥ
  5 gṛhītāstras tu kaunteyo bhrātṝn sasmāra pāṇḍavaḥ
      puraṃdara niyogāc ca pañcābdam avasat sukhī
  6 tataḥ śakro 'bravīt pārthaṃ kṛtāstraṃ kāla āgate
      nṛttaṃ gītaṃ ca kaunteya citrasenād avāpnuhi
  7 vāditraṃ deva vihitaṃ nṛloke yan na vidyate
      tad arjayasva kaunteya śreyo vai te bhaviṣyati
  8 sakhāyaṃ pradadau cāsya citrasenaṃ puraṃdaraḥ
      sa tena saha saṃgamya reme pārtho nirāmayaḥ
  9 kadā cid aṭamānas tu maharṣir uta lomaśaḥ
      jagāma śakra bhavanaṃ puraṃdara didṛkṣayā
  10 sa sametya namaskṛtya devarājaṃ mahāmuniḥ
     dadarśārdhāsana gataṃ pāṇḍavaṃ vāsavasya ha
 11 tataḥ śakrābhyanujñāta āsane viṣṭarottare
     niṣasāda dvijaśreṣṭhaḥ pūjyamāno maharṣibhiḥ
 12 tasya dṛṣṭvābhavad buddhiḥ pārtham indrāsane sthitam
     kathaṃ nu kṣatriyaḥ pārthaḥ śakrāsanam avāptavān
 13 kiṃ tv asya sukṛtaṃ karma lokā vā ke vinirjitāḥ
     ya evam upasaṃprāptaḥ sthānaṃ devanamaskṛtam
 14 tasya vijñāya saṃkalpaṃ śakro vṛtraniṣūdanaḥ
     lomaśaṃ prahasan vākyam idam āha śacīpatiḥ
 15 brahmarṣe śrūyatāṃ yat te manasaitad vivakṣitam
     nāyaṃ kevalamartyo vai kṣatriyatvam upāgataḥ
 16 maharṣe mama putro 'yaṃ kuntyāṃ jāto mahābhujaḥ
     astrahetor iha prāptaḥ kasmāc cit kāraṇāntarāt
 17 aho nainaṃ bhavān vetti purāṇam ṛṣisattamam
     śṛṇu me vadato brahman yo 'yaṃ yac cāsya kāraṇam
 18 naranārāyaṇau yau tau purāṇāv ṛṣisattamau
     tāv imāv abhijānīhi hṛṣīkeśadhanaṃjayau
 19 yan na śakyaṃ surair draṣṭum ṛṣibhir vā mahātmabhiḥ
     tad āśramapadaṃ puṇyaṃ badarī nāma viśrutam
 20 sa nivāso 'bhavad vipra viṣṇor jiṣṇos tathaiva ca
     yataḥ pravavṛte gaṅgā siddhacāraṇasevitā
 21 tau manniyogād brahmarṣe kṣitau jātau mahādyutī
     bhūmer bhārāvataraṇaṃ mahāvīryau kariṣyataḥ
 22 udvṛttā hy asurāḥ ke cin nivātakavacā iti
     vipriyeṣu sthitāsmākaṃ varadānena mohitāḥ
 23 tarkayante surān hantuṃ baladarpa samanvitāḥ
     devān na gaṇayante ca tathā dattavarā hi te
 24 pātālavāsino raudrā danoḥ putrā mahābalāḥ
     sarve deva nikāyā hi nālaṃ yodhayituṃ sma tān
 25 yo 'sau bhūmigataḥ śrīmān viṣṇur madhu niṣūdanaḥ
     kapilo nāma devo 'sau bhagavān ajito hariḥ
 26 yena pūrvaṃ mahātmānaḥ khanamānā rasātalam
     darśanād eva nihatāḥ sagarasyātmajā vibho
 27 tena kāryaṃ mahat kāryam asmākaṃ dvijasattama
     pārthena ca mahāyuddhe sametābhyām asaṃśayam
 28 ayaṃ teṣāṃ samastānāṃ śaktaḥ pratisamāsane
     tān nihatya raṇe śūraḥ punar yāsyati mānuṣān
 29 bhavāṃś cāsman niyogena yātu tāvan mahītalam
     kāmyake drakṣyase vīraṃ nivasantaṃ yudhiṣṭhiram
 30 sa vācyo mama saṃdeśād dharmātmā satyasaṃgaraḥ
     notkaṇṭhā phalgune kāryā kṛtāstraḥ śīghram eṣyati
 31 nāśuddha bāhuvīryeṇa nākṛtāstreṇa vā raṇe
     bhīṣmadroṇādayo yuddhe śaktyāḥ pratisamāsitum
 32 gṛhītāstro guḍā keśo mahābāhur mahāmanāḥ
     nṛttavāditragītānāṃ divyānāṃ pāram eyivān
 33 bhavān api viviktāni tīrthāni manujeśvara
     bhrātṛbhiḥ sahitaḥ sarvair draṣṭum arhaty ariṃdama
 34 tīrtheṣv āplutya puṇyeṣu vipāpmā vigatajvaraḥ
     rājyaṃ bhokṣyasi rājendra sukhī vigatakalmaṣaḥ
 35 bhavāṃś cainaṃ dvijaśreṣṭha paryaṭantaṃ mahītale
     trātum arhati viprāgrya tapobalasamanvitaḥ
 36 giridurgeṣu hi sadā deśeṣu viṣameṣu ca
     vasanti rākṣasā raudrās tebhyo rakṣet sadā bhavān
 37 sa tatheti pratijñāya lomaśaḥ sumahātapāḥ
     kāmyakaṃ vanam uddiśya samupāyān mahītalam
 38 dadarśa tatra kaunteyaṃ dharmarājam ariṃdamam
     tāpasair bhrātṛbhiś caiva sarvataḥ parivāritam

 

SECTION XLV

Vaisampayana said, "One day, knowing that Arjuna's glances were cast upon Urvasi, Vasava, calling Chitrasena to himself, addressed him in private saying, 'O king of Gandharvas, I am pleased; go thou as my messenger to that foremost of Apsaras, Urvasi, and let her wait upon that tiger among men, Phalguna. Tell her, saying these words of mine,
p. 100
[paragraph continues] 'As through my instrumentality Arjuna hath learnt all the weapons and other arts, worshipped by all, so shouldst thou make him conversant with the arts of acquitting one's self in female company.' Thus addressed by Indra, the chief of the Gandharvas in obedience to that command of Vasava, soon went to Urvasi that foremost of Apsaras. And as he saw her, she recognised him and delighted him by the welcome she offered and the salutation she gave. And seated at ease he then smilingly addressed Urvasi, who also was seated at ease, saying, 'Let it be known, O thou of fair hips, that I come hither despatched by the one sole lord of heaven who asketh of thee a favour. He who is known amongst gods and men for his many inborn virtues, for his grace, behaviour, beauty of person, vows and self-control; who is noted for might and prowess, and respected by the virtuous, and ready-witted; who is endued with genius and splendid energy, is of a forgiving temper and without malice of any kind; who hath studied the four Vedas with their branches, and the Upanishads, and the Puranas also; who is endued with devotion to his preceptors and with intellect possessed of the eight attributes, who by his abstinence, ability, origin and age, is alone capable of protecting the celestial regions like Mahavat himself; who is never boastful; who showeth proper respect to all; who beholdeth the minutest things as clearly as if those were gross and large; who is sweet-speeched; who showereth diverse kinds of food and drink on his friends and dependents; who is truthful, worshipped of all, eloquent, handsome, and without pride; who is kind to those devoted to him, and universally pleasing and dear to all; who is firm in promise; who is equal to even Mahendra and Varuna in respect of every desirable attribute, viz., Arjuna, is known to thee. O Urvasi, know thou that hero is to be made to taste the joys of heaven. Commanded by Indra, let him today obtain thy feet. Do this, O amiable one, for Dhananjaya is inclined to thee.'
"Thus addressed, Urvasi of faultless features assumed a smiling face, and receiving the words of the Gandharva with high respect, answered with a glad heart, saying, 'Hearing of the virtues that should adorn men, as unfolded by thee, I would bestow my favours upon any one who happened to possess them. Why should I not then, choose Arjuna for a lover? At the command of Indra, and for my friendship for thee, and moved also by the numerous virtues of Phalguna, I am already under the influence of the god of love. Go thou, therefore, to the place thou desirest. I shall gladly go to Arjuna.'"

 

 

Book 3
Chapter 46

 

 

1 [j]
      atyadbhutam idaṃ karma pārthasyāmita tejasaḥ
      dhṛtarāṣṭro mahātejāḥ śrutvā vipra kim abravīt
  2 [vai]
      śakra lokagataṃ pārthaṃ śrutvā rājāmbikā sutaḥ
      dvaipāyanād ṛṣiśreṣṭhāt saṃjayaṃ vākyam abravīt
  3 śrutaṃ me sūta kārtsnyena karma pārthasya dhīmataḥ
      kac cit tavāpi viditaṃ yathātathyena sārathe
  4 pramatto grāmyadharmeṣu mandātmā pāpaniścayaḥ
      mama putraḥ sudurbuddhiḥ pṛthivīṃ ghātayiṣyati
  5 yasya nityam ṛtā vācaḥ svaireṣv api mahātmanaḥ
      trailokyam api tasya syād yoddhā yasya dhanaṃjayaḥ
  6 asyataḥ karṇinārācāṃs tīkṣṇāgrāṃś ca śilāśitān
      ko 'rjunasyāgratas tiṣṭhed api mṛtyur jarātigaḥ
  7 mama putrā durātmānaḥ sarve mṛtyuvaśaṃ gatāḥ
      yeṣāṃ yuddhaṃ durādharṣaiḥ pāṇḍavaiḥ pratyupasthitam
  8 tasyaiva ca na paśyāmi yudhi gāṇḍīvadhanvanaḥ
      aniśaṃ cintayāno 'pi ya enam udiyād rathī
  9 droṇakarṇau pratīyātāṃ yadi bhīṣmo 'pi vā raṇe
      mahān syāt saṃśayo loke na tu paśyāmi no jayam
  10 ghṛṇī karṇaḥ pramādī ca ācāryaḥ sthaviro guruḥ
     amarṣī balavān pārthaḥ saṃrambhī dṛḍhavikramaḥ
 11 bhavet sutumulaṃ yuddhaṃ sarvaśo 'py aparājitam
     sarve hy astravidaḥ śūrāḥ sarve prāptā mahad yaśaḥ
 12 api sarveśvaratvaṃ hi na vāñcheran parājitāḥ
     vadhe nūnaṃ bhavec chāntis teṣāṃ vā phalgunasya vā
 13 na tu hantārjunasyāsti jetā vāsya na vidyate
     manyus tasya kathaṃ śāmyen mandān prati samutthitaḥ
 14 tridaśeśa samo vīraḥ khāṇḍave 'gnim atarpayat
     jigāya pārthivān sarvān rājasūye mahākratau
 15 śeṣaṃ kuryād girer vajraṃ nipatan mūrdhni saṃjaya
     na tu kuryuḥ śarāḥ śeṣam astās tāta kirīṭinā
 16 yathā hi kiraṇā bhānos tapantīha carācaram
     tathā pārtha bhujotsṛṣṭāḥ śarās tapsyanti me sutān
 17 api vā rathaghoṣeṇa bhayārtā savyasācinaḥ
     pratibhāti vidīrṇeva sarvato bhāratī camūḥ
 18 yad udvapan pravapaṃś caiva bāṇān; sthātātatāyī samare kirīṭī
     sṛṣṭo 'ntakaḥ sarvaharo vidhātrā; bhaved yathā tadvad apāraṇīyaḥ
 19 [s]
     yad etat kathitaṃ rājaṃs tvayā duryodhanaṃ prati
     sarvam etad yathāttha tvaṃ naitan mithyā mahīpate
 20 manyunā hi samāviṣṭāḥ pāṇḍavās te 'mitaujasaḥ
     dṛṣṭvā kṛṣṇāṃ sabhāṃ nītāṃ dharmapatnīṃ yaśasvinīm
 21 duḥśāsanasya tā vācaḥ śrutvā te dāruṇodayāḥ
     karṇasya ca mahārāja na svapsyantīti me matiḥ
 22 śrutaṃ hi te mahārāja yathā pārthena saṃyuge
     ekādaśa tanuḥ sthāṇur dhanuṣā paritoṣitaḥ
 23 kairātaṃ veṣam āsthāya yodhayām āsa phalgunam
     jijñāsuḥ sarvadeveśaḥ kapardī bhagavān svayam
 24 tatrainaṃ lokapālās te darśayām āsur arjunam
     astrahetoḥ parākrāntaṃ tapasā kauravarṣabham
 25 naitad utsahate 'nyo hi labdhum anyatra phalgunāt
     sākṣād darśanam eteṣām īśvarāṇāṃ naro bhuvi
 26 maheśvareṇa yo rājan na jīrṇo grastamūrtimān
     kas tam utsahate vīraṃ yuddhe jarayituṃ pumān
 27 āsāditam idaṃ ghoraṃ tumulaṃ lomaharṣaṇam
     draupadīṃ parikarṣadbhiḥ kopayadbhiś ca pāṇḍavān
 28 yatra visphuramāṇauṣṭho bhīmaḥ prāha vaco mahat
     dṛṣṭvā duryodhanenorū draupadyā darśitāv ubhau
 29 ūrū bhetsyāmi te pāpagadayā vajrakalpayā
     trayodaśānāṃ varṣāṇām ante durdyūta devinaḥ
 30 sarve praharatāṃ śreṣṭhāḥ sarve cāmitatejasaḥ
     sarve sarvāstravidvāṃso devair api sudurjayāḥ
 31 manye manyusamuddhūtāḥ putrāṇāṃ tava saṃyuge
     antaṃ pārthāḥ kariṣyanti vīryāmarṣa samanvitāḥ
 32 [dhṛ]
     kiṃ kṛtaṃ sūta karṇena vadatā paruṣaṃ vacaḥ
     paryāptaṃ vairam etāvad yat kṛṣṇā sā sabhāṃ gatā
 33 apīdānīṃ mama sutās tiṣṭheran mandacetasaḥ
     yeṣāṃ bhrātā gurur jyeṣṭho vinaye nāvatiṣṭhate
 34 mamāpi vacanaṃ sūta na śuśrūṣati mandabhāk
     dṛṣṭvā māṃ cakṣuṣā hīnaṃ nirviceṣṭam acetanam
 35 ye cāsya sacivā mandāḥ karṇa saubalakādayaḥ
     te 'py asya bhūyaso doṣān vardhayanti vicetasaḥ
 36 svairam uktā api śarāḥ pārthenāmita tejasā
     nirdaheyur mama sutān kiṃ punar manyuneritāḥ
 37 pārtha bāhubalotsṛṣṭā mahācāpa viniḥsṛtāḥ
     divyāstramantramuditāḥ sādayeyuḥ surān api
 38 yasya mantrī ca goptā ca suhṛc caiva janārdanaḥ
     haris trailokyanāthaḥ sa kiṃ nu tasya na nirjitam
 39 idaṃ ca sumahac citram arjunasyeha saṃjaya
     mahādevena bāhubhyāṃ yat sameta iti śrutiḥ
 40 pratyakṣaṃ sarvalokasya khāṇḍave yatkṛtaṃ purā
     phalgunena sahāyārthe vahner dāmodareṇa ca
 41 sarvathā nāsti me putraḥ sāmātyaḥ saha bāndhavaḥ
     kruddhe pārthe ca bhīme ca vāsudeve ca sātvate

 

 

SECTION XLVI

Vaisampayana said, 'Having thus sent away the Gandharva successful in his mission, Urvasi of luminous smiles, moved by the desire of possessing Phalguna, took a bath. And having performed her ablutions, she decked herself in charming ornaments and splendid garlands of celestial odour. And inflamed by the god of love, and her heart pierced through and through by the shafts shot by Manmatha keeping in view the beauty of Arjuna, and her imagination wholly taken up by the thoughts of Arjuna, she mentally sported with him on a wide and excellent bed laid over with celestial sheets. And when the twilight had deepened and the moon was up, that Apsara of high hips sent out for the mansions of Arjuna. And in that mood and with her crisp, soft and long braids decked with bunches of flowers, she looked extremely beautiful. With her beauty and grace, and the charm of the motions of her eye-brows and of her soft accents, and her own moon like face, she seemed to tread, challenging the moon himself. And as she proceeded, her deep, finely tapering bosoms, decked with a chain of gold and adorned with celestial unguents and smeared with fragrant sandal paste, began to tremble. And in consequence of the weight of her bosoms, she was forced to slightly stoop forward at every step, bending her waist exceedingly beautiful with three folds. And her loins of faultless shape, the elegant abode of the god of love, furnished with fair and high and round hips and wide at their lower part as a hill, and decked with chains of gold, and capable of shaking the saintship of anchorites, being decked with thin attire, appeared highly graceful. And her feet with fair suppressed ankles, and possessing flat soles and straight toes of the colour of burnished copper and dorsum high and curved like tortoise back and marked by the wearing of ornaments furnished with rows of little bells, looked exceedingly handsome. And exhilarated with a little liquor which she had taken, and excited by desire, and moving in diverse attitudes and expressing a sensation of delight, she looked more handsome than usual. And though heaven abounded with many wonderful objects, yet when Urvasi proceeded in this manner, the Siddhas and Charanas and Gandharvas regarded her to be the handsomest object they had cast their eyes upon. And the upper half of her body clad in an attire of fine texture and cloudy hues, she looked resplendent like a digit of the moon in the firmament shrouded by fleecy clouds. And endued with the speed of the winds or the mind, she of luminous smiles soon reached the mansion of Phalguna, the son of Pandu. And, O best of men, Urvasi of beautiful eyes, having arrived at the gate of Arjuna's abode, sent word through the keeper in attendance. And (on receiving permission), she soon entered that brilliant and charming palace. But, O monarch, upon
p. 102
beholding her at night in his mansion, Arjuna, with a fearstricken heart, stepped up to receive her with respect and as soon as he saw her, the son of Pritha, from modesty, closed his eyes. And saluting her, he offered the Apsara such worship as is offered unto a superior. And Arjuna said, 'O thou foremost of the Apsaras, I reverence thee by bending my head down. O lady, let me know thy commands. I wait upon thee as thy servant.'"
Vaisampayana continued, 'Hearing these words of Phalguna, Urvasi became deprived of her senses. And she soon represented unto Arjuna all that had passed between her and the Gandharva, Chitrasena. And she said, 'O best of men, I shall tell thee all that hath passed between me and Chitrasena, and why I have come hither. On account of thy coming here, O Arjuna, Mahendra had convened a large and charming assembly, in which celestial festivities were held. Unto that assembly came, O best of men, the Rudras and the Adityas and the Aswins and the Vasus. And there came also numbers of great Rishis and royal sages and Siddhas and Charanas and Yakshas and great Nagas. And, O thou of expansive eyes, the members of the assembly resplendent as fire or the sun or the moon, having taken their seats according to rank, honour, and prowess, O son of Sakra, the Gandharvas began to strike the Vinas and sing charming songs of celestial melody. And, O perpetuator of the Kuru race, the principal Apsaras also commenced to dance. Then, O son of Pritha, thou hadst looked on me only with a steadfast gaze. When that assembly of the celestials broke, commanded by thy father, the gods went away to their respective places. And the principal Apsaras also went away to their abodes, and others also, O slayer of foes, commanded by thy father and obtaining his leave. It was then that Chitrasena sent to me by Sakra, and arriving at my abode. O thou of eyes like lotus leaves, he addressed me, saying, 'O thou of the fairest complexion, I have been sent unto thee by the chief of the celestials. Do thou something that would be agreeable to Mahendra and myself and to thyself also. O thou of fair hips, seek thou to please Arjuna, who is brave in battle even like Sakra himself, and who is always possessed of magnanimity.' Even these, O son of Pritha, were his words. Thus, O sinless one, commanded by him and thy father also, I come to thee in order to wait upon thee, O slayer of foes. My heart hath been attracted by thy virtues, and am already under the influence of the god of love. And, O hero, even this is my wish, and I have cherished it for ever!"
Vaisampayana continued, "While in heaven, hearing her speak in this strain, Arjuna was overcome with bashfulness. And shutting his ears with his hands, he said, 'O blessed lady, fie on my sense of hearing, when thou speakest thus to me. For, O thou of beautiful face, thou art certainly equal in my estimation unto the wife of a superior. Even as Kunti here even this is my wish, and I have cherished it for ever!"
p. 103
[Some text is obviously missing here--JBH] of high fortune or Sachi the queen of Indra, art thou to me, O auspicious one, of this there is no doubt! That I had gazed particularly at thee, O blessed one, is true. There was a reason for it. I shall truly tell it to thee, O thou of luminous smiles! In the assembly I gazed at thee with eyes expanded in delight, thinking, 'Even this blooming lady is the mother of the Kaurava race.' O blessed Apsara, it behoveth thee not to entertain other feelings towards me, for thou art superior to my superiors, being the parent of my race.'"
"Hearing these words of Arjuna, Urvasi answered, saying, 'O son of The chief of the celestials, we Apsaras are free and unconfined in our choice. It behoveth thee not, therefore, to esteem me as thy superior. The sons and grandsons of Puru's race, that have come hither in consequence of ascetic merit do all sport with us, without incurring any sin. Relent, therefore, O hero, it behoveth thee not to send me away. I am burning with desire. I am devoted to thee. Accept me, O thou giver of proper respect.'"
"Arjuna replied, 'O beautiful lady of features perfectly faultless, listen. I truly tell thee. Let the four directions and the transverse directions, let also the gods listen. O sinless one, as Kunti, or Madri, or Sachi, is to me, so art thou, the parent of my race, an object of reverence to me. Return, O thou of the fairest complexion: I bend my head unto thee, and prostrate myself at thy feet. Thou deservest my worship as my own mother; and it behoveth thee to protect me as a son.'"
Vaisampayana continued, "Thus addressed by Partha, Urvasi was deprived of her senses by wrath. Trembling with rage, and contracting her brows, she cursed Arjuna, saying, 'Since thou disregardest a woman come to thy mansion at the command of thy father and of her own motion--a woman, besides, who is pierced by the shafts of Kama, therefore, O Partha, thou shalt have to pass thy time among females unregarded, and as a dancer, and destitute of manhood and scorned as a eunuch.'"
Vaisampayana continued, "Having cursed Arjuna thus, Urvasi's lips still quivered in anger, herself breathing heavily all the while. And she soon returned to her own abode. And that slayer of foes, Arjuna also sought Chitrasena without loss of time. And having found him, he told him all that had passed between him and Urvasi in the night. And he told Chitrasena everything as it had happened, repeatedly referring to the curse pronounced upon him. And Chitrasena also represented everything unto Sakra. And Harivahana, calling his son unto himself in private, and consoling him in sweet words, smilingly said, 'O thou best of beings, having obtained thee, O child, Pritha hath to-day become a truly blessed mother. O mighty-armed one, thou hast now vanquished even Rishis by the patience and self-control. But, O giver of proper respect, the curse that Urvasi hath denounced on thee will be to thy benefit,
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O child, and stand thee in good stead. O sinless one, ye will have on earth to pass the thirteenth year (of your exile), unknown to all. It is then that thou shalt suffer the curse of Urvasi. And having passed one year as a dancer without manhood, thou shalt regain thy power on the expiration of the term.'"
"Thus addressed by Sakra, that slayer of hostile heroes, Phalguna, experienced great delight and ceased to think of the curse. And Dhananjaya, the son of Pandu, sported in regions of heaven with the Gandharva Chitrasena of great celebrity."
"The desires of the man that listeneth to this history of the son of Pandu never run after lustful ends. The foremost of men, by listening to this account of the awfully pure conduct of Phalguna, the son of the lord of the celestials, become void of pride and arrogance and wrath and other faults, and ascending to heaven, sport there in bliss."

 

 

 

Book 3
Chapter 47

 

 

 

 1 [j]
      yad idaṃ śocitaṃ rājñā dhṛtarāṣṭreṇa vai mune
      pravrājya pāṇḍavān vīrān sarvam etan nirarthakam
  2 kathaṃ hi rājā putraṃ svam upekṣetālpa cetasam
      duryodhanaṃ pāṇḍuputrān kopayānaṃ mahārathān
  3 kim āsīt pāṇḍuputrāṇāṃ vane bhojanam ucyatām
      vāneyam atha vā kṛṣṭam etad ākhyātu me bhavān
  4 [vai]
      vāneyaṃ ca mṛgāṃś caiva śuddhair bāṇair nipātitān
      brāhmaṇānāṃ nivedyāgram abhuñjan puruṣarṣabhāḥ
  5 tāṃs tu śūrān maheṣvāsāṃs tadā nivasato vane
      anvayur brāhmaṇā rājan sāgnayo 'naṅgayas tathā
  6 brāhmaṇānāṃ sahasrāṇi snātakānāṃ mahātmanām
      daśa mokṣavidāṃ tadvad yān bibharti yudhiṣṭhiraḥ
  7 rurūn kṛṣṇamṛgāṃś caiva medhyāṃś cānyān vanecarān
      bāṇair unmathya vidhivad brāhmaṇebhyo nyavedayat
  8 na tatra kaś cid durvarṇo vyādhito vāpy adṛśyata
      kṛśo vā durbalo vāpi dīno bhīto 'pi vā naraḥ
  9 putrān iva priyāñ jñātīn bhrātṝn iva sahodarān
      pupoṣa kauravaśreṣṭho dharmarājo yudhiṣṭhiraḥ
  10 patīṃś ca draupadī sarvān dvijāṃś caiva yaśasvinī
     māteva bhojayitvāgre śiṣṭam āhārayat tadā
 11 prācīṃ rājā dakṣiṇāṃ bhīmaseno; yamau pratīcīm atha vāpy udīcīm
     dhanurdharā māṃsahetor mṛgāṇāṃ; kṣayaṃ cakrur nityam evopagamya
 12 tathā teṣāṃ vasatāṃ kāmyake vai; vihīnānām arjunenotsukānām
     pañcaiva varṣāṇi tadā vyatīyur; adhīyatāṃ japatāṃ juhvatāṃ ca

 

SECTION XLVII

Vaisampayana said, "One day, the great Rishi Lomasa in course of his wanderings, went to the abode of Indra, desirous of beholding the lord of the celestials. And the great Muni, having approached the chief of the gods, bowed to him respectfully. And he beheld the son of Pandu occupying half of the seat of Vasava. And worshipped by the great Rishis, that foremost of Brahmanas sat on an excellent seat at the desire of Sakra. And beholding Arjuna seated on Indra's seat, the Rishi began to think as to how Arjuna who was a Kshatriya had attained to the seat of Sakra himself. What acts of merit had been performed by him and what regions, had been conquered by him (by ascetic merit), that he had obtained a seat that was worshipped by the gods themselves? And as the Rishi was employed with these thoughts, Sakra, the slayer of Vritra, came to know of them. And having known them, the lord of Sachi addressed Lomasa with a smile and said, 'Listen, O Brahmarshi, about what is now passing in thy mind. This one is no mortal though he hath taken his birth among men. O great Rishi, the mighty-armed hero is even my son born of Kunti. He hath come hither, in order to acquire weapons for some purpose. Alas! dost thou not recognise him as an ancient Rishi of the highest merit? Listen to me, O Brahamana, as I tell thee who is and why he hath come to me. Those ancient and excellent Rishis who were known by the names of Nara and Narayana are, know, O Brahmana, none else than Hrishikesa and Dhananjaya. And those Rishis, celebrated throughout the three worlds, and known by the names of Nara and Narayana have, for the accomplishment of a
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certain purpose, been born on earth--for the acquisition of virtue. That sacred asylum which even gods and illustrious Rishis are not competent to behold, and which is known throughout the world by the name of Vadari, and situate by the source of the Ganga, which is worshipped by the Siddhas and the Charanas, was the abode, O Brahmana, of Vishnu and Jishnu. Those Rishis of blazing splendour have, O Brahmarshi, at my desire, been born on earth, and endued with mighty energy, will lighten the burden thereof. Besides this, there are certain Asuras known as Nivatakavachas, who, proud of the boon they have acquired, are employed in doing us injuries. Boastful of their strength, they are even now planning the destruction of the gods, for, having received a boon, they no longer regard the gods. Those fierce and mighty Danavas live in the nether regions. Even all the celestials together are incapable of fighting with them. The blessed Vishnu--the slayer of Madhu--he, indeed who is known on earth as Kapila, and whose glance alone, O exalted one, destroyed the illustrious sons of Sagara, when they approached him with loud sounds in the bowels of the earth,--that illustrious and invincible Hari is capable, O Brahmana of doing us a great service. Either he or Partha or both may do us that great service, without doubt. Verily as the illustrious Hari had slain the Nagas in the great lake, he, by sight alone, is capable of slaying those Asuras called the Nivatakavachas, along with their followers. But the slayer of Madhu should not be urged when the task is insignificant. A mighty mass of energy that he is. It swelleth to increasing proportions, it may consume the whole universe. This Arjuna also is competent to encounter them all, and the hero having slain them in battle, will go back to the world of men. Go thou at my request to earth. Thou wilt behold the brave Yudhishthira living in the woods of Kamyaka. And for me tell thou the virtuous Yudhishthira of unbaffled prowess in battle, that he should not be anxious on account of Phalguna, for that hero will return to earth a thorough master of weapons, for without sanctified prowess of arms, and without skill in weapons, he would not be able to encounter Bhishma and Drona and others in battle. Thou wilt also represent unto Yudhishthira that the illustrious and mighty-armed Gudakesa, having obtained weapons, hath also mastered the science of celestial dancing and music both instrumental and vocal. And thou wilt also tell him, O king of men, O slayer of foes, thyself also, accompanied by all thy brothers, should see the various sacred shrines. For having bathed in different sacred waters, thou wilt be cleansed from thy sins, and the fever of thy heart will abate. And then thou wilt be able to enjoy thy kingdom, happy in the thought that thy sins have been washed off. And, O foremost of Brahmanas, endued with ascetic power, it behoveth thee also to protect Yudhishthira during his wandering over the earth. Fierce Rakshasas ever live in mountain fastnesses and rugged steppes. Protect thou the king from those cannibals.'
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"After Mahendra had spoken thus unto Lomasa, Vibhatsu also reverently addressed that Rishi, saying, 'Protect thou ever the son of Pandu. O best of men, let the king, O great Rishi, protected by thee, visit the various places of pilgrimage and give away unto Brahmanas in charity.'"
Vaisampayana continued, "The mighty ascetic Lomasa, having answered both saying, 'So be it,' set out for the earth, desirous of arriving at Kamvaka. And having arrived at those woods, he beheld the slayer of foes and son of Kunti, king Yudhishthira the just, surrounded by ascetics and his younger brothers."

 

 

 

 

 

Book 3
Chapter 48

 

 

 

 

 1 [vai]
      sudīrgham uṣṇaṃ niḥśvasya dhṛtarāṣṭro 'mbikā sutaḥ
      abravīt saṃjayaṃ sūtam āmantrya bharatarṣabha
  2 devaputrau mahābhāgau devarājasamadyutī
      nakulaḥ sahadevaś ca pāṇḍavau yuddhadurmadau
  3 dṛḍhāyudhau dūrapātau yuddhe ca kṛtaniścayau
      śīghrahastau dṛḍhakrodhau nityayuktau tarasvinau
  4 bhīmārjunau purodhāya yadā tau raṇamūrdhani
      sthāsyete siṃhavikrāntāv aśvināv iva duḥsahau
      na śeṣam iha paśyāmi tadā sainyasya saṃjaya
  5 tau hy apratirathau yuddhe devaputrau mahārathau
      draupadyās taṃ parikleśaṃ na kṣaṃsyete tv amarṣiṇau
  6 vṛṣṇayo vā maheṣvāsā pāñcālā vā mahaujasaḥ
      yudhi satyābhisaṃdhena vāsudevena rakṣitāḥ
      pradhakṣyanti raṇe pārthāḥ putrāṇāṃ mama vāhinīm
  7 rāma kṛṣṇa praṇītānāṃ vṛṣṇīnāṃ sūtanandana
      na śakyaḥ sahituṃ vegaḥ parvatair api saṃyuge
  8 teṣāṃ madhye maheṣvāso bhīmo bhīmaparākramaḥ
      śakyayā vīra ghātinyā gadayā vicariṣyati
  9 tathā gāṇḍīvanirghoṣaṃ visphūrjitam ivāśaneḥ
      gadā vegaṃ ca bhīmasya nālaṃ soḍhuṃ narādhipāḥ
  10 tato 'haṃ suhṛdāṃ vāco duryodhana vaśānugaḥ
     smaraṇīyāḥ smariṣyāmi mayā yā na kṛtāḥ purā
 11 [s]
     vyatikramo 'yaṃ sumahāṃs tvayā rājann upekṣitaḥ
     samarthenāpi yan mohāt putras te na nivāritaḥ
 12 śrutvā hi nirjitān dyūte pāṇḍavān madhusūdanaḥ
     tvaritaḥ kāmyake pārthān samabhāvayad acyutaḥ
 13 drupadasya tathā putrā dhṛṣṭadyumnapurogamāḥ
     virāṭo dhṛṣṭaketuś ca kekayāś ca mahārathāḥ
 14 taiś ca yat kathitaṃ tatra dṛṣṭvā pārthān parājitān
     cāreṇa viditaṃ sarvaṃ tan mayā veditaṃ ca te
 15 samāgamya vṛtas tatra pāṇḍavair madhusūdanaḥ
     sārathye phalgunasyājau tathety āha ca tān hariḥ
 16 amarṣito hi kṛṣṇo 'pi dṛṣṭvā pārthāṃs tathāgatān
     kṛṣṇājinottarāsaṅgān abravīc ca yudhiṣṭhiram
 17 yā sā samṛddhiḥ pārthānām indraprasthe babhūva ha
     rājasūye mayā dṛṣṭā nṛpair anyaiḥ sudurlabhā
 18 yatra sarvān mahīpālāñ śastratejo bhayārditān
     savaṅgāṅgān sapauṇḍr uḍrān sacola draviḍāndhakān
 19 sāgarānūpagāṃś caiva ye ca pattanavāsinaḥ
     siṃhalān barbarān mlecchān ye ca jāṅgalavāsinaḥ
 20 paścimāni ca rājyāni śataśaḥ sāgarāntikān
     pahlavān daradān sarvān kirātān yavanāñ śakān
 21 hārahūṇāṃś ca cīnāṃś ca tukhārān saindhavāṃs tathā
     jāguḍān ramaṭhān muṇḍān strī rājyān atha taṅgaṇān
 22 ete cānye ca bahavo ye ca te bharatarṣabha
     āgatān aham adrākṣaṃ yajñe te pariveṣakān
 23 sā te samṛddhir yair āttā capalā pratisāriṇī
     ādāya jīvitaṃ teṣām āhariṣyāmi tām aham
 24 rāmeṇa saha kauravya bhīmārjunayamais tathā
     akrūra gada sāmbaiś ca pradyumnenāhukena ca
     dhṛṣṭadyumnena vīreṇa śiśupālātmajena ca
 25 duryodhanaṃ raṇe hatvā sadyaḥ karṇaṃ ca bhārata
     duḥśāsanaṃ saubaleyaṃ yaś cānyaḥ pratiyotsyate
 26 tatas tvaṃ hāstinapure bhrātṛbhiḥ sahito vasan
     dhārtarāṣṭrīṃ śriyaṃ prāpya praśādhi pṛthivīm imām
 27 athainam abravīd rājā tasmin vīra samāgame
     śṛṇvatsu teṣu sarveṣu dhṛṣṭadyumnamukheṣu ca
 28 pratigṛhṇāmi te vācaṃ satyām etāṃ janārdana
     amitrān me mahābāho sānubandhān haniṣyasi
 29 varṣāt trayodaśād ūrdhvaṃ satyaṃ māṃ kuru keśava
     pratijñāto vanevāso rājamadhye mayā hy ayam
 30 tad dharmarāja vacanaṃ pratiśrutya sabhā sadaḥ
     dhṛṣṭadyumna purogās te śamayām āsur añjasā
     keśavaṃ madhurair vākyaiḥ kālayuktair amarṣitam
 31 pāñcālīṃ cāhur akliṣṭāṃ vāsudevasya śṛṇvataḥ
     duryodhanas tava krodhād devi tyakṣyati jīvitam
     pratijānīma te satyaṃ mā śuco varavarṇini
 32 ye sma te kupitāṃ kṛṣṇe dṛṣṭvā tvāṃ prāhasaṃs tadā
     māṃsāni teṣāṃ khādanto hasiṣyanti mṛgadvijāḥ
 33 pāsyanti rudhiraṃ teṣāṃ gṛdhrā gomāyavas tathā
     uttamāṅgāni karṣanto yais tvaṃ kṛṣṭā sabhā tale
 34 teṣāṃ drakṣyasi pāñcāli gātrāṇi pṛthivītale
     kravyādaiḥ kṛṣyamāṇāni bhakṣyamāṇāni cāsakṛt
 35 parikliṣṭāsi yais tatra yaiś cāpi samupekṣitā
     teṣām utkṛtta śirasāṃ bhūmiḥ pāsyati śoṇitam
 36 evaṃ bahuvidhā vācas tadocuḥ puruṣarṣabhāḥ
     sarve tejasvinaḥ śūrāḥ sarve cāhatalakṣaṇāḥ
 37 te dharmarājena vṛtā varṣād ūrdhvaṃ trayodaśāt
     puraskṛtyopayāsyanti vāsudevaṃ mahārathāḥ
 38 rāmaś ca kṛṣṇaś ca dhanaṃjayaś ca; pradyumna sāmbau yuyudhāna bhīmau
     mādrī sutau kekayarājaputrāḥ; pāñcāla putrāḥ sahadharmarājñā
 39 etān sarvāṁl lokavīrān ajeyān; mahātmanaḥ sānubandhān sasainyān
     ko jīvitārthī samare pratyudīyāt; kruddhān siṃhān kesariṇo yathaiva
 40 [dhṛ]
     yan mābravīd viduro dyūtakāle; tvaṃ pāṇḍavāñ jeṣyasi cen narendra
     dhruvaṃ kurūṇām ayam antakālo; mahābhayo bhavitā śoṇitaughaḥ
 41 manye tathā tad bhaviteti sūta; yathā kṣattā prāha vacaḥ purā mām
     asaṃśayaṃ bhavitā yuddham etad; gate kāle pāṇḍavānāṃ yathoktam

 

SECTION XLVIII

Janamejaya said, "These feats of Pritha's son endued with immeasurable energy, were certainly marvellous. O Brahmana, what did Dhritarashtra of great wisdom say, when he heard of them?"
Vaisampayana said, "Amvika's son, king Dhritarashtra, having heard of Arjuna's arrival and stay at Indra's abode, from Dwaipayana, that foremost of Rishis, spake unto Sanjaya, saying, 'O charioteer, dost thou know in detail the acts of the intelligent Arjuna, of which I have heard from beginning to end? O charioteer, my wretched and sinful son is even now engaged in a policy of the most vulgar kind. Of wicked soul, he will certainly depopulate the earth. The illustrious person whose words even in jest are true, and who hath Dhananjaya to fight for him, is sure to win the three worlds. Who that is even beyond the influence of Death and Decay will be able to stay before Arjuna, when he will scatter his barbed and sharp-pointed arrows whetted on stone? My wretched sons, who have to fight with the invincible Pandavas are indeed, all doomed. Reflecting day and night, I see not the warrior amongst us that is able to stay in battle before the wielder of the Gandiva. If Drona, or Karna, or even Bhishma advance against him in battle, a great calamity is likely to befall the earth. But even in that case, I see not the way to our success Karna is kind and forgetful. The preceptor Drona is old, and the teacher (of Arjuna) Arjuna, however, is wrathful, and strong, and proud, and of firm and steady prowess. As all these warriors are invincible, a terrible fight will take place between them. All of them are heroes skilled in weapons and of great reputation. They would not wish for the sovereignty of the world, if it was to be purchased by defeat. Indeed, peace will be restored only on the death of these or of Phalguna. The slayer of Arjuna, however, existeth not, nor doth one that can vanquish him. Oh, how shall that wrath of his which hath myself for its object be pacified. Equal unto the chief of the celestials, that hero gratified Agni at Khandava and vanquished all the monarchs of the earth on the occasion of the great Rajasuya. O Sanjaya, the thunder-bolt falling on the mountain top,
p. 107
leaveth a portion unconsumed; but the shafts, O child, that are shot by Kiriti leave not a rack behind. As the rays of the sun heat this mobile and immobile universe, so will the shafts shot by Arjuna's hands scorch my sons. It seemeth to me that the Chamus of the Bharatas, terrified at the clatter of Arjuna's chariot-wheels, are already broken through in all directions. Vidhatri hath created Arjuna as an all-consuming Destroyer. He stayeth in battle as a foe, vomitting and scattering swarms of arrows. Who is there that will defeat him?"

 

Book 3
Chapter 49

1 [j]
      astrahetor gate pārthe śakra lokaṃ mahātmani
      yudhiṣṭhiraprabhṛtayaḥ kim akurvanta pāṇḍavāḥ
  2 [v]
      astrahetor gate pārthe śakra lokaṃ mahātmani
      nyavasan kṛṣṇayā sārdhaṃ kāmyake puruṣarṣabhāḥ
  3 tataḥ kadā cid ekānte vivikta iva śādvale
      duḥkhārtā bharataśreṣṭhā niṣeduḥ saha kṛṣṇayā
      dhanaṃjayaṃ śocamānāḥ sāśrukaṇṭhāḥ suduḥkhitāḥ
  4 tad viyogād dhi tān sarvāñ śokaḥ samabhipupluve
      dhanaṃjaya viyogāc ca rājyanāśāś ca duḥkhitāḥ
  5 atha bhīmo mahābāhur yudhiṣṭhiram abhāṣata
      nideśāt te mahārāja gato 'sau puruṣarṣabhaḥ
      arjunaḥ pāṇḍuputrāṇāṃ yasmin prāṇāḥ pratiṣṭhitāḥ
  6 yasmin vinaṣṭe pāñcālāḥ saha putrais tathā vayam
      sātyakir vāsudevaś ca vinaśyeyur asaṃśayam
  7 yo 'sau gacchati tejasvī bahūn kleśān acintayan
      bhavan niyogād bībhatsus tato duḥkhataraṃ nu kim
  8 yasya bāhū samāśritya vayaṃ sarve mahātmanaḥ
      manyāmahe jitān ājau parān prāptāṃ ca medinīm
  9 yasya prabhāvān na mayā sabhāmadhye dhanuṣmataḥ
      nītā lokam amuṃ sarve dhārtarāṣṭrāḥ sa saubalāḥ
  10 te vayaṃ bāhubalinaḥ krodham utthitam ātmanaḥ
     sahāmahe bhavan mūlaṃ vāsudevena pālitāḥ
 11 vayaṃ hi saha kṛṣṇena hatvā karṇa mukhān parān
     svabāhuvijitāṃ kṛtsnāṃ praśāsema vasuṃdharām
 12 bhavato dyūtadoṣeṇa sarve vayam upaplutāḥ
     ahīna pauruṣā rājan balibhir balavattamāḥ
 13 kṣātraṃ dharmaṃ mahārāja samavekṣitum arhasi
     na hi dharmo mahārāja kṣatriyasya vanāśrayaḥ
     rājyam eva paraṃ dharmaṃ kṣatriyasya vidur budhāḥ
 14 sa kṣatradharmavid rājan mā dharmyān nīnaśaḥ pathaḥ
     prāg dvādaśa samā rājan dhārtarāṣṭrān nihanmahi
 15 nivartya ca vanāt pārtham ānāyya ca janārdanam
     vyūḍhānīkān mahārāja javenaiva mahāhave
     dhārtarāṣṭrān amuṃ lokaṃ gamayāmi viśāṃ pate
 16 sarvān ahaṃ haniṣyāmi dhārtarāṣṭrān sa saubalān
     duryodhanaṃ ca karṇaṃ ca yo vānyaḥ pratiyotsyate
 17 mayā praśamite paścāt tvam eṣyasi vanāt punaḥ
     evaṃ kṛte na te doṣo bhaviṣyati viśāṃ pate
 18 yajñaiś ca vividhais tāta kṛtaṃ pāpam ariṃdama
     avadhūya mahārāja gacchema svargam uttamam
 19 evam etad bhaved rājan yadi rājā na bāliśaḥ
     asmākaṃ dīrghasūtraḥ syād bhavān dharmaparāyaṇaḥ
 20 nikṛtyā nikṛtiprajñā hantavyā iti niścayaḥ
     na hi naikṛtikaṃ hatvā nikṛtyā pāpam ucyate
 21 tathā bhārata dharmeṣu dharmajñair iha dṛśyate
     ahorātraṃ mahārāja tulyaṃ saṃvatsareṇa hi
 22 tathaiva veda vacanaṃ śrūyate nityadā vibho
     saṃvatsaro mahārāja pūrṇo bhavati kṛcchrataḥ
 23 yadi vedāḥ pramāṇaṃ te divasād ūrdhvam acyuta
     trayodaśa samāḥ kālo jñāyatāṃ pariniṣṭhitaḥ
 24 kālo duryodhanaṃ hantuṃ sānubandham ariṃdama
     ekāgrāṃ pṛthivīṃ sarvāṃ purā rājan karoti saḥ
 25 evaṃ bruvāṇaṃ bhīmaṃ tu dharmarājo yudhiṣṭhiraḥ
     uvāca sāntvayan rājā mūrdhny upāghrāya pāṇḍavam
 26 asaṃśayaṃ mahābāho haniṣyasi suyodhanam
     varṣāt trayodaśād ūrdhvaṃ saha gāṇḍīvadhanvanā
 27 yac ca mā bhāṣase pārtha prāptaḥ kāla iti prabho
     anṛtaṃ notsahe vaktuṃ na hy etan mayi vidyate
 28 antareṇāpi kaunteya nikṛtiṃ pāpaniścayam
     hantā tvam asi durdharṣa sānubandhaṃ suyodhanam
 29 evaṃ bruvati bhīmaṃ tu dharmarāje yudhiṣṭhire
     ājagāma mahābhāgo bṛhadaśvo mahān ṛṣiḥ
 30 tam abhiprekṣya dharmātmā saṃprāptaṃ dharmacāriṇam
     śāstravan madhuparkeṇa pūjayām āsa dharmarāṭ
 31 āśvastaṃ cainam āsīnam upāsīno yudhiṣṭhiraḥ
     abhiprekṣya mahābāhuḥ kṛpaṇaṃ bahv abhāṣata
 32 akṣadyūtena bhagavan dhanaṃ rājyaṃ ca me hṛtam
     āhūya nikṛtiprajñaiḥ kitavair akṣakovidaiḥ
 33 anakṣa jñasya hi sato nikṛtyā pāpaniścayaiḥ
     bhāryā ca me sabhāṃ nītā prāṇebhyo 'pi garīyasī
 34 asti rājā mayā kaś cid alpabhāgyataro bhuvi
     bhavatā dṛṣṭapūrvo vā śrutapūrvo 'pi vā bhavet
     na matto duḥkhitataraḥ pumān astīti me matiḥ
 35 [b]
     yad bravīṣi mahārāja na matto vidyate kva cit
     alpabhāgyataraḥ kaś cit pumān astīti pāṇḍava
 36 atra te kathayiṣyāmi yadi śuśrūṣase 'nagha
     yas tvatto duḥkhitataro rājāsīt pṛthivīpate
 37 athainam abravīd rājā bravītu bhagavān iti
     imām avasthāṃ saṃprāptaṃ śrotum icchāmi pārthiva
 38 [b]
     śṛṇu rājann avahitaḥ saha bhrātṛbhir acyuta
     yas tvatto duḥkhitataro rājāsīt pṛthivīpate
 39 niṣadheṣu mahīpālo vīrasena iti sma ha
     tasya putro 'bhavan nāmnā nalo dharmārthadarśivān
 40 sa nikṛtyā jito rājā puṣkareṇeti naḥ śrutam
     vanavāsam aduḥkhārho bhāryayā nyavasat saha
 41 na tasyāśvo na ca ratho na bhrātā na ca bāndhavāḥ
     vane nivasato rājañ śiṣyante sma kadā cana
 42 bhavān hi saṃvṛto vīrair bhrātṛbhir deva saṃmitaiḥ
     brahmakalpair dvijāgryaiś ca tasmān nārhasi śocitum
 43 [y]
     vistareṇāham icchāmi nalasya sumahātmanaḥ
     caritaṃ vadatāṃ śreṣṭha tan mamākhyātum arhasi

SECTION XLIX

"Sanjaya said, 'That which hath been uttered by thee, O king, with respect to Duryodhana is all true. Nothing that thou hast said, O lord of the earth, is untrue. The Pandavas of immeasurable energy have been filled with rage at the sight of Krishna their wedded wife of pure fame--brought in the midst of the assembly. Hearing also those cruel words of Dussasana and Karna, they have been so incensed, O king, that they will not, I ween, forgive (the Kurus) on my account. I have heard, O king, how Arjuna hath gratified in battle by means of his bow the god of gods--Sthanu of eleven forms. The illustrious lord of all the gods--Kapardin himself--desirous of testing Phalguna, fought with him, having assumed the guise of a Kirata. And there it was that the Lokapala, in order to give away their weapons unto that bull of the Kuru race, showed themselves unto him of undeteriorating prowess. What other man on earth, except Phalguna, would strive to have a sight of these gods in their own forms? And, O king, who is there that will weaken in battle Arjuna, who could not be weakened by Maheswara himself possessed of eight forms? Thy sons, having dragged Draupadi, and thereby incensed the sons of Pandu, have brought this frightful and horrifying calamity upon themselves. Beholding Duryodhana showing both his thighs unto Draupadi, Bhima said with quivering lips, 'wretch! those thighs of thine will I smash with my fierce descending mace, on the expiration of thirteen years.' All the sons of Pandu are the foremost of smiters; all of them are of immeasurable energy; all of them are well-versed in every kind of weapons. For these, they are incapable of being vanquished even by the gods. Incensed at the insult offered to their wedded wife, Pritha's sons, urged by wrath, will, I ween, slay all thy sons in battle.'
"Dhritarashtra said, 'O charioteer, what mischief hath been done by Karna uttering those cruel words, to the sons of Pandu! Was not the enmity sufficient that was provoked by bringing Krishna into the assembly? How can my wicked sons live, whose eldest brother and preceptor
p. 108
walketh not in the path of righteousness? Seeing me void of eye-sight, and incapable of exerting myself actively, my wretched son, O charioteer, believeth me to be a fool, and listeneth not to my words. Those wretches also that are his counsellors, viz., Karna and Suvala, and others, always pander to his vices, as he is incapable of understanding things rightly. The shafts that Arjuna of immeasurable prowess may lightly shoot, are capable of consuming all my sons, leave alone those shafts that he will shoot, impelled by anger. The arrows urged by the might of Arjuna's arms and shot from his large bow, and inspired with mantras capable of converting them into celestial weapons can chastise the celestials themselves. He who hath for his counsellor and protector and friend that smiter of sinful men--the lord of the three worlds--Hari himself--encountereth nothing that he cannot conquer. This, O Sanjaya, is most marvellous in Arjuna that, as we have heard, he hath been clasped by Mahadeva in his arms. That also which Phalguna, assisted by Damodara did of old towards helping Agni in the conflagration of Khandava, hath been witnessed by all the world. When, therefore, Bhima and Partha and Vasudeva of the Satwata race become enraged, surely my sons along with their friends and the Suvalas are all unequal to fight with them.'"

Book 3
Chapter 50

1 bṛhadaśva uvāca
      āsīd rājā nalo nāma vīrasenasuto balī
      upapanno guṇair iṣṭai rūpavān aśvakovidaḥ
  2 atiṣṭhan manujendrāṇāṃ mūrdhni devapatir yathā
      upary upari sarveṣām āditya iva tejasā
  3 brahmaṇyo vedavic chūro niṣadheṣu mahīpatiḥ
      akṣapriyaḥ satyavādī mahān akṣauhiṇīpatiḥ
  4 īpsito varanārīṇām udāraḥ saṃyatendriyaḥ
      rakṣitā dhanvināṃ śreṣṭhaḥ sākṣād iva manuḥ svayam
  5 tathaivāsīd vidarbheṣu bhīmo bhīmaparākramaḥ
      śūraḥ sarvaguṇair yuktaḥ prajākāmaḥ sa cāprajaḥ
  6 sa prajārthe paraṃ yatnam akarot susamāhitaḥ
      tam abhyagacchad brahmarṣir damano nāma bhārata
  7 taṃ sa bhīmaḥ prajākāmas toṣayām āsa dharmavit
      mahiṣyā saha rājendra satkāreṇa suvarcasam
  8 tasmai prasanno damanaḥ sabhāryāya varaṃ dadau
      kanyāratnaṃ kumārāṃś ca trīn udārān mahāyaśāḥ
  9 damayantīṃ damaṃ dāntaṃ damanaṃ ca suvarcasam
      upapannān guṇaiḥ sarvair bhīmān bhīmaparākramān
  10 damayantī tu rūpeṇa tejasā yaśasā śriyā
     saubhāgyena ca lokeṣu yaśaḥ prāpa sumadhyamā
 11 atha tāṃ vayasi prāpte dāsīnāṃ samalaṃkṛtam
     śataṃ sakhīnāṃ ca tathā paryupāste śacīm iva
 12 tatra sma bhrājate bhaimī sarvābharaṇabhūṣitā
     sakhīmadhye 'navadyāṅgī vidyut saudāminī yathā
     atīva rūpasaṃpannā śrīr ivāyatalocanā
 13 na deveṣu na yakṣeṣu tādṛgrūpavatī kva cit
     mānuseṣv api cānyeṣu dṛṣṭapūrvā na ca śrutā
     cittapramāthinī bālā devānām api sundarī
 14 nalaś ca naraśārdūlo rūpeṇāpratimo bhuvi
     kandarpa iva rūpeṇa mūrtimān abhavat svayam
 15 tasyāḥ samīpe tu nalaṃ praśaśaṃsuḥ kutūhalāt
     naiṣadhasya samīpe tu damayantīṃ punaḥ punaḥ
 16 tayor adṛṣṭakāmo 'bhūc chṛṇvatoḥ satataṃ guṇān
     anyonyaṃ prati kaunteya sa vyavardhata hṛcchayaḥ
 17 aśaknuvan nalaḥ kāmaṃ tadā dhārayituṃ hṛdā
     antaḥpurasamīpasthe vana āste rahogataḥ
 18 sa dadarśa tadā haṃsāñ jātarūpaparicchadān
     vane vicaratāṃ teṣām ekaṃ jagrāha pakṣiṇam
 19 tato 'ntarikṣago vācaṃ vyājahāra tadā nalam
     na hantavyo 'smi te rājan kariṣyāmi hi te priyam
 20 damayantīsakāśe tvāṃ kathayiṣyāmi naiṣadha
     yathā tvadanyaṃ puruṣaṃ na sā maṃsyati karhi cit
 21 evam uktas tato haṃsam utsasarja mahīpatiḥ
     te tu haṃsāḥ samutpatya vidarbhān agamaṃs tataḥ
 22 vidarbhanagarīṃ gatvā damayantyās tadāntike
     nipetus te garutmantaḥ sā dadarśātha tān khagān
 23 sā tān adbhutarūpān vai dṛṣṭvā sakhigaṇāvṛtā
     hṛṣṭā grahītuṃ khagamāṃs tvaramāṇopacakrame
 24 atha haṃsā visasṛpuḥ sarvataḥ pramadāvane
     ekaikaśas tataḥ kanyās tān haṃsān samupādravan
 25 damayantī tu yaṃ haṃsaṃ samupādhāvad antike
     sa mānuṣīṃ giraṃ kṛtvā damayantīm athābravīt
 26 damayanti nalo nāma niṣadheṣu mahīpatiḥ
     aśvinoḥ sadṛśo rūpe na samās tasya mānuṣāḥ
 27 tasya vai yadi bhāryā tvaṃ bhavethā varavarṇini
     saphalaṃ te bhavej janma rūpaṃ cedaṃ sumadhyame
 28 vayaṃ hi devagandharvamanuṣyoragarākṣasān
     dṛṣṭavanto na cāsmābhir dṛṣṭapūrvas tathāvidhaḥ
 29 tvaṃ cāpi ratnaṃ nārīṇāṃ nareṣu ca nalo varaḥ
     viśiṣṭāyā viśiṣṭena saṃgamo guṇavān bhavet
 30 evam uktā tu haṃsena damayantī viśāṃ pate
     abravīt tatra taṃ haṃsaṃ tam apy evaṃ nalaṃ vada
 31 tathety uktvāṇḍajaḥ kanyāṃ vaidarbhasya viśāṃ pate
     punar āgamya niṣadhān nale sarvaṃ nyavedayat

SECTION L

Janamejaya said, "Having sent the heroic sons of Pandu into exile, these lamentations, O Muni, of Dhritarashtra were perfectly futile. Why did the king permit his foolish son Duryodhana to thus incense those mighty warriors, the sons of Pandu? Tell us now, O Brahmana, what was the food of the sons of Pandu, while they lived in the woods? Was it of the wilderness, or was it the produce of cultivation?"
Vaisampayana said, "Those bulls among men, collecting the produce of the wilderness and killing the deer with pure arrows, first dedicated a portion of the food to the Brahmanas, and themselves are the rest. For, O king, while those heroes wielding large bows lived in the woods, they were followed by Brahmanas of both classes, viz., those worshipping with fire and those worshipping without it. And there were ten thousand illustrious Snataka Brahmanas, all conversant with the means of salvation, whom Yudhishthira supported in the woods. And killing with arrows Rurus and the black deer and other kinds of clean animals of the wilderness, he gave them unto those Brahmanas. And no one that lived with Yudhishthira looked pale or ill, or was lean or weak, or was melancholy or terrified. And the chief of the Kurus--the virtuous king Yudhishthira--maintained his brothers as if they were his sons, and his relatives as if they were his uterine brothers. And Draupadi of pure
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fame fed her husbands and the Brahmanas, as if she was their mother; and last of all took her food herself. And the king himself wending towards the east, and Bhima, towards the south, and the twins, towards the west and the north, daily killed with bow in hand the deer of the forest, for the sake of meat. And it was that the Pandavas lived for five years in the woods of Kamyaka, in anxiety at the absence of Arjuna, and engaged all the while in study and prayers and sacrifices."

Book 3
Chapter 51

 1 bṛhadaśva uvāca
      damayantī tu tac chrutvā vaco haṃsasya bhārata
      tadā prabhṛti na svasthā nalaṃ prati babhūva sā
  2 tataś cintāparā dīnā vivarṇavadanā kṛśā
      babhūva damayantī tu niḥśvāsaparamā tadā
  3 ūrdhvadṛṣṭir dhyānaparā babhūvonmatta darśanā
      na śayyāsanabhogeṣu ratiṃ vindati karhi cit
  4 na naktaṃ na divā śete hā heti vadatī muhuḥ
      tām asvasthāṃ tadākārāṃ sakhyas tā jajñur iṅgitaiḥ
  5 tato vidarbhapataye damayantyāḥ sakhīgaṇaḥ
      nyavedayata na svasthāṃ damayantīṃ nareśvara
  6 tac chrutvā nṛpatir bhīmo damayantīsakhīgaṇāt
      cintayām āsa tat kāryaṃ sumahat svāṃ sutāṃ prati
  7 sa samīkṣya mahīpālaḥ svāṃ sutāṃ prāptayauvanām
      apaśyad ātmanaḥ kāryaṃ damayantyāḥ svayaṃvaram
  8 sa saṃnipātayām āsa mahīpālān viśāṃ pate
      anubhūyatām ayaṃ vīrāḥ svayaṃvara iti prabho
  9 śrutvā tu pārthivāḥ sarve damayantyāḥ svayaṃvaram
      abhijagmus tadā bhīmaṃ rājāno bhīmaśāsanāt
  10 hastyaśvarathaghoṣeṇa nādayanto vasuṃdharām
     vicitramālyābharaṇair balair dṛśyaiḥ svalaṃkṛtaiḥ
 11 etasminn eva kāle tu purāṇāv ṛṣisattamau
     aṭamānau mahātmānāv indralokam ito gatau
 12 nāradaḥ parvataś caiva mahātmānau mahāvratau
     devarājasya bhavanaṃ viviśāte supūjitau
 13 tāv arcitvā sahasrākṣas tataḥ kuśalam avyayam
     papracchānāmayaṃ cāpi tayoḥ sarvagataṃ vibhuḥ
 14 nārada uvāca
     āvayoḥ kuśalaṃ deva sarvatragatam īśvara
     loke ca maghavan kṛtsne nṛpāḥ kuśalino vibho
 15 bṛhadaśva uvāca
     nāradasya vacaḥ śrutvā papraccha balavṛtrahā
     dharmajñāḥ pṛthivīpālās tyaktajīvitayodhinaḥ
 16 śastreṇa nidhanaṃ kāle ye gacchanty aparāṅmukhāḥ
     ayaṃ loko 'kṣayas teṣāṃ yathaiva mama kāmadhuk
 17 kva nu te kṣatriyāḥ śūrā na hi paśyāmi tān aham
     āgacchato mahīpālān atithīn dayitān mama
 18 evam uktas tu śakreṇa nāradaḥ pratyabhāṣata
     śṛṇu me bhagavan yena na dṛśyante mahīkṣitaḥ
 19 vidarbharājaduhitā damayantīti viśrutā
     rūpeṇa samatikrāntā pṛthivyāṃ sarvayoṣitaḥ
 20 tasyāḥ svayaṃvaraḥ śakra bhavitā nacirād iva
     tatra gacchanti rājāno rājaputrāś ca sarvaśaḥ
 21 tāṃ ratnabhūtāṃ lokasya prārthayanto mahīkṣitaḥ
     kāṅkṣanti sma viśeṣeṇa balavṛtraniṣūdana
 22 etasmin kathyamāne tu lokapālāś ca sāgnikāḥ
     ājagmur devarājasya samīpam amarottamāḥ
 23 tatas tac chuśruvuḥ sarve nāradasya vaco mahat
     śrutvā caivābruvan hṛṣṭā gacchāmo vayam apy uta
 24 tataḥ sarve mahārāja sagaṇāḥ sahavāhanāḥ
     vidarbhān abhito jagmur yatra sarve mahīkṣitaḥ
 25 nalo 'pi rājā kaunteya śrutvā rājñāṃ samāgamam
     abhyagacchad adīnātmā damayantīm anuvrataḥ
 26 atha devāḥ pathi nalaṃ dadṛśur bhūtale sthitam
     sākṣād iva sthitaṃ mūrtyā manmathaṃ rūpasaṃpadā
 27 taṃ dṛṣṭvā lokapālās te bhrājamānaṃ yathā ravim
     tasthur vigatasaṃkalpā vismitā rūpasaṃpadā
 28 tato 'ntarikṣe viṣṭabhya vimānāni divaukasaḥ
     abruvan naiṣadhaṃ rājann avatīrya nabhastalāt
 29 bho bho naiṣadha rājendra nala satyavrato bhavān
     asmākaṃ kuru sāhāyyaṃ dūto bhava narottama

SECTION LI

Vaisampayana said, "That bull among men--Dhritarashtra--the son of Amvika, having heard of this wonderful way of life--so above that of men--of the sons of Pandu, was filled with anxiety and grief. And overwhelmed with melancholy and sighing heavily and hot, that monarch, addressing his charioteer Sanjaya, said, 'O charioteer, a moment's peace I have not, either during the day or the night, thinking of the terrible misbehaviour of my sons arising out of their past gambling, and thinking also of the heroism, the patience, the high intelligence, the unbearable prowess, and the extraordinary love unto one another of the sons of Pandu. Amongst the Pandavas, the illustrious Nakula and Sahadeva, of celestial origin and equal unto the chief himself of the celestials in splendour, are invincible in battle. They are firm in the wielding of weapons, capable of shooting at a long distance, resolute in battle, of remarkable lightness of hand, of wrath that is not easily quelled, possessed of great steadiness, and endued with activity. Possessed of the prowess of lions and unbearable as the Aswins themselves, when they will come to the field of battle with Bhima and Arjuna in front, I see, O Sanjaya, that my soldiers will all be slain without a remnant. Those mighty warriors of celestial origin, unrivalled in battle by anybody, filled with rage at the remembrance of that insult to Draupadi, will show no forgiveness. The mighty warriors of the Vrishnis also, and the Panchalas of great energy, and the sons of Pritha themselves, led by Vasudeva of unbaffled prowess, will blast my legions. O charioteer, all the warriors on my side assembled together, are not competent to bear the impetus of the Vrishnis alone when commanded by Rama and Krishna. And amongst them will move that great warrior Bhima of terrible prowess, armed with his iron mace held on high and capable of slaying every hero. And high above the din will be heard the twang of the Gandiva loud as the thunder of heaven. The impetus of Bhima's mace and the loud twang of the Gandiva are incapable of being stood against by any of the kings on my side. It is then, O Sanjaya, that obedient as I have been to the voice of Duryodhana, I shall have to call back the rejected
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counsels of my friends--counsels that I should have attended to in time.'"
Sanjaya said, "This hath been thy great fault, O king, viz., that though capable, thou didst not, from affection prevent thy son from doing what he hath done. The slayer of Madhu, that hero of unfading glory, hearing that the Pandavas had been defeated at dice, soon went to the woods of Kamyaka and consoled them there. And Draupadi's sons also headed by Dhrishtadyumna, and Virata, and Dhrishtaketu, and those mighty warriors, the Kekayas, all went there. All that was said by these warriors at the sight of Pandu's son defeated at dice, was learnt by me through our spies. I have also told thee all, O king. When the slayer of Madhu met the Pandavas, they requested him to become the charioteer of Phalguna in battle. Hari himself, thus requested, answered them, saying, 'so be it.' And even Krishna himself beholding the sons of Pritha dressed in deer skins, became filled with rage, and addressing Yudhishthira, said, 'That prosperity which the sons of Pritha had acquired at Indraprastha, and which, unobtainable by other kings, was beheld by me at the Rajasuya sacrifice, at which, besides, I saw all kings, even those of the Vangas and Angas and Paundras and Odras and Cholas and Dravidas and Andhakas, and the chiefs of many islands and countries on the sea-board as also of frontier states, including the rulers of the Sinhalas, the barbarous mlecchas, the natives of Lanka, and all the kings of the West by hundreds, and all the chiefs of the sea-coast, and the kings of the Pahlavas and the Daradas and the various tribes of the Kiratas and Yavanas and Sakras and the Harahunas and Chinas and Tukharas and the Sindhavas and the Jagudas and the Ramathas and the Mundas and the inhabitants of the kingdom of women and the Tanganas and the Kekayas and the Malavas and the inhabitants of Kasmira, afraid of the prowess of your weapons, present in obedience to your invitation, performing various offices,--that prosperity, O king, so unstable and waiting at present on the foe, I shall restore to thee, depriving thy foe of his very life. I shall, O chief of the Kurus, assisted by Rama and Bhima and Arjuna and the twins and Akrura and Gada and Shamva and Pradyumna and Ahuka and the heroic Dhrishtadyumna and the son of Sisupala, slay in battle in course of a day Duryodhana and Karna and Dussasana and Suvala's son and all others who may fight against us. And thou shalt, O Bharata, living at Hastinapura along with thy brothers, and snatching from Dhritarashtra's party the prosperity they are enjoying, rule this earth.' Even these, O king, were Krishna's words unto Yudhishthira, who, on the conclusion of Krishna's speech, addressed him in that meeting of heroes and in the hearing of all those brave warriors headed by Dhrishtadyumna, saying, 'O Janardana, I accept these words of thine as truth. O thou of mighty arms, do thou, however, slay my enemies along with all their followers on the expiry of thirteen years.
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[paragraph continues] O Kesava, promise this truly unto me. I promised in the presence of the king to live in the forest as I am now living.' Consenting to these words of king Yudhishthira the just, his counsellors headed by Dhrishtadyumna soon pacified the incensed Kesava with sweet words and expressions suitable to the occasion. And they also said unto Draupadi of pure deeds in the hearing of Vasudeva himself, these words, 'O lady, in consequence of thy anger, Duryodhana shall lay down his life. We promise it, O thou of the fairest complexion. Therefore, grieve no more. O Krishna, those that mocked thee, beholding thee won at dice, shall reap the fruit of their act. Beasts of prey and birds shall eat their flesh, and mock them thus. Jackals and vultures will drink their blood. And, O Krishna, thou shalt behold the bodies of those wretches that dragged thee by the hair prostrate on the earth, dragged and eaten by carnivorous animals. They also that gave thee pain and disregarded thee shall lie on the earth destitute of their heads, and the earth herself shall drink their blood.' These and other speeches of various kinds were uttered there, O king, by those bulls of the Bharata race. All of them are endued with energy and bravery, and marked with the marks of battle. On the expiration of the thirteenth year, those mighty warriors, chosen by Yudhishthira and headed by Vasudeva, will come (to the field of battle). Rama and Krishna and Dhananjaya and Pradyumna and Shamva and Yuyudhana and Bhima and the sons of Madri and the Kekaya princes and the Panchala princes, accompanied by the king of Matsya, these all, illustrious and celebrated and invincible heroes, with their followers and troops, will come. Who is there that, desiring to live, will encounter these in battle, resembling angry lions of erect manes?'
"Dhritarashtra said, "What Vidura told me at the time of the game at dice, 'If thou seekest, O king, to vanquish the Pandavas (at dice), then certainly a terrible blood-shed ending in the destruction of all the Kurus will be the result,' I think it is about to be realised. As Vidura told me of old, without doubt a terrible battle will take place, as soon as the pledged period of the Pandavas expireth.'"

Book 3
Chapter 52

 1 bṛhadaśva uvāca
      tebhyaḥ pratijñāya nalaḥ kariṣya iti bhārata
      athainān paripapraccha kṛtāñjalir avasthitaḥ
  2 ke vai bhavantaḥ kaś cāsau yasyāhaṃ dūta īpsitaḥ
      kiṃ ca tatra mayā kāryaṃ kathayadhvaṃ yathātatham
  3 evam ukte naiṣadhena maghavān pratyabhāṣata
      amarān vai nibodhāsmān damayantyartham āgatān
  4 aham indro 'yam agniś ca tathaivāyam apāṃ patiḥ
      śarīrāntakaro nṝṇāṃ yamo 'yam api pārthiva
  5 sa vai tvam āgatān asmān damayantyai nivedaya
      lokapālāḥ sahendrās tvāṃ samāyānti didṛkṣavaḥ
  6 prāptum icchanti devās tvāṃ śakro 'gnir varuṇo yamaḥ
      teṣām anyatamaṃ devaṃ patitve varayasva ha
  7 evam uktaḥ sa śakreṇa nalaḥ prāñjalir abravīt
      ekārthasamavetaṃ māṃ na preṣayitum arhatha
  8 devā ūcuḥ
      kariṣya iti saṃśrutya pūrvam asmāsu naiṣadha
      na kariṣyasi kasmāt tvaṃ vraja naiṣadha māciram
  9 bṛhadaśva uvāca
      evam uktaḥ sa devais tair naiṣadhaḥ punar abravīt
      surakṣitāni veśmāni praveṣṭuṃ katham utsahe
  10 pravekṣyasīti taṃ śakraḥ punar evābhyabhāṣata
     jagāma sa tathety uktvā damayantyā niveśanam
 11 dadarśa tatra vaidarbhīṃ sakhīgaṇasamāvṛtām
     dedīpyamānāṃ vapuṣā śriyā ca varavarṇinīm
 12 atīva sukumārāṅgīṃ tanumadhyāṃ sulocanām
     ākṣipantīm iva ca bhāḥ śaśinaḥ svena tejasā
 13 tasya dṛṣṭvaiva vavṛdhe kāmas tāṃ cāruhāsinīm
     satyaṃ cikīrṣamāṇas tu dhārayām āsa hṛcchayam
 14 tatas tā naiṣadhaṃ dṛṣṭvā saṃbhrāntāḥ paramāṅganāḥ
     āsanebhyaḥ samutpetus tejasā tasya dharṣitāḥ
 15 praśaśaṃsuś ca suprītā nalaṃ tā vismayānvitāḥ
     na cainam abhyabhāṣanta manobhis tv abhyacintayan
 16 aho rūpam aho kāntir aho dhairyaṃ mahātmanaḥ
     ko 'yaṃ devo nu yakṣo nu gandharvo nu bhaviṣyati
 17 na tv enaṃ śaknuvanti sma vyāhartum api kiṃ cana
     tejasā dharṣitāḥ sarvā lajjāvatyo varāṅganāḥ
 18 athainaṃ smayamāneva smitapūrvābhibhāṣiṇī
     damayantī nalaṃ vīram abhyabhāṣata vismitā
 19 kas tvaṃ sarvānavadyāṅga mama hṛcchayavardhana
     prāpto 'sy amaravad vīra jñātum icchāmi te 'nagha
 20 katham āgamanaṃ ceha kathaṃ cāsi na lakṣitaḥ
     surakṣitaṃ hi me veśma rājā caivograśāsanaḥ
 21 evam uktas tu vaidarbhyā nalas tāṃ pratyuvāca ha
     nalaṃ māṃ viddhi kalyāṇi devadūtam ihāgatam
 22 devās tvāṃ prāptum icchanti śakro 'gnir varuṇo yamaḥ
     teṣām anyatamaṃ devaṃ patiṃ varaya śobhane
 23 teṣām eva prabhāvena praviṣṭo 'ham alakṣitaḥ
     praviśantaṃ hi māṃ kaś cin nāpaśyan nāpy avārayat
 24 etadartham ahaṃ bhadre preṣitaḥ surasattamaiḥ
     etac chrutvā śubhe buddhiṃ prakuruṣva yathecchasi

SECTION LII

(Nalopakhyana Parva)

Janamejaya said, "When the high-souled Partha went to Indra's region for obtaining weapons, what did Yudhishthira and the other sons of Pandu do?"
Vaisampayana said, "When the high-souled Partha went to Indra's region for obtaining weapons, those bulls of the Bharata race continued
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to dwell with Krishna in (the woods of) Kamyaka. One day, those foremost of the Bharatas, afflicted with grief, were seated with Krishna on a clean and solitary sward. Grieving for Dhananjaya, overwhelmed with sorrow, their voices were choked with weeping. Tortured by Dhananjaya's absence, grief afflicted them equally. And filled with sorrow at their separation from Arjuna and at the loss of their kingdom, the mighty-armed Bhima among them addressed Yudhishthira, saying, "That Bull of the Bharata race, Arjuna, O great king, on whom depend the lives of Pandu's sons, and on whose death the Panchalas as also ourselves with our sons and Satyaki and Vasudeva are sure to die, hath gone away at thy behest. What can be sadder than this that the virtuous Vibhatsu hath gone away at thy command, thinking of his many griefs? Depending upon the might of that illustrious hero's arms, regard our foes as already vanquished in battle, and the whole earth itself as already acquired by us. It was for the sake of that mighty warrior that I refrained from sending to the other world all the Dhartarashtras along with the Suvalas, in the midst of the assembly. Gifted with might of arms, and supported by Vasudeva, we have to suppress the wrath that hath been roused in us, because thou art the root of that wrath. Indeed, with Krishna's help, slaying our foes headed by Karna, we are able to rule the entire earth (thus) conquered by our own arms. Endued with manliness, we are yet overwhelmed with calamities, in consequence of thy gambling vice, while the foolish null of Dhritarashtra are growing stronger with the tributes (gathered from dependent kings). O mighty monarch, it behoveth thee to keep in view the duties of the Kshatriya. O great king, it is not the duty of a Khsatriya to live in the woods. The wise are of the opinion that to rule is the foremost duty of a Kshatriya. O king, thou art conversant with Kshatriya morality. Do not, therefore, deviate from the path of duty. Turning away from the woods, let us, summoning Partha and Janardana, slay, O king, the sons of Dhritarashtra, even before the twelve years are complete. O illustrious monarch O king of kings, even if these Dhartarashtras be surrounded by soldiers in array of battle, I shall send them to the other world by dint of might alone. I shall slay all the sons of Dhritarashtra along with the Sauvalas, indeed, Duryodhana, Karna, and any one else that will fight with me. And after I shall have slain all our foes, thou mayst come back unto the woods. By acting thus, O king, no fault will be thine. (Or if any sin be thine), O represser of foes, O mighty monarch, washing it off, O sire, by various sacrifices, we may ascend to a superior heaven. Such a consummation may come to pass, if our king proveth not unwise or procrastinating. Thou art, however, virtuous. Verily the deceitful should be destroyed by deceit. To slay the deceitful by deceit, is not regarded as sinful. O Bharata, it is, also said by those versed in morality that one day and night is, O great prince, equal unto a full year. The Veda text also,
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exalted one, is often heard, signifying that a year is equivalent to a day when passed in the observance of certain difficult vows. O thou of unfading glory, if the Vedas are an authority with thee, regard thou the period of a day and something more as the equivalent of thirteen years. O represser of foes, this is the time to slay Duryodhana with his adherents. Else, O king, he will beforehand bring the whole earth obedient to his will. O foremost of monarchs, all this is the result of thy addiction to gambling. We are on the verge of destruction already, in consequence of thy promise of living one year undiscovered. I do not find the country where, if we live, the wicked-minded Suyodhana may not be able to trace us by his spies. And finding us out, that wretch will again deceitfully send us into such exile in the woods. Or if that sinful one beholdeth us emerge, after the expiry of the pledged period of non-discovery, he will again invite thee, O great king, to dice, and the play will once more begin. Summoned once more, thou wilt again efface thyself at dice. Thou art not skilled at dice, and when summoned at play, thou wilt be deprived of thy senses. Therefore, O mighty monarch thou wilt have to lead a life in the woods again. If, O mighty king, it behoveth thee not to make us wretched for life, observe thou fully the ordinance of the Vedas, (which inculcateth that) verily the deceitful ought to be slain by deceit. If I but have thy command I would go (to Hastinapura) and, even as fire falling upon a heap of grass consumeth it, would slay Duryodhana, putting forth my utmost might. It behoveth thee, therefore, to grant me the permission.'"
Vaisampayana continued, "Thus addressed by Bhima, king Yudhishthira the just, smelt the crown of that son of Pandu, and pacifying him said, 'O mighty-armed one, without doubt, thou wilt, assisted by the wielder of the Gandiva, slay Suyodhana at the expiry of the thirteenth year. But, O son of Pritha, as for thy assertion, 'O Lord, the time is complete', I cannot dare tell an untruth, for untruth is not in me. O son of Kunti, without the help of fraud, wilt thou kill the wicked and irrepressible Duryodhana, with his allies.'
"While Yudhishthira the just, was speaking unto Bhima thus, there came the great and illustrious Rishi Vrihadaswa before them. And beholding that virtuous ascetic before him, the righteous king worshipped him according to the ordinance, with the offering of Madhuparka. And when the ascetic was seated and refreshed, the mighty-armed Yudhishthira sat by him, and looking up at the former, addressed him thus in exceedingly piteous accents:
'O holy one, summoned by cunning gamblers skilled at dice, I have been deprived of wealth and kingdom through gambling. I am not an adept at dice, and am unacquainted with deceit. Sinful men, by unfair means, vanquished me at play. They even brought into the public assembly my wife dearer unto me than life itself. And defeating me a
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second time, they have sent me to distressful exile in this great forest, clad in deer skins. At present I am leading a distressful life in the woods in grief of heart. Those harsh and cruel speeches they addressed me on the occasion of that gambling match, and the words of my afflicted friends relating to the match at dice and other subjects, are all stored up in my remembrance. Recollecting them I pass the whole night in (sleepless) anxiety. Deprived also (of the company) of the illustrious wielder of the Gandiva, on whom depend the lives of us all, I am almost deprived of life. Oh, when shall I see the sweet-speeched and large-hearted Vibhatsu so full of kindness and activity, return to us, having obtained all weapons? Is there a king on this earth who is more unfortunate than myself? Hast thou ever seen or heard of any such before? To my thinking, there is no man more wretched than I am.'
"Vrihadaswa said, 'O great king, O son of Pandu, thou sayest, 'There is no person more miserable than I am' O sinless monarch, if thou wilt listen, I will relate unto thee the history of a king more wretched than thyself?
Vaisampayana continued, "And thereupon the king said unto the ascetic, 'O illustrious one, tell me, I desire to hear the history of the king who had fallen into such a condition.'
"Vrihadaswa said, 'O king, O thou that never fallest off, listen attentively with thy brothers, I will narrate the history of a prince more miserable than thyself. There was a celebrated king among the Nishadhas, named Virasena. He had a son named Nala, versed in (the knowledge of) virtue and wealth. It hath been heard by us that, that king was deceitfully defeated by Pushkara, and afflicted with calamity, he dwelt in the woods with his spouse. And, O king, while he was living in the forest, he had neither slaves nor cars, neither brother nor friends with him. But thou art surrounded by thy heroic brothers like unto the celestials, and also by foremost regenerate ones like unto Brahma himself. Therefore, it behoveth thee not to grieve.'
"Yudhishthira said, 'I am anxious to hear in detail, O thou foremost of eloquent men, the history of the illustrious Nala. It behoveth thee therefore to relate it unto me.'

Book 3
Chapter 53

 1 bṛhadaśva uvāca
      sā namaskṛtya devebhyaḥ prahasya nalam abravīt
      praṇayasva yathāśraddhaṃ rājan kiṃ karavāṇi te
  2 ahaṃ caiva hi yac cānyan mamāsti vasu kiṃ cana
      sarvaṃ tat tava viśrabdhaṃ kuru praṇayam īśvara
  3 haṃsānāṃ vacanaṃ yat tat tan māṃ dahati pārthiva
      tvatkṛte hi mayā vīra rājānaḥ saṃnipātitāḥ
  4 yadi ced bhajamānāṃ māṃ pratyākhyāsyasi mānada
      viṣam agniṃ jalaṃ rajjum āsthāsye tava kāraṇāt
  5 evam uktas tu vaidarbhyā nalas tāṃ pratyuvāca ha
      tiṣṭhatsu lokapāleṣu kathaṃ mānuṣam icchasi
  6 yeṣām ahaṃ lokakṛtām īśvarāṇāṃ mahātmanām
      na pādarajasā tulyo manas te teṣu vartatām
  7 vipriyaṃ hy ācaran martyo devānāṃ mṛtyum ṛcchati
      trāhi mām anavadyāṅgi varayasva surottamān
  8 tato bāṣpakalāṃ vācaṃ damayantī śucismitā
      pravyāharantī śanakair nalaṃ rājānam abravīt
  9 asty upāyo mayā dṛṣṭo nirapāyo nareśvara
      yena doṣo na bhavitā tava rājan kathaṃ cana
  10 tvaṃ caiva hi naraśreṣṭha devāś cāgnipurogamāḥ
     āyāntu sahitāḥ sarve mama yatra svayaṃvaraḥ
 11 tato 'haṃ lokapālānāṃ saṃnidhau tvāṃ nareśvara
     varayiṣye naravyāghra naivaṃ doṣo bhaviṣyati
 12 evam uktas tu vaidarbhyā nalo rājā viśāṃ pate
     ājagāma punas tatra yatra devāḥ samāgatāḥ
 13 tam apaśyaṃs tathāyāntaṃ lokapālāḥ saheśvarāḥ
     dṛṣṭvā cainaṃ tato 'pṛcchan vṛttāntaṃ sarvam eva tat
 14 devā ūcuḥ
     kac cid dṛṣṭā tvayā rājan damayantī śucismitā
     kim abravīc ca naḥ sarvān vada bhūmipate 'nagha
 15 nala uvāca
     bhavadbhir aham ādiṣṭo damayantyā niveśanam
     praviṣṭaḥ sumahākakṣyaṃ daṇḍibhiḥ sthavirair vṛtam
 16 praviśantaṃ ca māṃ tatra na kaś cid dṛṣṭavān naraḥ
     ṛte tāṃ pārthivasutāṃ bhavatām eva tejasā
 17 sakhyaś cāsyā mayā dṛṣṭās tābhiś cāpy upalakṣitaḥ
     vismitāś cābhavan dṛṣṭvā sarvā māṃ vibudheśvarāḥ
 18 varṇyamāneṣu ca mayā bhavatsu rucirānanā
     mām eva gatasaṃkalpā vṛṇīte surasattamāḥ
 19 abravīc caiva māṃ bālā āyāntu sahitāḥ surāḥ
     tvayā saha naraśreṣṭha mama yatra svayaṃvaraḥ
 20 teṣām ahaṃ saṃnidhau tvāṃ varayiṣye narottama
     evaṃ tava mahābāho doṣo na bhaviteti ha
 21 etāvad eva vibudhā yathāvṛttam udāhṛtam
     mayāśeṣaṃ pramāṇaṃ tu bhavantas tridaśeśvarāḥ

SECTION LIII

Vrihadaswa said, "There was a king named Nala, the son of Virasena. And he was strong, and handsome, and well-versed in (the knowledge of) horses, and possessed of every desirable accomplishment. And he was at the head of all the kings, even like the lord of the celestials. And exalted over all, he resembled the sun in glory. And he was the king
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of the Nishadhas, intent on the welfare of the Brahmanas, versed in the Vedas, and possessed of heroism. And he was truth-telling, fond of dice, and the master of a mighty army. And he was the beloved of men and women, and of great soul and subdued passions. And he was the protector (of all), and the foremost of bowmen, and like unto Manu himself. And like him, there was among the Vidarbhas (a king named) Bhima, of terrible prowess, heroic and well-disposed towards his subjects and possessed of every virtue. (But withal) he was childless. And with a fixed mind, he tried his utmost for obtaining issue. And. O Bharata there came unto him (once) a Brahmarshi named Damana. And, O king of kings, desirous of having offspring, Bhima, versed in morality, with his queen gratified that illustrious Rishi by a respectful reception. And Damana, well-pleased, granted unto the king and his consort a boon in the form of a jewel of a daughter, and three sons possessed of lofty souls and great fame. (And they were called respectively) Damayanti, and Dama and Danta, and illustrious Damana. And the three sons were possessed of every accomplishment and terrible mien and fierce prowess. And the slender-waisted Damayanti, in beauty and brightness, in good name and grace and luck, became celebrated all over the world. And on her attaining to age, hundreds of hand-maids, and female slaves, decked in ornaments, waited upon her like Sachi herself. And Bhima's daughter of faultless features, decked in every ornament, shone in the midst of her hand-maids, like the luminous lightning of the clouds. And the large-eyed damsel was possessed of great beauty like that of Sree herself. And neither among celestials, nor among Yakshas, nor among men was anybody possessed of such beauty, seen or heard of before. And the beautiful maiden filled with gladness the hearts of even the gods. And that tiger among men, Nala also had not his peer in the (three) worlds: for in beauty he was like Kandarpa himself in his embodied form. And moved by admiration, the heralds again and again celebrated the praises of Nala before Damayanti and those of Damayanti before the ruler of the Nishadhas. And repeatedly hearing of each other's virtues they conceived an attachment towards each other not begot of sight, and that attachment, O son of Kunti began to grow in strength. And then Nala was unable to control the love that was in his bosom. And he began to pass much of his time in solitude in the gardens adjoining the inner apartment (of his palace). And there he saw a number of swans furnished with golden wings, wandering in those woods. And from among them he caught one with his hands. And thereupon the sky-ranging one said unto Nala. 'Deserve I not to be slain by thee. O king. I will do something that is agreeable to thee. O king of the Nishadhas. I will speak of thee before Damayanti in such a way that she will not ever desire to have any other person (for her lord).' Thus addressed, the king liberated that swan. And those swans then rose on their wings
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and went to the country of the Vidarbhas. And on arriving at the city of the Vidarbhas the birds alighted before Damayanti, who beheld them all. And Damayanti in the midst of her maids, beholding those birds of extraordinary appearance was filled with delight, and strove without loss of time to catch those coursers of the skies. And the swans at this, before that bevy of beauties, fled in all directions. And those maidens there pursued the birds, each (running) after one. And the swan after which Damayanti ran, having led her to a secluded spot, addressed her in human speech, saying, O Damayanti, there is a king amongst the Nishadhas named Nala. He is equal unto the Aswins in beauty, not having his peer among men. Indeed, in comeliness, he is like Kandarpa himself in his embodied form. O fair-complexioned one, O thou of slender waist, if thou becomest his wife, thy existence and this thy beauty may be of purpose. We have, indeed, beheld celestials and Gandharvas, and Nagas, and Rakshasas, and men, but never saw we before any one like Nala. Thou also art a jewel among thy sex, as Nala is the prime among men. The union of the best with the best is happy.' Thus addressed by the swan. Damayanti, O monarch, replied unto him there, saying, 'Do thou speak thus unto Nala also, 'Saying So be it, to the daughter of Vidarbha, the oviparous one, O king, returned to the country of the Nishadhas, and related everything unto Nala."

Book 3
Chapter 54

  1 bṛhadaśva uvāca
      atha kāle śubhe prāpte tithau puṇye kṣaṇe tathā
      ājuhāva mahīpālān bhīmo rājā svayaṃvare
  2 tac chrutvā pṛthivīpālāḥ sarve hṛcchayapīḍitāḥ
      tvaritāḥ samupājagmur damayantīm abhīpsavaḥ
  3 kanakastambharuciraṃ toraṇena virājitam
      viviśus te mahāraṅgaṃ nṛpāḥ siṃhā ivācalam
  4 tatrāsaneṣu vividheṣv āsīnāḥ pṛthivīkṣitaḥ
      surabhisragdharāḥ sarve sumṛṣṭamaṇikuṇḍalāḥ
  5 tāṃ rājasamitiṃ pūrṇāṃ nāgair bhogavatīm iva
      saṃpūrṇāṃ puruṣavyāghrair vyāghrair giriguhām iva
  6 tatra sma pīnā dṛśyante bāhavaḥ parighopamāḥ
      ākāravantaḥ suślakṣṇāḥ pañcaśīrṣā ivoragāḥ
  7 sukeśāntāni cārūṇi sunāsāni śubhāni ca
      mukhāni rājñāṃ śobhante nakṣatrāṇi yathā divi
  8 damayantī tato raṅgaṃ praviveśa śubhānanā
      muṣṇantī prabhayā rājñāṃ cakṣūṃsi ca manāṃsi ca
  9 tasyā gātreṣu patitā teṣāṃ dṛṣṭir mahātmanām
      tatra tatraiva saktābhūn na cacāla ca paśyatām
  10 tataḥ saṃkīrtyamāneṣu rājñāṃ nāmasu bhārata
     dadarśa bhaimī puruṣān pañca tulyākṛtīn iva
 11 tān samīkṣya tataḥ sarvān nirviśeṣākṛtīn sthitān
     saṃdeśād atha vaidharbhī nābhyajānān nalaṃ nṛpam
     yaṃ yaṃ hi dadṛśe teṣāṃ taṃ taṃ mene nalaṃ nṛpam
 12 sā cintayantī buddhyātha tarkayām āsa bhāminī
     kathaṃ nu devāñ jānīyāṃ kathaṃ vidyāṃ nalaṃ nṛpam
 13 evaṃ saṃcintayantī sā vaidarbhī bhṛśaduḥkhitā
     śrutāni devaliṅgāni cintayām āsa bhārata
 14 devānāṃ yāni liṅgāni sthavirebhyaḥ śrutāni me
     tānīha tiṣṭhatāṃ bhūmāv ekasyāpi na lakṣaye
 15 sā viniścitya bahudhā vicārya ca punaḥ punaḥ
     śaraṇaṃ prati devānāṃ prāptakālam amanyata
 16 vācā ca manasā caiva namaḥ kāraṃ prayujya sā
     devebhyaḥ prāñjalir bhūtvā vepamānedam abravīt
 17 haṃsānāṃ vacanaṃ śrutvā yathā me naiṣadho vṛtaḥ
     patitve tena satyena devās taṃ pradiśantu me
 18 vācā ca manasā caiva yathā nābhicarāmy aham
     tena satyena vibudhās tam eva pradiśantu me
 19 yathā devaiḥ sa me bhartā vihito niṣadhādhipaḥ
     tena satyena me devās tam eva pradiśantu me
 20 svaṃ caiva rūpaṃ puṣyantu lokapālāḥ saheśvarāḥ
     yathāham abhijānīyāṃ puṇyaślokaṃ narādhipam
 21 niśamya damayantyās tat karuṇaṃ paridevitam
     niścayaṃ paramaṃ tathyam anurāgaṃ ca naiṣadhe
 22 manoviśuddhiṃ buddhiṃ ca bhaktiṃ rāgaṃ ca bhārata
     yathoktaṃ cakrire devāḥ sāmarthyaṃ liṅgadhāraṇe
 23 sāpaśyad vibudhān sarvān asvedān stabdhalocanān
     hṛṣitasrag rajohīnān sthitān aspṛśataḥ kṣitim
 24 chāyādvitīyo mlānasrag rajaḥsvedasamanvitaḥ
     bhūmiṣṭho naiṣadhaś caiva nimeṣeṇa ca sūcitaḥ
 25 sā samīkṣya tato devān puṇyaślokaṃ ca bhārata
     naiṣadhaṃ varayām āsa bhaimī dharmeṇa bhārata
 26 vilajjamānā vastrānte jagrāhāyatalocanā
     skandhadeśe 'sṛjac cāsya srajaṃ paramaśobhanām
     varayām āsa caivainaṃ patitve varavarṇinī
 27 tato hā heti sahasā śabdo mukto narādhipaiḥ
     devair maharṣibhiś caiva sādhu sādhv iti bhārata
     vismitair īritaḥ śabdaḥ praśaṃsadbhir nalaṃ nṛpam
 28 vṛte tu naiṣadhe bhaimyā lokapālā mahaujasā
     prahṛṣṭamanasaḥ sarve nalāyāṣṭau varān daduḥ
 29 pratyakṣadarśanaṃ yajñe gatiṃ cānuttamāṃ śubhām
     naiṣadhāya dadau śakraḥ prīyamāṇaḥ śacīpatiḥ
 30 agnir ātmabhavaṃ prādād yatra vāñchati naiṣadhaḥ
     lokān ātmaprabhāṃś caiva dadau tasmai hutāśanaḥ
 31 yamas tv annarasaṃ prādād dharme ca paramāṃ sthitim
     apāṃ patir apāṃ bhāvaṃ yatra vāñchati naiṣadhaḥ
 32 srajaṃ cottamagandhāḍhyāṃ sarve ca mithunaṃ daduḥ
     varān evaṃ pradāyāsya devās te tridivaṃ gatāḥ
 33 pārthivāś cānubhūyāsya vivāhaṃ vismayānvitāḥ
     damayantyāḥ pramuditāḥ pratijagmur yathāgatam
 34 avāpya nārīratnaṃ tat puṇyaśloko 'pi pārthivaḥ
     reme saha tayā rājā śacyeva balavṛtrahā
 35 atīva mudito rājā bhrājamāno 'ṃśumān iva
     arañjayat prajā vīro dharmeṇa paripālayan
 36 īje cāpy aśvamedhena yayātir iva nāhuṣaḥ
     anyaiś ca kratubhir dhīmān bahubhiś cāptadakṣiṇaiḥ
 37 punaś ca ramaṇīyeṣu vaneṣūpavaneṣu ca
     damayantyā saha nalo vijahārāmaropamaḥ
 38 evaṃ sa yajamānaś ca viharaṃś ca narādhipaḥ
     rarakṣa vasusaṃpūrṇāṃ vasudhāṃ vasudhādhipaḥ

SECTION LIV

"Vrihadaswa said, 'O Bharata, hearing those words of the swan, Damayanti thenceforth lost all peace of mind on account of Nala. And heaving frequent sighs she was filled with anxiety, and became melancholy and pale-faced and lean. And with her heart possessed by the god of love, she soon lost colour, and with her upturned gaze and modes of abstraction, looked like one demented. And she lost all inclination for beds and seats and object of enjoyment. And she ceased to lie down by day or night, always weeping with exclamation of Oh! and Alas! And beholding her uneasy and fallen into that condition, her hand-maids represented, O king, the matter of her illness unto the ruler of Vidarbha by indirect hints. And king Bhima, hearing of this from the handmaids of Damayanti, regarded the affair of his daughter to be serious. And he asked himself, 'Why is it that my daughter seemeth to be so ill now?' And the king, reflecting by himself that his daughter had attained to puberty, concluded that Damayanti's Swayamvara should take place. And the monarch, O exalted one, (invited) all the rulers of the earth, saying, Ye heroes, know that Damayanti's Swayamvara is at hand, And
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all the kings, hearing of Damayanti's Swayamvara, came unto Bhima, agreeable to his message, filling the earth with the clatter of their cars, the roar of their elephants, and the neighing of their horses, and accompanied with their fine-looking battalions decked in ornaments and graceful garlands. And the mighty-armed Bhima paid due reverence unto those illustrious monarchs. And duly honoured by him they took up their quarters there.'
"And at the juncture, those foremost of celestial Rishis possessed of great splendour, of great wisdom and great vows--namely, Narada and Parvata--having arrived in course of their wandering at the regions of Indra entered the mansion of the lord of the immortals, receiving proper worship. And Maghavat having worshipped them reverentially, inquired after their undisturbed peace and welfare as regards all respects. And Narada said, 'O lord, O divine one, peace attendeth us in every respect. And, O Maghavat, peace attendeth also O exalted one, the kings of the whole world.'
"Vrihadaswa continued. 'Hearing the words of Narada the slaver of Vala and Vritra said, 'Those righteous rulers of the earth who fight renouncing all desire of life, and who meet death when their time is come by means of weapons, without flying from the field,--theirs is this region, everlasting unto them and granting all desires, even as it is to me. Where be those Kshatriya heroes? I do not see those kings approach (now) Where are my favourite guests?' Thus addressed by Sakra, Narada replied, 'Listen, O Mahavat, why seest not thou the kings (now)? The ruler of the Vidarbhas hath a daughter--the celebrated Damayanti. In beauty she transcendeth all the women of the earth. Her Swayamvara, O Sakra, will take place shortly. Thither are going all the kings and Princes from all directions. And all the lords of the earth desire to have that pearl of the earth,--desire to have her eagerly, O slaver of Vala and Vritra.' And while they were talking thus, those foremost of the immortals, the Lokapalas with Agni among them, appeared before the lord of the celestials. And all of them heard the words of Narada fraught with grave import. And as soon as they heard them, they exclaimed in rapture, We also will go there. And, O mighty monarch, accompanied by their attendants and mounted on their (respective) vehicles, they set out for the country of Vidarbhas, whither (had gone) all the kings. And, O son of Kunti, the high-souled king Nala also hearing of that concourse of kings, set out with a cheerful heart, full of Damayanti's love. And (it came to pass) that the gods saw Nala on the way treading on the earth. And his form owing to its beauty was like that of the god of love himself. And beholding him resplendent as the sun, the Lokapalas were filled with astonishment at his wealth of beauty, and abandoned their intention. And, O king, leaving their cars in the sky the dwellers of heaven alighted from the welkin and spake unto
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the ruler of the Nishadhas, saying, 'O foremost of monarchs ruling the Nishadhas, O Nala, thou art devoted to truth. Do thou help us. O best of men, be thou our messenger.'"

Book 3
Chapter 55

1 bṛhadaśva uvāca
      vṛte tu naiṣadhe bhaimyā lokapālā mahaujasaḥ
      yānto dadṛśur āyāntaṃ dvāparaṃ kalinā saha
  2 athābravīt kaliṃ śakraḥ saṃprekṣya balavṛtrahā
      dvāpareṇa sahāyena kale brūhi kva yāsyasi
  3 tato 'bravīt kaliḥ śakraṃ damayantyāḥ svayaṃvaram
      gatvāhaṃ varayiṣye tāṃ mano hi mama tadgatam
  4 tam abravīt prahasyendro nirvṛttaḥ sa svayaṃvaraḥ
      vṛtas tayā nalo rājā patir asmatsamīpataḥ
  5 evam uktas tu śakreṇa kaliḥ kopasamanvitaḥ
      devān āmantrya tān sarvān uvācedaṃ vacas tadā
  6 devānāṃ mānuṣaṃ madhye yat sā patim avindata
      nanu tasyā bhaven nyāyyaṃ vipulaṃ daṇḍadhāraṇam
  7 evam ukte tu kalinā pratyūcus te divaukasaḥ
      asmābhiḥ samanujñāto damayantyā nalo vṛtaḥ
  8 kaś ca sarvaguṇopetaṃ nāśrayeta nalaṃ nṛpam
      yo veda dharmān akhilān yathāvac caritavrataḥ
  9 yasmin satyaṃ dhṛtir dānaṃ tapaḥ śaucaṃ damaḥ śamaḥ
      dhruvāṇi puruṣavyāghre lokapālasame nṛpe
  10 ātmānaṃ sa śapen mūḍho hanyāc cātmānam ātmanā
     evaṃguṇaṃ nalaṃ yo vai kāmayec chapituṃ kale
 11 kṛcchre sa narake majjed agādhe vipule 'plave
     evam uktvā kaliṃ devā dvāparaṃ ca divaṃ yayuḥ
 12 tato gateṣu deveṣu kalir dvāparam abravīt
     saṃhartuṃ notsahe kopaṃ nale vatsyāmi dvāpara
 13 bhraṃśayiṣyāmi taṃ rājyān na bhaimyā saha raṃsyate
     tvam apy akṣān samāviśya kartuṃ sāhāyyam arhasi

SECTION LV

"Vrihadaswa continued, 'O Bharata, Nala pledged his word to the celestials saying, 'I will do it.' And then approaching these, he asked with folded hands. 'Who are ye? And who also is he that desireth me to be his messenger? And what, further, shall I have to do for you? O tell me truly!'--When the king of the Nishadhas spoke thus, Maghavat replied, saying, 'Know us as the immortals come hither for Damayanti's sake. I am Indra, this one is Agni, this the lord of waters, and this, O king, is even Yama the destroyer of the bodies of men. Do thou inform Damayanti of our arrival, saying, 'The guardians of the world, (consisting of) the great Indra and the others, are coming to the assembly, desirous of beholding (the Swayamvara). The gods, Sakra and Agni and Varuna and Yama, desire to obtain thee. Do thou, therefore, choose one of them for thy lord.' Thus addressed by Sakra, Nala said with joined hands, 'I have come here with the self same object. It behoveth thee not to send me (on this errand). How can a person who is himself under the influence of love bring himself to speak thus unto a lady on behalf of others? Therefore, spare me, ye gods' The gods, however, said, 'O ruler of the Nishadhas, having promised first, saying, 'I will! why wilt thou not act accordingly now? O ruler of the Nishadhas, tell us this without delay.'
"Vrihadaswa continued, 'Thus addressed by those celestials, the ruler of Nishadhas spake again, saying, 'Those mansions are well-guarded. How can I hope to enter them?' Indra replied, 'Thou shalt be able to enter.' And, saying, So be it.' Nala thereupon went to the palace of Damayanti. And having arrived there, he beheld the daughter of the king of Vidarbha surrounded by her hand-maids, blazing in beauty and excelling in symmetry of form, of limbs exceedingly delicate, of slender waist and fair eyes. And she seemed to rebuke the light of the moon by her own splendour. And as he gazed on that lady of sweet smiles. Nala's love increased, but desirous of keeping his truth, he suppressed his passion. And at the sight of Naishadha, overpowered by his effulgence, those first of women sprang up from their seats in amazement. And filled with wonder (at his sight), they praised Nala in gladness of heart. And without saying anything, they mentally paid him homage, 'Oh, what comeliness! Oh, what gentleness belongeth to this high-souled
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one! Who is he? Is he some god or Yaksha or Gandharva?' And those foremost of women, confounded by Nala's splendour and bashfulness would not accost him at all in speech. And Damayanti although herself struck with amazement, smilingly addressed the warlike Nala who also gently smiled at her, saying, 'What art thou, O thou of faultless features, that hast come here awakening my love? O sinless one, O hero of celestial form, I am anxious to know who thou art that hast come hither. And why hast thou come hither? And how is it that thou hast not been discovered by any one, considering that my apartments are well-guarded and the king's mandates are stern.' Thus addressed by the daughter of the king of the Vidarbhas, Nala replied, 'O beauteous lady, know that my name is Nala. I come here as the messenger of the gods. The celestials, Sakra, Agni, Varuna and Yama, desire to have thee. O beautiful lady, do thou choose one of them for thy lord. It is through their power that I have entered here unperceived, and it is for this reason that none saw me on my way or obstructed my entrance. O gentle one, I have been sent by the foremost of the celestials even for this object. Hearing this, O fortunate one, do what thou pleasest.'"

Book 3
Chapter 56

 1 bṛhadaśva uvāca
      evaṃ sa samayaṃ kṛtvā dvāpareṇa kaliḥ saha
      ājagāma tatas tatra yatra rājā sa naiṣadhaḥ
  2 sa nityam antaraprekṣī niṣadheṣv avasac ciram
      athāsya dvādaśe varṣe dadarśa kalir antaram
  3 kṛtvā mūtram upaspṛśya saṃdhyām āste sma naiṣadhaḥ
      akṛtvā pādayoḥ śaucaṃ tatrainaṃ kalir āviśat
  4 sa samāviśya tu nalaṃ samīpaṃ puṣkarasya ha
      gatvā puṣkaram āhedam ehi dīvya nalena vai
  5 akṣadyūte nalaṃ jetā bhavān hi sahito mayā
      niṣadhān pratipadyasva jitvā rājan nalaṃ nṛpam
  6 evam uktas tu kalinā puṣkaro nalam abhyayāt
      kaliś caiva vṛṣo bhūtvā gavāṃ puṣkaram abhyayāt
  7 āsādya tu nalaṃ vīraṃ puṣkaraḥ paravīrahā
      dīvyāvety abravīd bhrātā vṛṣeṇeti muhur muhuḥ
  8 na cakṣame tato rājā samāhvānaṃ mahāmanāḥ
      vaidarbhyāḥ prekṣamāṇāyāḥ paṇakālam amanyata
  9 hiraṇyasya suvarṇasya yānayugyasya vāsasām
      āviṣṭaḥ kalinā dyūte jīyate sma nalas tadā
  10 tam akṣamadasaṃmattaṃ suhṛdāṃ na tu kaś cana
     nivāraṇe 'bhavac chakto dīvyamānam acetasam
 11 tataḥ paurajanaḥ sarvo mantribhiḥ saha bhārata
     rājānaṃ draṣṭum āgacchan nivārayitum āturam
 12 tataḥ sūta upāgamya damayantyai nyavedayat
     eṣa paurajanaḥ sarvo dvāri tiṣṭhati kāryavān
 13 nivedyatāṃ naiṣadhāya sarvāḥ prakṛtayaḥ sthitāḥ
     amṛṣyamāṇā vyasanaṃ rājño dharmārthadarśinaḥ
 14 tataḥ sā bāṣpakalayā vācā duḥkhena karśitā
     uvāca naiṣadhaṃ bhaimī śokopahatacetanā
 15 rājan paurajano dvāri tvāṃ didṛkṣur avasthitaḥ
     mantribhiḥ sahitaḥ sarvai rājabhaktipuraskṛtaḥ
     taṃ draṣṭum arhasīty eva punaḥ punar abhāṣata
 16 tāṃ tathā rucirāpāṅgīṃ vilapantīṃ sumadhyamām
     āviṣṭaḥ kalinā rājā nābhyabhāṣata kiṃ cana
 17 tatas te mantriṇaḥ sarve te caiva puravāsinaḥ
     nāyam astīti duḥkhārtā vrīḍitā jagmur ālayān
 18 tathā tad abhavad dyūtaṃ puṣkarasya nalasya ca
     yudhiṣṭhira bahūn māsān puṇyaślokas tv ajīyata

SECTION LVI

"Vrihadaswa said, 'Damayanti, having bowed down unto the gods, thus addressed Nala with a smile, 'O king, love me with proper regard, and command me what I shall do for thee. Myself and what else of wealth is mine are thine. Grant me, O exalted one, thy love in full trust. O king, the language of the swans in burning me. It is for thy sake, O hero, that I have caused the kings to meet. O giver of proper honour, if thou forsake me who adore thee, for thy sake will I resort to poison, or fire, or water or the rope.' Thus addressed by the daughter of the king of the Vidarbhas, Nala answered her saying, 'With the Lokapalas present, choosest thou a man? Do thou turn thy heart to those high-souled lords, the creators of the worlds, unto the dust of whose feet I am not equal. Displeasing the gods, a mortal cometh by death. Save me, O thou of faultless limbs! Choose thou the all-excelling celestials. By accepting the gods, do thou enjoy spotless robes, and celestial garlands of variegated hues, and excellent ornaments. What woman would not choose as her lord Hutasana--the chief of the celestials, who compassing the earth swalloweth it? What woman would not choose him as her lord the dread of whose mace induceth all creatures to tread the path of virtue? And what woman would not choose as her lord the virtuous and high-souled Mahendra, the lord of the celestials, the chastiser of Daityas and Danavas?
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[paragraph continues] Or, if thou couldst choose in thy heart Varuna amongst the Lokapalas, do so unhesitatingly. O accept this friendly advice.' Thus addressed by Naishadha, Damayanti, with eyes bathed in tears of grief spake thus unto Nala, 'O lord of the earth, bowing to all the gods, I choose thee for my lord. Truly do I tell thee this.' The king, who had come as the messenger of the gods, replied unto the trembling Damayanti standing with folded hands, 'O amiable one, do as thou pleasest. Having given my pledge, O blessed one, unto the gods in especial, how can I, having come on other's mission, dare seek my own interest? If seeking my own interest consists with virtue, I will seek it, and do thou also, O beauteous one, act accordingly.' Then Damayanti of luminous smiles slowly spake unto king Nala, in words choked with tears, 'O lord of men I see a blameless way, by which no sin whatever will attach unto thee. O king, do thou, O foremost of men, come to the Swayamvara in company with all the gods headed by Indra. There, O Monarch, in the presence of the Lokapalas I will, O tiger among men, choose thee--at which no blame will be thine.' Thus addressed, O monarch, by the daughter of Vidarbha, king Nala returned to where the gods were staying together. And beholding him approach those great gods, the Lokapalas, eagerly asked him about all that had happened saying, 'Hast thou, O king, seen Damayanti of sweet smiles? What hath she said unto us all? O sinless monarch, tell us everything.' Nala answered, 'Commanded by you I entered Damayanti's palace furnished with lofty portals guarded by veteran warders bearing wands. And as I entered, no one perceived me, by virtue of your power, except the princess. And I saw her hand-maids, and they also saw me. And, O exalted celestials, seeing me, they were filled with wonder. And as I spake unto her of you, the fair-faced maiden, her will fixed on me, O ye best of the gods, chose me (for her spouse).' And the maiden said, 'Let the gods, O tiger among men, come with thee to the Swayamvara, I will in their presence, choose thee. At this, O thou of mighty arms, no blame will attach to thee.' 'This is all, ye gods, that took place, as I have said. Finally, everything rests with you, ye foremost of celestials.'"

Book 3
Chapter 57

1 bṛhadaśva uvāca
      damayantī tato dṛṣṭvā puṇyaślokaṃ narādhipam
      unmattavad anunmattā devane gatacetasām
  2 bhayaśokasamāviṣṭā rājan bhīmasutā tataḥ
      cintayām āsa tat kāryaṃ sumahat pārthivaṃ prati
  3 sā śaṅkamānā tatpāpaṃ cikīrṣantī ca tatpriyam
      nalaṃ ca hṛtasarvasvam upalabhyedam abravīt
  4 bṛhatsene vrajāmātyān ānāyya nalaśāsanāt
      ācakṣva yad dhṛtaṃ dravyam avaśiṣṭaṃ ca yad vasu
  5 tatas te mantriṇaḥ sarve vijñāya nalaśāsanam
      api no bhāgadheyaṃ syād ity uktvā punar āvrajan
  6 tās tu sarvāḥ prakṛtayo dvitīyaṃ samupasthitāḥ
      nyavedayad bhīmasutā na ca tat pratyanandata
  7 vākyam apratinandantaṃ bhartāram abhivīkṣya sā
      damayantī punar veśma vrīḍitā praviveśa ha
  8 niśamya satataṃ cākṣān puṇyaślokaparāṅmukhān
      nalaṃ ca hṛtasarvasvaṃ dhātrīṃ punar uvāca ha
  9 bṛhatsene punar gaccha vārṣṇeyaṃ nalaśāsanāt
      sūtam ānaya kalyāṇi mahat kāryam upasthitam
  10 bṛhatsenā tu tac chrutvā damayantyāḥ prabhāṣitam
     vārṣṇeyam ānayām āsa puruṣair āptakāribhiḥ
 11 vārṣṇeyaṃ tu tato bhaimī sāntvayañ ślakṣṇayā girā
     uvāca deśakālajñā prāptakālam aninditā
 12 jānīṣe tvaṃ yathā rājā samyagvṛttaḥ sadā tvayi
     tasya tvaṃ viṣamasthasya sāhāyyaṃ kartum arhasi
 13 yathā yathā hi nṛpatiḥ puṣkareṇeha jīyate
     tathā tathāsya dyūte vai rāgo bhūyo 'bhivardhate
 14 yathā ca puṣkarasyākṣā vartante vaśavartinaḥ
     tathā viparyayaś cāpi nalasyākṣeṣu dṛśyate
 15 suhṛtsvajanavākyāni yathāvan na śṛṇoti ca
     nūnaṃ manye na śeṣo 'sti naiṣadhasya mahātmanaḥ
 16 yatra me vacanaṃ rājā nābhinandati mohitaḥ
     śaraṇaṃ tvāṃ prapannāsmi sārathe kuru madvacaḥ
     na hi me śudhyate bhāvaḥ kadā cid vinaśed iti
 17 nalasya dayitān aśvān yojayitvā mahājavān
     idam āropya mithunaṃ kuṇḍinaṃ yātum arhasi
 18 mama jñātiṣu nikṣipya dārakau syandanaṃ tathā
     aśvāṃś caitān yathākāmaṃ vasa vānyatra gaccha vā
 19 damayantyās tu tad vākyaṃ vārṣṇeyo nalasārathiḥ
     nyavedayad aśeṣeṇa nalāmātyeṣu mukhyaśaḥ
 20 taiḥ sametya viniścitya so 'nujñāto mahīpate
     yayau mithunam āropya vidarbhāṃs tena vāhinā
 21 hayāṃs tatra vinikṣipya sūto rathavaraṃ ca tam
     indrasenāṃ ca tāṃ kanyām indrasenaṃ ca bālakam
 22 āmantrya bhīmaṃ rājānam ārtaḥ śocan nalaṃ nṛpam
     aṭamānas tato 'yodhyāṃ jagāma nagarīṃ tadā
 23 ṛtuparṇaṃ sa rājānam upatasthe suduḥkhitaḥ
     bhṛtiṃ copayayau tasya sārathyena mahīpate

SECTION LVII

"Vrihadaswa continued, 'Then at the sacred hour of the holy lunar day of the auspicious season, king Bhima summoned the kings to the Swayamvara. And hearing of it, all the lords of earth smit with love speedily came thither, desirous of (possessing) Damayanti. And the monarchs entered the amphitheatre decorated with golden pillars and a lofty portal arch, like mighty lions entering the mountain wilds. And those lords of
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earth decked with fragrant garlands and polished ear-rings hung with jewels seated themselves on their several seats. And that sacred assembly of Kings, graced by those tigers among men, resembled the Bhogavati swarming with the Nagas, or a mountain cavern with tigers. And their arms were robust, and resembling iron maces, and well-shaped, and graceful, and looking like five-headed snakes. And graced with beautiful locks and fine noses and eyes and brows, the countenance of the kings shone like stars in the firmament. And (when the time came), Damayanti of beauteous face, stealing the eyes and hearts of the princes by her dazzling light, entered the hall. And the glances of those illustrious kings were rivetted to those parts of her person where they had chanced to fall first, without moving at all. And when, O Bharata, the names of the monarchs were proclaimed, the daughter of Bhima saw five persons all alike in appearance. And beholding them seated there, without difference of any kind in form, doubt filled her mind, and she could not ascertain which of them was king Nala. And at whomsoever (among them) she looked, she regarded him to be the king of the Nishadhas. And filled with anxiety, the beauteous one thought within herself, 'Oh, how shall I distinguish the celestials, and how discern the royal Nala?' And thinking thus, the daughter of Vidarbha became filled with grief. And, O Bharata, recollecting the marks belonging to the celestials, of which she had heard, she thought, 'Those attributes of the celestials, of which I have heard from the aged, do not pertain to any of these deities present here upon the earth.' And revolving the matter long in her mind, and reflecting upon it repeatedly, she decided upon seeking the protection of the gods themselves. And bowing down unto them with mind and speech, with folded hands, she addressed them trembling, 'Since I heard the speech of the swans, I chose the king of the Nishadhas as my lord. For the sake of truth, O, let the gods reveal him to me. And as in thought or word I have never swerved from him, O, let the gods, for the sake of that truth, reveal him to me. And as the gods themselves have destined the ruler of the Nishadhas to be my lord, O, let them, for the sake of that truth, reveal him to me. And as it is for paying homage unto Nala that I have adopted this vow, for the sake of that truth, O, let the gods reveal him unto me, O, let the exalted guardians of the worlds assume their own proper forms, so that I may know the righteous king.' Hearing these piteous words of Damayanti, and ascertaining her fixed resolve, and fervent love for the king of Nishadhas, the purity of her heart and her inclination and regard and affection for Nala, the gods did as they had been adjured, and assumed their respective attributes as best they could. And thereupon she beheld the celestials unmoistened with perspiration, with winkless eyes, and unfading garlands, unstained with dust, and staying without touching the ground. And Naishadha stood revealed to his shadow, his fading garlands, himself stained with dust and sweat, resting on the ground with
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winking eyes. And, O Bharata, discerning the gods and the virtuous Nala the daughter of Bhima chose Naishadha according to her truth. And the large-eyed damsel then bashfully caught the hem of his garment and placed round his neck a floral wreath of exceeding grace. And when that fair-complexioned maiden had thus chosen Nala for her husband, the kings suddenly broke out into exclamations of Oh! and Alas! And, O Bharata, the gods and the great Rishis in wonder cried Excellent! Excellent!, applauding the king the while. And, O Kauravya, the royal son of Virasena, with heart filled with gladness, comforted the beauteous Damayanti, saying, 'Since thou, O blessed one, hast chosen a mortal in the presence of the celestials, know me for a husband even obedient to thy command. And, O thou of sweet smiles, truly do I tell thee this that as long as life continueth in this body of mine, I will remain thine and thine alone. Damayanti also, with folded hands paid homage unto Nala in words of like import. And the happy pair beholding Agni and the other gods mentally sought their protection. And after the daughter of Bhima had chosen Naishadha as her husband, the Lokapalas of exceeding effulgence with pleased hearts, bestowed on Nala eight boons. And Sakra, the lord of Sachi, bestowed on Nala the boon that he should be able to behold his godship in sacrifices and that he should attain to blessed legions thereafter, and Hutasana bestowed on him the boon of his own presence whenever Naishadha wished, and regions also bright as himself. And Yama granted him subtle taste in food as well as pre-eminence in virtue. And the lord of waters granted Nala his own presence whenever he desired, and also garlands of celestial fragrance. And thus each of them bestowed upon him a couple of boons. And having bestowed these the gods went to heaven. And the kings also, having witnessed with wonder Damayanti's selection of Nala, returned delighted whence they had come. And on the departure of those mighty monarchs, the high-souled Bhima, well pleased, celebrated the wedding of Nala and Damayanti. And having stayed there for a time according to his desire, Naishadha, the best of men, returned to his own city with the permission of Bhima. And having attained that pearl of a woman, the virtuous king, O monarch, began to pass his days in joy, like the slayer of Vala and Vritra in the company of Sachi. And resembling the sun in glory, the king, full of gladness, began to rule his subjects righteously, and give them great satisfaction. And like unto Yayati, the son of Nahusha, that intelligent monarch celebrated the horse sacrifice and many other sacrifices with abundant gifts to Brahmanas. And like unto a very god, Nala sported with Damayanti in romantic woods and groves. And the high-minded king begat upon Damayanti a son named Indrasena, and a daughter named Indrasena. And celebrating sacrifice, and sporting (with Damayanti) thus, the king ruled the earth abounding in wealth.'"

Book 3
Chapter 58

  1 bṛhadaśva uvāca
      tatas tu yāte vārṣṇeye puṇyaślokasya dīvyataḥ
      puṣkareṇa hṛtaṃ rājyaṃ yac cānyad vasu kiṃ cana
  2 hṛtarājyaṃ nalaṃ rājan prahasan puṣkaro 'bravīt
      dyūtaṃ pravartatāṃ bhūyaḥ pratipāṇo 'sti kas tava
  3 śiṣṭā te damayanty ekā sarvam anyad dhṛtaṃ mayā
      damayantyāḥ puṇaḥ sādhu vartatāṃ yadi manyase
  4 puṣkareṇaivam uktasya puṇyaślokasya manyunā
      vyadīryateva hṛdayaṃ na cainaṃ kiṃ cid abravīt
  5 tataḥ puṣkaram ālokya nalaḥ paramamanyumān
      utsṛjya sarvagātrebhyo bhūṣaṇāni mahāyaśāḥ
  6 ekavāsā asaṃvītaḥ suhṛcchokavivardhanaḥ
      niścakrāma tadā rājā tyaktvā suvipulāṃ śriyam
  7 damayanty ekavastrā taṃ gacchantaṃ pṛṣṭhato 'nviyāt
      sa tayā bāhyataḥ sārdhaṃ trirātraṃ naiṣadho 'vasat
  8 puṣkaras tu mahārāja ghoṣayām āsa vai pure
      nale yaḥ samyag ātiṣṭhet sa gacched vadhyatāṃ mama
  9 puṣkarasya tu vākyena tasya vidveṣaṇena ca
      paurā na tasmin satkāraṃ kṛtavanto yudhiṣṭhira
  10 sa tathā nagarābhyāśe satkārārho na satkṛtaḥ
     trirātram uṣito rājā jalamātreṇa vartayan
 11 kṣudhā saṃpīḍyamānas tu nalo bahutithe 'hani
     apaśyac chakunān kāṃś cid dhiraṇyasadṛśacchadān
 12 sa cintayām āsa tadā niṣadhādhipatir balī
     asti bhakṣo mamādyāyaṃ vasu cedaṃ bhaviṣyati
 13 tatas tān antarīyeṇa vāsasā samavāstṛṇot
     tasyāntarīyam ādāya jagmuḥ sarve vihāyasā
 14 utpatantaḥ khagās te tu vākyam āhus tadā nalam
     dṛṣṭvā digvāsasaṃ bhūmau sthitaṃ dīnam adhomukham
 15 vayam akṣāḥ sudurbuddhe tava vāsor jihīrṣavaḥ
     āgatā na hi naḥ prītiḥ savāsasi gate tvayi
 16 tān samīkṣya gatān akṣān ātmānaṃ ca vivāsasam
     puṇyaślokas tato rājā damayantīm athābravīt
 17 yeṣāṃ prakopād aiśvaryāt pracyuto 'ham anindite
     prāṇayātrāṃ na vinde ca duḥkhitaḥ kṣudhayārditaḥ
 18 yeṣāṃ kṛte na satkāram akurvan mayi naiṣadhāḥ
     ta ime śakunā bhūtvā vāso 'py apaharanti me
 19 vaiṣamyaṃ paramaṃ prāpto duḥkhito gatacetanaḥ
     bhartā te 'haṃ nibodhedaṃ vacanaṃ hitam ātmanaḥ
 20 ete gacchanti bahavaḥ panthāno dakṣiṇāpatham
     avantīm ṛkṣavantaṃ ca samatikramya parvatam
 21 eṣa vindhyo mahāśailaḥ payoṣṇī ca samudragā
     āśramāś ca maharṣīṇām amī puṣpaphalānvitāḥ
 22 eṣa panthā vidarbhāṇām ayaṃ gacchati kosalān
     ataḥ paraṃ ca deśo 'yaṃ dakṣiṇe dakṣiṇāpathaḥ
 23 tataḥ sā bāṣpakalayā vācā duḥkhena karśitā
     uvāca damayantī taṃ naiṣadhaṃ karuṇaṃ vacaḥ
 24 udvepate me hṛdayaṃ sīdanty aṅgāni sarvaśaḥ
     tava pārthiva saṃkalpaṃ cintayantyāḥ punaḥ punaḥ
 25 hṛtarājyaṃ hṛtadhanaṃ vivastraṃ kṣucchramānvitam
     katham utsṛjya gaccheyam ahaṃ tvāṃ vijane vane
 26 śrāntasya te kṣudhārtasya cintayānasya tat sukham
     vane ghore mahārāja nāśayiṣyāmi te klamam
 27 na ca bhāryāsamaṃ kiṃ cid vidyate bhiṣajāṃ matam
     auṣadhaṃ sarvaduḥkheṣu satyam etad bravīmi te
 28 nala uvāca
     evam etad yathāttha tvaṃ damayanti sumadhyame
     nāsti bhāryāsamaṃ mitraṃ narasyārtasya bheṣajam
 29 na cāhaṃ tyaktukāmas tvāṃ kimarthaṃ bhīru śaṅkase
     tyajeyam aham ātmānaṃ na tv eva tvām anindite
 30 damayanty uvāca
     yadi māṃ tvaṃ mahārāja na vihātum ihecchasi
     tat kimarthaṃ vidarbhāṇāṃ panthāḥ samupadiśyate
 31 avaimi cāhaṃ nṛpate na tvaṃ māṃ tyakum arhasi
     cetasā tv apakṛṣṭena māṃ tyajethā mahāpate
 32 panthānaṃ hi mamābhīkṣṇam ākhyāsi narasattama
     atonimittaṃ śokaṃ me vardhayasy amaraprabha
 33 yadi cāyam abhiprāyas tava rājan vrajed iti
     sahitāv eva gacchāvo vidarbhān yadi manyase
 34 vidarbharājas tatra tvāṃ pūjayiṣyati mānada
     tena tvaṃ pūjito rājan sukhaṃ vatsyasi no gṛhe

SECTION LVIII

"Vrihadaswa said, 'When the blazing guardians of the worlds were returning after the daughter of Bhima had chosen Naishadha, on their way they met Dwapara with Kali approaching towards them. And seeing Kali, Sakra the slayer of Vala and Vritra, said, 'O Kali, say whither thou art going with Dwapara.' And thereupon Kali replied unto Sakra, 'Going to Damayanti's Swayamvara, will I obtain her (for my wife), as my heart is fixed upon that damsel.' Hearing this, Indra said with a smile, 'That Swayamvara is already ended. In our sight she hath chosen Nala for her husband.' Thus answered by Sakra, Kali, that vilest of the celestials, filled with wrath, addressing all those gods spake, 'Since in the presence of the celestials she hath chosen a mortal for her lord, it is meet that she should undergo a heavy doom.' Upon hearing these words of Kali, the celestials answered, 'It is with our sanction that Damayanti hath chosen Nala. What damsel is there that would not choose king Nala endued with every virtue? Well-versed in all duties, always conducting himself with rectitude, he hath studied the four Vedas together with the Puranas that are regarded as the fifth. Leading a life of harmlessness unto all creatures, he is truth-telling and firm in his vows, and in his house the gods are ever gratified by sacrifices held according to the ordinance. In that tiger among men--that king resembling a Lokapala, is truth, and forbearance, and knowledge, and asceticism, and purity and self-control, and perfect tranquillity of soul. O Kali, the fool that wisheth to curse Nala bearing such a character, curseth himself, and destroyeth himself by his own act. And, O Kali, he that seeketh to curse Nala crowned with such virtues, sinketh into the wide bottomless pit of hell rife with torments.' Having said this to Kali and Dwapara, the gods went to heaven. And when the gods had gone away, Kali said unto Dwapara, 'I am ill able, O Dwapara, to suppress my anger. I shall possess Nala, deprive him of his kingdom, and he shall no more sport with Bhima's daughter. Entering the dice, it behoveth thee to help me.'"

Book 3
Chapter 59

1 nala uvāca
      yathā rājyaṃ pitus te tat tathā mama na saṃśayaḥ
      na tu tatra gamiṣyāmi viṣamasthaḥ kathaṃ cana
  2 kathaṃ samṛddho gatvāhaṃ tava harṣavivardhanaḥ
      paridyūno gamiṣyāmi tava śokavivardhanaḥ
  3 bṛhadaśva uvāca
      iti bruvan nalo rājā damayantīṃ punaḥ punaḥ
      sāntvayām āsa kalyāṇīṃ vāsaso 'rdhena saṃvṛtām
  4 tāv ekavastrasaṃvītāv aṭamānāv itas tataḥ
      kṣutpipāsāpariśrāntau sabhāṃ kāṃ cid upeyatuḥ
  5 tāṃ sabhām upasaṃprāpya tadā sa niṣadhādhipaḥ
      vaidarbhyā sahito rājā niṣasāda mahītale
  6 sa vai vivastro malino vikacaḥ pāṃsuguṇṭhitaḥ
      damayantyā saha śrāntaḥ suṣvāpa dharaṇītale
  7 damayanty api kalyāṇī nidrayāpahṛtā tataḥ
      sahasā duḥkham āsādya sukumārī tapasvinī
  8 suptāyāṃ damayantyāṃ tu nalo rājā viśāṃ pate
      śokonmathitacittātmā na sma śete yathā purā
  9 sa tad rājyāpaharaṇaṃ suhṛttyāgaṃ ca sarvaśaḥ
      vane ca taṃ paridhvaṃsaṃ prekṣya cintām upeyivān
  10 kiṃ nu me syād idaṃ kṛtvā kiṃ nu me syād akurvataḥ
     kiṃ nu me maraṇaṃ śreyaḥ parityāgo janasya vā
 11 mām iyaṃ hy anuraktedaṃ duḥkham āpnoti matkṛte
     madvihīnā tv iyaṃ gacchet kadā cit svajanaṃ prati
 12 mayā niḥsaṃśayaṃ duḥkham iyaṃ prāpsyaty anuttamā
     utsarge saṃśayaḥ syāt tu vindetāpi sukhaṃ kva cit
 13 sa viniścitya bahudhā vicārya ca punaḥ punaḥ
     utsarge 'manyata śreyo damayantyā narādhipaḥ
 14 so 'vastratām ātmanaś ca tasyāś cāpy ekavastratām
     cintayitvādhyagād rājā vastrārdhasyāvakartanam
 15 kathaṃ vāso vikarteyaṃ na ca budhyeta me priyā
     cintyaivaṃ naiṣadho rājā sabhāṃ paryacarat tadā
 16 paridhāvann atha nala itaś cetaś ca bhārata
     āsasāda sabhoddeśe vikośaṃ khaḍgam uttamam
 17 tenārdhaṃ vāsasaś chittvā nivasya ca paraṃtapaḥ
     suptām utsṛjya vaidarbhīṃ prādravad gatacetanaḥ
 18 tato nibaddhahṛdayaḥ punar āgamya tāṃ sabhām
     damayantīṃ tathā dṛṣṭvā ruroda niṣadhādhipaḥ
 19 yāṃ na vāyur na cādityaḥ purā paśyati me priyām
     seyam adya sabhāmadhye śete bhūmāv anāthavat
 20 iyaṃ vastrāvakartena saṃvītā cāruhāsinī
     unmatteva varārohā kathaṃ buddhvā bhaviṣyati
 21 katham ekā satī bhaimī mayā virahitā śubhā
     cariṣyati vane ghore mṛgavyālaniṣevite
 22 gatvā gatvā nalo rājā punar eti sabhāṃ muhuḥ
     ākṛṣyamāṇaḥ kalinā sauhṛdenāpakṛṣyate
 23 dvidheva hṛdayaṃ tasya duḥkhitasyābhavat tadā
     doleva muhur āyāti yāti caiva sabhāṃ muhuḥ
 24 so 'pakṛṣṭas tu kalinā mohitaḥ prādravan nalaḥ
     suptām utsṛjya tāṃ bhāryāṃ vilapya karuṇaṃ bahu
 25 naṣṭātmā kalinā spṛṣṭas tat tad vigaṇayan nṛpaḥ
     jagāmaiva vane śūnye bhāryām utsṛjya duḥkhitaḥ

SECTION LIX

"Vrihadaswa said, 'Having made this compact with Dwapara, Kali came to the place where the king of the Nishadhas was. And always watching for a hole, he continued to dwell in the country of the Nishadhas for a long time. And it was in the twelfth year that Kali saw a hole.
p. 124
[paragraph continues] For one day after answering the call of nature, Naishadha touching water said his twilight prayers, without having previously washed his feet. And it was through this (omission) that Kali entered his person. And having possessed Nala, he appeared before Pushkara, and addressed him, saying, 'Come and play at dice with Nala. Through my assistance thou wilt surely win at the play. And defeating king Nala and acquiring his kingdom, do thou rule the Nishadhas.' Thus exhorted by Kali, Pushkara went to Nala. And Dwapara also approached Pushkara, becoming the principal die called Vrisha. And appearing before the warlike Nala, that slayer of hostile heroes, Pushkara, repeatedly said, 'Let us play together with dice.' Thus challenged in the presence of Damayanti, the lofty-minded king could not long decline it. And he accordingly fixed the time for the play. And possessed by Kali, Nala began to lose, in the game, his stakes in gold, and silver, and cars with the teams thereof, and robes. And maddened at dice, no one amongst his friends could succeed in dissuading that represser of foes from the play that went on. And thereupon, O Bharata, the citizens in a body, with the chief councillors, came thither to behold the distressed monarch and make him desist. And the charioteer coming to Damayanti spake to her of this, saying, 'O lady, the citizens and officers of the state wait at the gate. Do thou inform the king of the Nishadhas that the citizens have come here, unable to bear the calamity that hath befallen their king conversant with virtue and wealth.' Thereupon Bhima's daughter, overwhelmed with grief and almost deprived of reason by it, spake unto Nala in choked accents, 'O king, the citizens with the councillors of state, urged by loyalty, stay at the gate desirous of beholding thee. It behoveth thee to grant them an interview.' But the king, possessed by Kali, uttered not a word in reply unto his queen of graceful glances, uttering thus her lamentations. And at this, those councillors of state as also the citizens, afflicted with grief and shame, returned to their homes, saying, 'He liveth not.' And, O Yudhishthira, it was thus that Nala and Pushkara gambled together for many months, the virtuous Nala being always worsted.'"

Book 3
Chapter 60

1 bṛhadaśva uvāca
      apakrānte nale rājan damayantī gataklamā
      abudhyata varārohā saṃtrastā vijane vane
  2 sāpaśyamānā bhartāraṃ duḥkhaśokasamanvitā
      prākrośad uccaiḥ saṃtrastā mahārājeti naiṣadham
  3 hā nātha hā mahārāja hā svāmin kiṃ jahāsi mām
      hā hatāsmi vinaṣṭāsmi bhītāsmi vijane vane
  4 nanu nāma mahārāja dharmajñaḥ satyavāg asi
      katham uktvā tathāsatyaṃ suptām utsṛjya māṃ gataḥ
  5 katham utsṛjya gantāsi vaśyāṃ bhāryām anuvratām
      viśeṣato 'napakṛte pareṇāpakṛte sati
  6 śakṣyase tā giraḥ satyāḥ kartuṃ mayi nareśvara
      yās tvayā lokapālānāṃ saṃnidhau kathitāḥ purā
  7 paryāptaḥ parihāso 'yam etāvān puruṣarṣabha
      bhītāham asmi durdharṣa darśayātmānam īśvara
  8 dṛśyase dṛśyase rājann eṣa tiṣṭhasi naiṣadha
      āvārya gulmair ātmānaṃ kiṃ māṃ na pratibhāṣase
  9 nṛśaṃsaṃ bata rājendra yan mām evaṃgatām iha
      vilapantīṃ samāliṅgya nāśvāsayasi pārthiva
  10 na śocāmy aham ātmānaṃ na cānyad api kiṃ cana
     kathaṃ nu bhavitāsy eka iti tvāṃ nṛpa śocimi
 11 kathaṃ nu rājaṃs tṛṣitaḥ kṣudhitaḥ śramakarśitaḥ
     sāyāhne vṛkṣamūleṣu mām apaśyan bhaviṣyasi
 12 tataḥ sā tīvraśokārtā pradīpteva ca manyunā
     itaś cetaś ca rudatī paryadhāvata duḥkhitā
 13 muhur utpatate bālā muhuḥ patati vihvalā
     muhur ālīyate bhītā muhuḥ krośati roditi
 14 sā tīvraśokasaṃtaptā muhur niḥśvasya vihvalā
     uvāca bhaimī niṣkramya rodamānā pativratā
 15 yasyābhiśāpād duḥkhārto duḥkhaṃ vindati naiṣadhaḥ
     tasya bhūtasya tad duḥkhād duḥkham abhyadhikaṃ bhavet
 16 apāpacetasaṃ pāpo ya evaṃ kṛtavān nalam
     tasmād duḥkhataraṃ prāpya jīvatv asukhajīvikām
 17 evaṃ tu vilapantī sā rājño bhāryā mahātmanaḥ
     anveṣati sma bhartāraṃ vane śvāpadasevite
 18 unmattavad bhīmasutā vilapantī tatas tataḥ
     hā hā rājann iti muhur itaś cetaś ca dhāvati
 19 tāṃ śuṣyamāṇām atyarthaṃ kurarīm iva vāśatīm
     karuṇaṃ bahu śocantīṃ vilapantīṃ muhur muhuḥ
 20 sahasābhyāgatāṃ bhaimīm abhyāśaparivartinīm
     jagrāhājagaro grāho mahākāyaḥ kṣudhānvitaḥ
 21 sā grasyamānā grāheṇa śokena ca parājitā
     nātmānaṃ śocati tathā yathā śocati naiṣadham
 22 hā nātha mām iha vane grasyamānām anāthavat
     grāheṇānena vipine kimarthaṃ nābhidhāvasi
 23 kathaṃ bhaviṣyasi punar mām anusmṛtya naiṣadha
     pāpān muktaḥ punar labdhvā buddhiṃ ceto dhanāni ca
 24 śrāntasya te kṣudhārtasya pariglānasya naiṣadha
     kaḥ śramaṃ rājaśārdūla nāśayiṣyati mānada
 25 tām akasmān mṛgavyādho vicaran gahane vane
     ākrandatīm upaśrutya javenābhisasāra ha
 26 tāṃ sa dṛṣṭvā tathā grastām urageṇāyatekṣaṇām
     tvaramāṇo mṛgavyādhaḥ samabhikramya vegitaḥ
 27 mukhataḥ pātayām āsa śastreṇa niśitena ha
     nirviceṣṭaṃ bhujaṃgaṃ taṃ viśasya mṛgajīvinaḥ
 28 mokṣayitvā ca tāṃ vyādhaḥ prakṣālya salilena ca
     samāśvāsya kṛtāhārām atha papraccha bhārata
 29 kasya tvaṃ mṛgaśāvākṣi kathaṃ cābhyāgatā vanam
     kathaṃ cedaṃ mahat kṛcchraṃ prāptavaty asi bhāmini
 30 damayantī tathā tena pṛcchyamānā viśāṃ pate
     sarvam etad yathāvṛttam ācacakṣe 'sya bhārata
 31 tām ardhavastrasaṃvītāṃ pīnaśroṇipayodharām
     sukumārānavadyāṅgīṃ pūrṇacandranibhānanām
 32 arālapakṣmanayanāṃ tathā madhurabhāṣiṇīm
     lakṣayitvā mṛgavyādhaḥ kāmasya vaśam eyivān
 33 tām atha ślakṣṇayā vācā lubdhako mṛdupurvayā
     sāntvayām āsa kāmārtas tad abudhyata bhāminī
 34 damayantī tu taṃ duṣṭam upalabhya pativratā
     tīvraroṣasamāviṣṭā prajajvāleva manyunā
 35 sa tu pāpamatiḥ kṣudraḥ pradharṣayitum āturaḥ
     durdharṣāṃ tarkayām āsa dīptām agniśikhām iva
 36 damayantī tu duḥkhārtā patirājyavinākṛtā
     atītavākpathe kāle śaśāpainaṃ ruṣā kila
 37 yathāhaṃ naiṣadhād anyaṃ manasāpi na cintaye
     tathāyaṃ patatāṃ kṣudraḥ parāsur mṛgajīvanaḥ
 38 uktamātre tu vacane tayā sa mṛgajīvanaḥ
     vyasuḥ papāta medinyām agnidagdha iva drumaḥ

SECTION LX

Vrihadaswa said. "Bhima's daughter, the cool-headed Damayanti, seeing the righteous king maddened and deprived of his senses at dice, was filled, O king, with alarm and grief. And she thought the affair to be a serious one with the king. And apprehensive of the calamity that threatened Nala, yet seeking his welfare and at last understanding that her lord
p. 125
had lost everything, she said unto her nurse and maid-servant Vrihatsena of high fame, intent upon her good, dexterous in all duties, faithful and sweet-speeched, these words, 'O Vrihatsena, go thou and summon the councillors in the name of Nala, and tell them also what of wealth and other things hath been lost and what remaineth.' The councillors then, hearing of Nala's summons, said, 'This is fortunate for us' and approached the king. And when the subjects in a body had (thus) come a second time, the daughter of Bhima informed Nala of it. But the king regarded her not. Finding her husband disregarding her words, Damayanti, filled with shame, returned to her apartments. And hearing that the dice were uniformly unfavourable to the virtuous Nala, and that he had lost everything, she again spake unto her nurse, saying, 'O Vrihatsena, go thou again in Nala's name to bring hither, O blessed one, the charioteer, Varshneya. The matter at hand is very serious.' And Vrihatsena, hearing those words of Damayanti caused Varshneya to be summoned by trusty servants. And the blameless daughter of Bhima, acquainted with conduct suitable to time and place, addressing soft words said according to the occasion, 'Thou knowest how the king hath always behaved towards thee. He is now in difficulty, and it behoveth thee to assist him. The more the king loseth to Pushkara, the greater becometh his ardour for the play. And as the dice fall obedient to Pushkara, it is seen that they are adverse to Nala in the matter of the play. And absorbed in the play, he heedeth not the words of his friends and relatives, nor even those of mine. I do not think, however, that in this the high-souled Naishadha is to blame, in as much as the king regarded not my words, being absorbed in play. O Charioteer, I seek thy protection. Do my behest. My mind misgiveth me. The king may come to grief. Yoking Nala's favourite horses endued with the fleetness of the mind, do thou take these twins (my son and daughter) on the car and hie thou to Kundina. Leaving the children there with my kindred as also the car and the horses, either stay thou there, or go to any other place as it listeth thee.' Varshneya, the charioteer of Nala, then reported in detail these words of Damayanti unto the chief officers of the king. And having settled (the matter) in consultation with them, and obtaining their assent, O mighty monarch, the charioteer started for Vidarbha, taking the children on that car. And leaving there the boy Indrasena and the girl Indrasena, as also that best of cars and those steeds, the charioteer, with a sad heart grieving for Nala, bade farewell unto Bhima. And wandering for some time, he arrived at the city of Ayodhya. And there he appeared with a sorrowful heart before king Rituparna, and entered the service of that monarch as charioteer."

Book 3
Chapter 61

 1 bṛhadaśva uvāca
      sā nihatya mṛgavyādhaṃ pratasthe kamalekṣaṇā
      vanaṃ pratibhayaṃ śūnyaṃ jhillikāgaṇanāditam
  2 siṃhavyāghravarāharkṣarurudvīpiniṣevitam
      nānāpakṣigaṇākīrṇaṃ mlecchataskarasevitam
  3 śālaveṇudhavāśvatthatindukeṅgudakiṃśukaiḥ
      arjunāriṣṭasaṃchannaṃ candanaiś ca saśālmalaiḥ
  4 jambvāmralodhrakhadiraśākavetrasamākulam
      kāśmaryāmalakaplakṣakadambodumbarāvṛtam
  5 badarībilvasaṃchannaṃ nyagrodhaiś ca samākulam
      priyālatālakharjūraharītakabibhītakaiḥ
  6 nānādhātuśatair naddhān vividhān api cācalān
      nikuñjān pakṣisaṃghuṣṭān darīś cādbhutadarśanāḥ
      nadīḥ sarāṃsi vāpīś ca vividhāṃś ca mṛgadvijān
  7 sā bahūn bhīmarūpāṃś ca piśācoragarākṣasān
      palvalāni taḍāgāni girikūṭāni sarvaśaḥ
      saritaḥ sāgarāṃś caiva dadarśādbhutadarśanān
  8 yūthaśo dadṛśe cātra vidarbhādhipanandinī
      mahiṣān varāhān gomāyūn ṛkṣavānarapannagān
  9 tejasā yaśasā sthityā śriyā ca parayā yutā
      vaidarbhī vicaraty ekā nalam anveṣatī tadā
  10 nābibhyat sā nṛpasutā bhaimī tatrātha kasya cit
     dāruṇām aṭavīṃ prāpya bhartṛvyasanakarśitā
 11 vidarbhatanayā rājan vilalāpa suduḥkhitā
     bhartṛśokaparītāṅgī śilātalasamāśritā
 12 damayanty uvāca
     siṃhoraska mahābāho niṣadhānāṃ janādhipa
     kva nu rājan gato 'sīha tyaktvā māṃ nirjane vane
 13 aśvamedhādibhir vīra kratubhiḥ svāptadakṣiṇaiḥ
     katham iṣṭvā naravyāghra mayi mithyā pravartase
 14 yat tvayoktaṃ naravyāghra matsamakṣaṃ mahādyute
     kartum arhasi kalyāṇa tad ṛtaṃ pārthivarṣabha
 15 yathoktaṃ vihagair haṃsaiḥ samīpe tava bhūmipa
     matsakāśe ca tair uktaṃ tad avekṣitum arhasi
 16 catvāra ekato vedāḥ sāṅgopāṅgāḥ savistarāḥ
     svadhītā mānavaśreṣṭha satyam ekaṃ kilaikataḥ
 17 tasmād arhasi śatrughna satyaṃ kartuṃ nareśvara
     uktavān asi yad vīra matsakāśe purā vacaḥ
 18 hā vīra nanu nāmāham iṣṭā kila tavānagha
     asyām aṭavyāṃ ghorāyāṃ kiṃ māṃ na pratibhāṣase
 19 bhartsayaty eṣa māṃ raudro vyāttāsyo dāruṇākṛtiḥ
     araṇyarāṭ kṣudhāviṣṭaḥ kiṃ māṃ na trātum arhasi
 20 na me tvadanyā subhage priyā ity abravīs tadā
     tām ṛtāṃ kuru kalyāṇapuroktāṃ bhāratīṃ nṛpa
 21 unmattāṃ vilapantīṃ māṃ bhāryām iṣṭāṃ narādhipa
     īpsitām īpsito nātha kiṃ māṃ na pratibhāṣase
 22 kṛśāṃ dīnāṃ vivarṇāṃ ca malināṃ vasudhādhipa
     vastrārdhaprāvṛtām ekāṃ vilapantīm anāthavat
 23 yūthabhraṣṭām ivaikāṃ māṃ hariṇīṃ pṛthulocana
     na mānayasi mānārha rudatīm arikarśana
 24 mahārāja mahāraṇye mām ihaikākinīṃ satīm
     ābhāṣamāṇāṃ svāṃ patnīṃ kiṃ māṃ na pratibhāṣase
 25 kulaśīlopasaṃpannaṃ cārusarvāṅgaśobhanam
     nādya tvām anupaśyāmi girāv asmin narottama
     vane cāsmin mahāghore siṃhavyāghraniṣevite
 26 śayānam upaviṣṭaṃ vā sthitaṃ vā niṣadhādhipa
     prasthitaṃ vā naraśreṣṭha mama śokavivardhana
 27 kaṃ nu pṛcchāmi duḥkhārtā tvadarthe śokakarśitā
     kac cid dṛṣṭas tvayāraṇye saṃgatyeha nalo nṛpaḥ
 28 ko nu me kathayed adya vane 'smin viṣṭhitaṃ nalam
     abhirūpaṃ mahātmānaṃ paravyūhavināśanam
 29 yam anveṣasi rājānaṃ nalaṃ padmanibhekṣaṇam
     ayaṃ sa iti kasyādya śroṣyāmi madhurāṃ giram
 30 araṇyarāḍ ayaṃ śrīmāṃś caturdaṃṣṭro mahāhanuḥ
     śārdūlo 'bhimukhaḥ praiti pṛcchāmy enam aśaṅkitā
 31 bhavān mṛgāṇām adhipas tvam asmin kānane prabhuḥ
     vidarbharājatanayāṃ damayantīti viddhi mām
 32 niṣadhādhipater bhāryāṃ nalasyāmitraghātinaḥ
     patim anveṣatīm ekāṃ kṛpaṇāṃ śokakarśitām
     āśvāsaya mṛgendreha yadi dṛṣṭas tvayā nalaḥ
 33 atha vāraṇyanṛpate nalaṃ yadi na śaṃsasi
     mām adasva mṛgaśreṣṭha viśokāṃ kuru duḥkhitām
 34 śrutvāraṇye vilapitaṃ mamaiṣa mṛgarāṭ svayam
     yāty etāṃ mṛṣṭasalilām āpagāṃ sāgaraṃgamām
 35 imaṃ śiloccayaṃ puṇyaṃ śṛṅgair bahubhir ucchritaiḥ
     virājadbhir divaspṛgbhir naikavarṇair manoramaiḥ
 36 nānādhātusamākīrṇaṃ vividhopalabhūṣitam
     asyāraṇyasya mahataḥ ketubhūtam ivocchritam
 37 siṃhaśārdūlamātaṅgavarāharkṣamṛgāyutam
     patatribhir bahuvidhaiḥ samantād anunāditam
 38 kiṃśukāśokabakulapuṃnāgair upaśobhitam
     saridbhiḥ savihaṃgābhiḥ śikharaiś copaśobhitam
     girirājam imaṃ tāvat pṛcchāmi nṛpatiṃ prati
 39 bhagavann acalaśreṣṭha divyadarśanaviśruta
     śaraṇya bahukalyāṇa namas te 'stu mahīdhara
 40 praṇame tvābhigamyāhaṃ rājaputrīṃ nibodha mām
     rājñaḥ snuṣāṃ rājabhāryāṃ damayantīti viśrutām
 41 rājā vidarbhādhipatiḥ pitā mama mahārathaḥ
     bhīmo nāma kṣitipatiś cāturvarṇyasya rakṣitā
 42 rājasūyāśvamedhānāṃ kratūnāṃ dakṣiṇāvatām
     āhartā pārthivaśreṣṭhaḥ pṛthucārvañcitekṣaṇaḥ
 43 brahmaṇyaḥ sādhuvṛttaś ca satyavāg anasūyakaḥ
     śīlavān susamācāraḥ pṛthuśrīr dharmavic chuciḥ
 44 samyag goptā vidarbhāṇāṃ nirjitārigaṇaḥ prabhuḥ
     tasya māṃ viddhi tanayāṃ bhagavaṃs tvām upasthitām
 45 niṣadheṣu mahāśaila śvaśuro me nṛpottamaḥ
     sugṛhītanāmā vikhyāto vīrasena iti sma ha
 46 tasya rājñaḥ suto vīraḥ śrīmān satyaparākramaḥ
     kramaprāptaṃ pituḥ svaṃ yo rājyaṃ samanuśāsti ha
 47 nalo nāmāridamanaḥ puṇyaśloka iti śrutaḥ
     brahmaṇyo vedavid vāgmī puṇyakṛt somapo 'gnicit
 48 yaṣṭā dātā ca yoddhā ca samyak caiva praśāsitā
     tasya mām acalaśreṣṭha viddhi bhāryām ihāgatām
 49 tyaktaśriyaṃ bhartṛhīnām anāthāṃ vyasanānvitām
     anveṣamāṇāṃ bhartāraṃ taṃ vai naravarottamam
 50 kham ullikhadbhir etair hi tvayā śṛṅgaśatair nṛpaḥ
     kac cid dṛṣṭo 'calaśreṣṭha vane 'smin dāruṇe nalaḥ
 51 gajendravikramo dhīmān dīrghabāhur amarṣaṇaḥ
     vikrāntaḥ satyavāg dhīro bhartā mama mahāyaśāḥ
     niṣadhānām adhipatiḥ kac cid dṛṣṭas tvayā nalaḥ
 52 kiṃ māṃ vilapatīm ekāṃ parvataśreṣṭha duḥkhitām
     girā nāśvāsayasy adya svāṃ sutām iva duḥkhitām
 53 vīra vikrānta dharmajña satyasaṃdha mahīpate
     yady asy asmin vane rājan darśayātmānam ātmanā
 54 kadā nu snigdhagambhīrāṃ jīmūtasvanasaṃnibhām
     śroṣyāmi naiṣadhasyāhaṃ vācaṃ tām amṛtopamām
 55 vaidarbhīty eva kathitāṃ śubhāṃ rājño mahātmanaḥ
     āmnāyasāriṇīm ṛddhāṃ mama śokanibarhiṇīm
 56 iti sā taṃ giriśreṣṭham uktvā pārthivanandinī
     damayantī tato bhūyo jagāma diśam uttarām
 57 sā gatvā trīn ahorātrān dadarśa paramāṅganā
     tāpasāraṇyam atulaṃ divyakānanadarśanam
 58 vasiṣṭhabhṛgvatrisamais tāpasair upaśobhitam
     niyataiḥ saṃyatāhārair damaśaucasamanvitaiḥ
 59 abbhakṣair vāyubhakṣaiś ca patrāhārais tathaiva ca
     jitendriyair mahābhāgaiḥ svargamārgadidṛkṣubhiḥ
 60 valkalājinasaṃvītair munibhiḥ saṃyatendriyaiḥ
     tāpasādhyuṣitaṃ ramyaṃ dadarśāśramamaṇḍalam
 61 sā dṛṣṭvaivāśramapadaṃ nānāmṛganiṣevitam
     śākhāmṛgagaṇaiś caiva tāpasaiś ca samanvitam
 62 subhrūḥ sukeśī suśroṇī sukucā sudvijānanā
     varcasvinī supratiṣṭhā svañcitodyatagāminī
 63 sā viveśāśramapadaṃ vīrasenasutapriyā
     yoṣidratnaṃ mahābhāgā damayantī manasvinī
 64 sābhivādya tapovṛddhān vinayāvanatā sthitā
     svāgataṃ ta iti proktā taiḥ sarvais tāpasaiś ca sā
 65 pūjāṃ cāsyā yathānyāyaṃ kṛtvā tatra tapodhanāḥ
     āsyatām ity athocus te brūhi kiṃ karavāmahe
 66 tān uvāca varārohā kac cid bhavagatām iha
     tapasy agniṣu dharmeṣu mṛgapakṣiṣu cānaghāḥ
     kuśalaṃ vo mahābhāgāḥ svadharmacaraṇeṣu ca
 67 tair uktā kuśalaṃ bhadre sarvatreti yaśasvinī
     brūhi sarvānavadyāṅgi kā tvaṃ kiṃ ca cikīrṣasi
 68 dṛṣṭvaiva te paraṃ rūpaṃ dyutiṃ ca paramām iha
     vismayo naḥ samutpannaḥ samāśvasihi mā śucaḥ
 69 asyāraṇyasya mahatī devatā vā mahībhṛtaḥ
     asyā nu nadyāḥ kalyāṇi vada satyam anindite
 70 sābravīt tān ṛṣīn nāham araṇyasyāsya devatā
     na cāpy asya girer viprā na nadyā devatāpy aham
 71 mānuṣīṃ māṃ vijānīta yūyaṃ sarve tapodhanāḥ
     vistareṇābhidhāsyāmi tan me śṛṇuta sarvaśaḥ
 72 vidarbheṣu mahīpālo bhīmo nāma mahādyutiḥ
     tasya māṃ tanayāṃ sarve jānīta dvijasattamāḥ
 73 niṣadhādhipatir dhīmān nalo nāma mahāyaśāḥ
     vīraḥ saṃgrāmajid vidvān mama bhartā viśāṃ patiḥ
 74 devatābhyarcanaparo dvijātijanavatsalaḥ
     goptā niṣadhavaṃśasya mahābhāgo mahādyutiḥ
 75 satyavāg dharmavit prājñaḥ satyasaṃdho 'rimardanaḥ
     brahmaṇyo daivataparaḥ śrīmān parapuraṃjayaḥ
 76 nalo nāma nṛpaśreṣṭho devarājasamadyutiḥ
     mama bhartā viśālākṣaḥ pūrṇenduvadano 'rihā
 77 āhartā kratumukhyānāṃ vedavedāṅgapāragaḥ
     sapatnānāṃ mṛdhe hantā ravisomasamaprabhaḥ
 78 sa kaiś cin nikṛtiprajñair akalyāṇair narādhamaiḥ
     āhūya pṛthivīpālaḥ satyadharmaparāyaṇaḥ
     devane kuśalair jihmair jito rājyaṃ vasūni ca
 79 tasya mām avagacchadhvaṃ bhāryāṃ rājarṣabhasya vai
     damayantīti vikhyātāṃ bhartṛdarśanalālasām
 80 sā vanāni girīṃś caiva sarāṃsi saritas tathā
     palvalāni ca ramyāṇi tathāraṇyāni sarvaśaḥ
 81 anveṣamāṇā bhartāraṃ nalaṃ raṇaviśāradam
     mahātmānaṃ kṛtāstraṃ ca vicarāmīha duḥkhitā
 82 kac cid bhagavatāṃ puṇyaṃ tapovanam idaṃ nṛpaḥ
     bhavet prāpto nalo nāma niṣadhānāṃ janādhipaḥ
 83 yatkṛte 'ham idaṃ viprāḥ prapannā bhṛśadāruṇam
     vanaṃ pratibhayaṃ ghoraṃ śārdūlamṛgasevitam
 84 yadi kaiś cid ahorātrair na drakṣyāmi nalaṃ nṛpam
     ātmānaṃ śreyasā yokṣye dehasyāsya vimocanāt
 85 ko nu me jīvitenārthas tam ṛte puruṣarṣabham
     kathaṃ bhaviṣyāmy adyāhaṃ bhartṛśokābhipīḍitā
 86 evaṃ vilapatīm ekām araṇye bhīmanandinīm
     damayantīm athocus te tāpasāḥ satyavādinaḥ
 87 udarkas tava kalyāṇi kalyāṇo bhavitā śubhe
     vayaṃ paśyāma tapasā kṣipraṃ drakṣyasi naiṣadham
 88 niṣadhānām adhipatiṃ nalaṃ ripunighātinam
     bhaimi dharmabhṛtāṃ śreṣṭhaṃ drakṣyase vigatajvaram
 89 vimuktaṃ sarvapāpebhyaḥ sarvaratnasamanvitam
     tad eva nagaraśreṣṭhaṃ praśāsantam ariṃdamam
 90 dviṣatāṃ bhayakartāraṃ suhṛdāṃ śokanāśanam
     patiṃ drakṣyasi kalyāṇi kalyāṇābhijanaṃ nṛpam
 91 evam uktvā nalasyeṣṭāṃ mahiṣīṃ pārthivātmajām
     antarhitās tāpasās te sāgnihotrāśramās tadā
 92 sā dṛṣṭvā mahad āścaryaṃ vismitā abhavat tadā
     damayanty anavadyāṅgī vīrasenanṛpasnuṣā
 93 kiṃ nu svapno mayā dṛṣṭaḥ ko 'yaṃ vidhir ihābhavat
     kva nu te tāpasāḥ sarve kva tad āśramamaṇḍalam
 94 kva sā puṇyajalā ramyā nānādvijaniṣevitā
     nadī te ca nagā hṛdyāḥ phalapuṣpopaśobhitāḥ
 95 dhyātvā ciraṃ bhīmasutā damayantī śucismitā
     bhartṛśokaparā dīnā vivarṇavadanābhavat
 96 sā gatvāthāparāṃ bhūmiṃ bāṣpasaṃdigdhayā girā
     vilalāpāśrupūrṇākṣī dṛṣṭvāśokataruṃ tataḥ
 97 upagamya taruśreṣṭham aśokaṃ puṣpitaṃ tadā
     pallavāpīḍitaṃ hṛdyaṃ vihaṃgair anunāditam
 98 aho batāyam agamaḥ śrīmān asmin vanāntare
     āpīḍair bahubhir bhāti śrīmān dramiḍarāḍ iva
 99 viśokāṃ kuru māṃ kṣipram aśoka priyadarśana
     vītaśokabhayābādhaṃ kac cit tvaṃ dṛṣṭavān nṛpam
 100 nalaṃ nāmāridamanaṃ damayantyāḥ priyaṃ patim
    niṣadhānām adhipatiṃ dṛṣṭavān asi me priyam
101 ekavastrārdhasaṃvītaṃ sukumāratanutvacam
    vyasanenārditaṃ vīram araṇyam idam āgatam
102 yathā viśokā gaccheyam aśokanaga tat kuru
    satyanāmā bhavāśoka mama śokavināśanāt
103 evaṃ sāśokavṛkṣaṃ tam ārtā triḥ parigamya ha
    jagāma dāruṇataraṃ deśaṃ bhaimī varāṅganā
104 sā dadarśa nagān naikān naikāś ca saritas tathā
    naikāṃś ca parvatān ramyān naikāṃś ca mṛgapakṣiṇaḥ
105 kandarāṃś ca nitambāṃś ca nadāṃś cādbhutadarśanān
    dadarśa sā bhīmasutā patim anveṣatī tadā
106 gatvā prakṛṣṭam adhvānaṃ damayantī śucismitā
    dadarśātha mahāsārthaṃ hastyaśvarathasaṃkulam
107 uttarantaṃ nadīṃ ramyāṃ prasannasalilāṃ śubhām
    suśītatoyāṃ vistīrṇāṃ hradinīṃ vetasair vṛtām
108 prodghuṣṭāṃ krauñcakuraraiś cakravākopakūjitām
    kūrmagrāhajhaṣākīrṇāṃ pulinadvīpaśobhitām
109 sā dṛṣṭvaiva mahāsārthaṃ nalapatnī yaśasvinī
    upasarpya varārohā janamadhyaṃ viveśa ha
110 unmattarūpā śokārtā tathā vastrārdhasaṃvṛtā
    kṛśā vivarṇā malinā pāṃsudhvastaśiroruhā
111 tāṃ dṛṣṭvā tatra manujāḥ ke cid bhītāḥ pradudruvuḥ
    ke cic cintāparās tasthuḥ ke cit tatra vicukruśuḥ
112 prahasanti sma tāṃ ke cid abhyasūyanta cāpare
    cakrus tasyāṃ dayāṃ ke cit papracchuś cāpi bhārata
113 kāsi kasyāsi kalyāṇi kiṃ vā mṛgayase vane
    tvāṃ dṛṣṭvā vyathitāḥ smeha kac cit tvam asi mānuṣī
114 vada satyaṃ vanasyāsya parvatasyātha vā diśaḥ
    devatā tvaṃ hi kalyāṇi tvāṃ vayaṃ śaraṇaṃ gatāḥ
115 yakṣī vā rākṣasī vā tvam utāho 'si varāṅganā
    sarvathā kuru naḥ svasti rakṣasvāsmān anindite
116 yathāyaṃ sarvathā sārthaḥ kṣemī śīghram ito vrajet
    tathā vidhatsva kalyāṇi tvāṃ vayaṃ śaraṇaṃ gatāḥ
117 pratyuvāca tataḥ sādhvī bhartṛvyasanaduḥkhitā
    sārthavāhaṃ ca sārthaṃ ca janā ye cātra ke cana
118 mānuṣīṃ māṃ vijānīta manujādhipateḥ sutām
    nṛpasnuṣāṃ rājabhāryāṃ bhartṛdarśanalālasām
119 vidarbharāṇ mama pitā bhartā rājā ca naiṣadhaḥ
    nalo nāma mahābhāgas taṃ mārgāmy aparājitam
120 yadi jānīta nṛpatiṃ kṣipraṃ śaṃsata me priyam
    nalaṃ pārthivaśārdūlam amitragaṇasūdanam
121 tām uvācānavadyāṅgīṃ sārthasya mahataḥ prabhuḥ
    sārthavāhaḥ śucir nāma śṛṇu kalyāṇi madvacaḥ
122 ahaṃ sārthasya netā vai sārthavāhaḥ śucismite
    manuṣyaṃ nalanāmānaṃ na paśyāmi yaśasvini
123 kuñjaradvīpimahiṣaśārdūlarkṣamṛgān api
    paśyāmy asmin vane kaṣṭe amanuṣyaniṣevite
    tathā no yakṣarāḍ adya maṇibhadraḥ prasīdatu
124 sābravīd vaṇijaḥ sarvān sārthavāhaṃ ca taṃ tataḥ
    kva nu yāsyasi sārtho 'yam etad ākhyātum arhatha
125 sārthavāha uvāca
    sārtho 'yaṃ cedirājasya subāhor satyavādinaḥ
    kṣipraṃ janapadaṃ gantā lābhāya manujātmaje

SECTION LXI

"Vrihadaswa said, 'After Varshneya had gone away, Pushkara won from the righteous Nala that latter's kingdom and what else of wealth he had. And unto Nala, O king, who had lost his kingdom, Pushkara laughingly said, 'Let the play go on. But what stake hast thou now? Damayanti only remaineth; all else of thine hath been won by me. Well, if thou likest, that Damayanti be our stake now.' Hearing these words of Pushkara the virtuous king felt as if his heart would burst in rage, but he spake not a word. And gazing at Pushkara in anguish, king Nala of great fame took all the ornaments off every part of his body. And attired in a single piece of cloth, his body uncovered, renouncing all his wealth, and enhancing the grief of friends, the king set out. And Damayanti, clad in one piece of cloth, followed him behind as he was leaving the city. And coming to the outskirts of the city, Nala stayed there for three nights with his wife. But Pushkara, O king, proclaimed through the city that he that should show any attention to Nala, would be doomed to death. And on account of these words of Pushkara and knowing his malice towards Nala, the citizens, O Yudhishthira, no longer showed him hospitable regards. And unregarded though deserving of hospitable regards, Nala passed three nights in the outskirts of the city, living on water alone. And afflicted with hunger, the king went away in search of fruit and roots, Damayanti following him behind. And in agony of famine, after many days, Nala saw some birds with plumage of golden hue. And thereupon the mighty lord of the Nishadhas thought within himself, 'These will be my banquet today and also my wealth.' And then he covered them with the cloth he had on--when bearing up that garment of his, the birds rose up to the sky. And beholding Nala nude and melancholy, and standing with face turned towards the ground, those rangers of the sky addressed him, saying, 'O thou of small sense, we are even those dice. We had come hither wishing to take away thy cloth, for it pleased us not that thou shouldst depart even with thy cloth on.' And finding himself deprived of his attire, and knowing also that the dice were departing (with it), the virtuous Nala, O king, thus spake unto Damayanti, 'O faultless one, they through whose anger I have been despoiled of my kingdom, they through whose influence distressed and afflicted with hunger, I am unable to procure sustenance, they for whom the Nishadhas offered me not any hospitality, they, O timid one, are carrying off my cloth, assuming the form of birds. Fallen into this dire disaster, I am afflicted with grief and deprived of my senses, I am thy lord, do thou, therefore, listen to the words I speak for thy good. These many roads lead to the southern country, passing by (the city of) Avanti
p. 127
and the Rikshavat mountains. This is that mighty mountain called Vindhya; yon, the river Payasvini running sea-wards, and yonder are the asylums of the ascetics, furnished with various fruit and roots. This road leadeth to the country of the Vidarbhas--and that, to the country of the Kosalas. Beyond these roads to the south is the southern country.' Addressing Bhima's daughter, O Bharata, he distressed king Nala spake those words unto Damayanti over and over again. Thereupon afflicted with grief, in a voice choked with tears, Damayanti spake unto Naishadha these piteous words, 'O king, thinking of thy purpose, my heart trembleth, and all my limbs become faint. How can I go, leaving thee in the lone woods despoiled of thy kingdom and deprived of thy wealth, thyself without a garment on, and worn with hunger and toil? When in the deep woods, fatigued and afflicted with hunger, thou thinkest of thy former bliss, I will, O great monarch, soothe thy weariness. In every sorrow there is no physic equal unto the wife, say the physicians. It is the truth, O Nala, that I speak unto thee.' Hearing those words of his queen, Nala replied, 'O slender-waisted Damayanti, it is even as thou hast said. To a man in distress, there is no friend or medicine that is equal unto a wife. But I do not seek to renounce thee, wherefore, O timid one, dost thou dread this? O faultless one, I can forsake myself but thee I cannot forsake.' Damayanti then said, 'If thou dost not, O mighty king, intend to forsake me, why then dost thou point out to me the way to the country of the Vidarbhas? I know, O king, that thou wouldst not desert me. But, O lord of the earth, considering that thy mind is distracted, thou mayst desert me. O best of men, thou repeatedly pointest out to me the way and it is by this, O god-like one, that thou enhancest my grief. If it is thy intention that I should go to my relatives, then if it pleaseth thee, both of us will wend to the country of the Vidarbhas. O giver of honours, there the king of the Vidarbhas will receive thee with respect. And honoured by him, O king, thou shall live happily in our home.'"

Book 3
Chapter 62

 1 bṛhadaśva uvāca
      sā tac chrutvānavadyāṅgī sārthavāhavacas tadā
      agacchat tena vai sārdhaṃ bhartṛdarśanalālasā
  2 atha kāle bahutithe vane mahati dāruṇe
      taḍāgaṃ sarvatobhadraṃ padmasaugandhikaṃ mahat
  3 dadṛśur vaṇijo ramyaṃ prabhūtayavasendhanam
      bahumūlaphalopetaṃ nānāpakṣigaṇair vṛtam
  4 taṃ dṛṣṭvā mṛṣṭasalilaṃ manoharasukhāvaham
      supariśrāntavāhās te niveśāya mano dadhuḥ
  5 saṃmate sārthavāhasya viviśur vanam uttamam
      uvāsa sārthaḥ sumahān velām āsādya paścimām
  6 athārdharātrasamaye niḥśabdastimite tadā
      supte sārthe pariśrānte hastiyūtham upāgamat
      pānīyārthaṃ girinadīṃ madaprasravaṇāvilām
  7 mārgaṃ saṃrudhya saṃsuptaṃ padminyāḥ sārtham uttamam
      suptaṃ mamarda sahasā ceṣṭamānaṃ mahītale
  8 hāhāravaṃ pramuñcantaḥ sārthikāḥ śaraṇārthinaḥ
      vanagulmāṃś ca dhāvanto nidrāndhā mahato bhayāt
      ke cid dantaiḥ karaiḥ ke cit ke cit padbhyāṃ hatā narāḥ
  9 gokharoṣṭrāśvabahulaṃ padātijanasaṃkulam
      bhayārtaṃ dhāvamānaṃ tat parasparahataṃ tadā
  10 ghorān nādān vimuñcanto nipetur dharaṇītale
     vṛkṣeṣv āsajya saṃbhagnāḥ patitā viṣameṣu ca
     tathā tan nihataṃ sarvaṃ samṛddhaṃ sārthamaṇḍalam
 11 athāparedyuḥ saṃprāpte hataśiṣṭā janās tadā
     vanagulmād viniṣkramya śocanto vaiśasaṃ kṛtam
     bhrātaraṃ pitaraṃ putraṃ sakhāyaṃ ca janādhipa
 12 aśocat tatra vaidarbhī kiṃ nu me duṣkṛtaṃ kṛtam
     yo 'pi me nirjane 'raṇye saṃprāpto 'yaṃ janārṇavaḥ
     hato 'yaṃ hastiyūthena mandabhāgyān mamaiva tu
 13 prāptavyaṃ suciraṃ duḥkhaṃ mayā nūnam asaṃśayam
     nāprāptakālo mriyate śrutaṃ vṛddhānuśāsanam
 14 yan nāham adya mṛditā hastiyūthena duḥkhitā
     na hy adaivakṛtaṃ kiṃ cin narāṇām iha vidyate
 15 na ca me bālabhāve 'pi kiṃ cid vyapakṛtaṃ kṛtam
     karmaṇā manasā vācā yad idaṃ duḥkham āgatam
 16 manye svayaṃvarakṛte lokapālāḥ samāgatāḥ
     pratyākhyātā mayā tatra nalasyārthāya devatāḥ
     nūnaṃ teṣāṃ prabhāvena viyogaṃ prāptavaty aham
 17 evamādīni duḥkhāni sā vilapya varāṅganā
     hataśiṣṭaiḥ saha tadā brāhmaṇair vedapāragaiḥ
     agacchad rājaśārdūla duḥkhaśokaparāyaṇā
 18 gacchantī sā cirāt kālāt puram āsādayan mahat
     sāyāhne cedirājasya subāhor satyavādinaḥ
     vastrārdhakartasaṃvītā praviveśa purottamam
 19 tāṃ vivarṇāṃ kṛśāṃ dīnāṃ muktakeśīm amārjanām
     unmattām iva gacchantīṃ dadṛśuḥ puravāsinaḥ
 20 praviśantīṃ tu tāṃ dṛṣṭvā cedirājapurīṃ tadā
     anujagmus tato bālā grāmiputrāḥ kutūhalāt
 21 sā taiḥ parivṛtāgacchat samīpaṃ rājaveśmanaḥ
     tāṃ prāsādagatāpaśyad rājamātā janair vṛtām
 22 sā janaṃ vārayitvā taṃ prāsādatalam uttamam
     āropya vismitā rājan damayantīm apṛcchata
 23 evam apy asukhāviṣṭā bibharṣi paramaṃ vapuḥ
     bhāsi vidyud ivābhreṣu śaṃsa me kāsi kasya vā
 24 na hi te mānuṣaṃ rūpaṃ bhūṣaṇair api varjitam
     asahāyā narebhyaś ca nodvijasy amaraprabhe
 25 tac chrutvā vacanaṃ tasyā bhaimī vacanam abravīt
     mānuṣīṃ māṃ vijānīhi bhartāraṃ samanuvratām
 26 sairandhrīṃ jātisaṃpannāṃ bhujiṣyāṃ kāmavāsinīm
     phalamūlāśanām ekāṃ yatrasāyaṃpratiśrayām
 27 asaṃkhyeyaguṇo bhartā māṃ ca nityam anuvrataḥ
     bhartāram api taṃ vīraṃ chāyevānapagā sadā
 28 tasya daivāt prasaṅgo 'bhūd atimātraṃ sma devane
     dyūte sa nirjitaś caiva vanam eko 'bhyupeyivān
 29 tam ekavasanaṃ vīram unmattam iva vihvalam
     āśvāsayantī bhartāram aham anvagamaṃ vanam
 30 sa kadā cid vane vīraḥ kasmiṃś cit kāraṇāntare
     kṣutparītaḥ suvimanās tad apy ekaṃ vyasarjayat
 31 tam ekavasanaṃ nagnam unmattaṃ gatacetasam
     anuvrajantī bahulā na svapāmi niśāḥ sadā
 32 tato bahutithe kāle suptām utsṛjya māṃ kva cit
     vāsaso 'rdhaṃ paricchidya tyaktavān mām anāgasam
 33 taṃ mārgamāṇā bhartāraṃ dahyamānā dinakṣapāḥ
     na vindāmy amaraprakhyaṃ priyaṃ prāṇadhaneśvaram
 34 tām aśruparipūrṇākṣīṃ vilapantīṃ tathā bahu
     rājamātābravīd ārtāṃ bhaimīm ārtatarā svayam
 35 vasasva mayi kalyāṇi prītir me tvayi vartate
     mṛgayiṣyanti te bhadre bhartāraṃ puruṣā mama
 36 atha vā svayam āgacchet paridhāvann itas tataḥ
     ihaiva vasatī bhadre bhartāram upalapsyase
 37 rājamātur vacaḥ śrutvā damayantī vaco 'bravīt
     samayenotsahe vastuṃ tvayi vīraprajāyini
 38 ucchiṣṭaṃ naiva bhuñjīyāṃ na kuryāṃ pādadhāvanam
     na cāhaṃ puruṣān anyān saṃbhāṣeyaṃ kathaṃ cana
 39 prārthayed yadi māṃ kaś cid daṇḍyas te sa pumān bhavet
     bhartur anveṣaṇārthaṃ tu paśyeyaṃ brāhmaṇān aham
 40 yady evam iha kartavyaṃ vasāmy aham asaṃśayam
     ato 'nyathā na me vāso vartate hṛdaye kva cit
 41 tāṃ prahṛṣṭena manasā rājamātedam abravīt
     sarvam etat kariṣyāmi diṣṭyā te vratam īdṛśam
 42 evam uktvā tato bhaimīṃ rājamātā viśāṃ pate
     uvācedaṃ duhitaraṃ sunandāṃ nāma bhārata
 43 sairandhrīm abhijānīṣva sunande devarūpiṇīm
     etayā saha modasva nirudvignamanāḥ svayam

SECTION LXII

"Nala said, 'Surely, thy father's kingdom is as my own. But thither I will not, by any means, repair in this extremity. Once I appeared there in glory, increasing thy joy. How can I go there now in misery, augmenting thy grief?'
"Vrihadaswa continued, 'Saying this again and again unto Damayanti, king Nala, wrapped in half a garment, comforted his blessed wife. And both attired in one cloth and wearied with hunger and thirst, in course of their wanderings, at last they came to a sheltered shed for travellers.
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[paragraph continues] And arrived at this place, the king of the Nishadhas sat down on the bare earth with the princes of Vidarbha. And wearing the same piece of cloth (with Damayanti), and dirty, and haggard, and stained with dust, he fell asleep with Damayanti on the ground in weariness. And suddenly plunged in distress, the innocent and delicate Damayanti with every mark of good fortune, fell into a profound slumber. And, O monarch, while she slept, Nala, with heart and mind distraught, could not slumber calmly as before. And reflecting on the loss of his kingdom, the desertion of his friends, and his distress in the woods, he thought with himself, 'What availeth my acting thus? And what if I act not thus? Is death the better for me now? Or should I desert my wife? She is truly devoted to me and suffereth this distress for my sake. Separated from me, she may perchance wander to her relatives. Devoted as she is to me, if she stayeth with me, distress will surely be hers; while it is doubtful, if I desert her. On the other hand, it is not unlikely that she may even have happiness some time.' Reflecting upon this repeatedly, and thinking of it again and again, he concluded, O monarch, that the desertion of Damayanti was the best course for him. And he also thought, 'Of high fame and auspicious fortune, and devoted to me, her husband, she is incapable of being injured by any one on the way on account of her energy.' Thus his mind that was influenced by the wicked Kali, dwelling upon Damayanti, was made up for deserting her. And then thinking of his own want of clothing, and of her being clad in a single garment, he intended to cut off for himself one half of Damayanti's attire. And he thought, 'How shall I divide this garment, so that my beloved one may not perceive?' And thinking of this, the royal Nala began to walk up and down that shed. And, O Bharata, pacing thus to and fro, he found a handsome sword lying near the shed, unsheathed. And that repressor of foes, having, with that sword cut off one half of the cloth, and throwing the instrument away, left the daughter of Vidharbha insensible in her sleep and went away. But his heart failing him, the king of the Nishadhas returned to the shed, and seeing Damayanti (again), burst into tears. And he said, 'Alas! that beloved one of mine whom neither the god of wind nor the sun had seen before, even she sleepeth to-day on the bare earth, like one forlorn. Clad in this severed piece of cloth, and lying like one distracted, how will the beauteous one of luminous smiles behave when she awaketh? How will the beautiful daughter of Bhima, devoted to her lord, all alone and separated from me, wander through these deep woods inhabited by beasts and serpents? O blessed one, may the Adityas and the Vasus, and the twin Aswins together with the Marutas protect thee, thy virtue being thy best guard.' And addressing thus his dear wife peerless on earth in beauty, Nala strove to go, reft of reason by Kali. Departing and still departing, king Nala returned again and again to that shed, dragged away by Kali but drawn back by love. And it seemed as
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though the heart of the wretched king was rent in twain, and like a swing, he kept going out from cabin and coming back into it. At length after lamenting long and piteously, Nala stupefied and bereft of sense by Kali went away, forsaking that sleeping wife of his. Reft of reason through Kali's touch, and thinking of his conduct, the king departed in sorrow, leaving his, wife alone in that solitary forest.'"

Book 3
Chapter 63

  1 bṛhadaśva uvāca
      utsṛjya damayantīṃ tu nalo rājā viśāṃ pate
      dadarśa dāvaṃ dahyantaṃ mahāntaṃ gahane vane
  2 tatra śuśrāva madhye 'gnau śabdaṃ bhūtasya kasya cit
      abhidhāva nalety uccaiḥ puṇyaśloketi cāsakṛt
  3 mā bhair iti nalaś coktvā madhyam agneḥ praviśya tam
      dadarśa nāgarājānaṃ śayānaṃ kuṇḍalīkṛtam
  4 sa nāgaḥ prāñjalir bhūtvā vepamāno nalaṃ tadā
      uvāca viddhi māṃ rājan nāgaṃ karkoṭakaṃ nṛpa
  5 mayā pralabdho brahmarṣir anāgāḥ sumahātapāḥ
      tena manyuparītena śapto 'smi manujādhipa
  6 tasya śāpān na śaknomi padād vicalituṃ padam
      upadekṣyāmi te śreyas trātum arhati māṃ bhavān
  7 sakhā ca te bhaviṣyāmi matsamo nāsti pannagaḥ
      laghuś ca te bhaviṣyāmi śīghram ādāya gaccha mām
  8 evam uktvā sa nāgendro babhūvāṅguṣṭhamātrakaḥ
      taṃ gṛhītvā nalaḥ prāyād uddeśaṃ dāvavarjitam
  9 ākāśadeśam āsādya vimuktaṃ kṛṣṇavartmanā
      utsraṣṭukāmaṃ taṃ nāgaḥ punaḥ karkoṭako 'bravīt
  10 padāni gaṇayan gaccha svāni naiṣadha kāni cit
     tatra te 'haṃ mahārāja śreyo dhāsyāmi yat param
 11 tataḥ saṃkhyātum ārabdham adaśad daśame pade
     tasya daṣṭasya tad rūpaṃ kṣipram antaradhīyata
 12 sa dṛṣṭvā vismitas tasthāv ātmānaṃ vikṛtaṃ nalaḥ
     svarūpadhāriṇaṃ nāgaṃ dadarśa ca mahīpatiḥ
 13 tataḥ karkoṭako nāgaḥ sāntvayan nalam abravīt
     mayā te 'ntarhitaṃ rūpaṃ na tvā vidyur janā iti
 14 yatkṛte cāsi vikṛto duḥkhena mahatā nala
     viṣeṇa sa madīyena tvayi duḥkhaṃ nivatsyati
 15 viṣeṇa saṃvṛtair gātrair yāvat tvāṃ na vimokṣyati
     tāvat tvayi mahārāja duḥkhaṃ vai sa nivatsyati
 16 anāgā yena nikṛtas tvam anarho janādhipa
     krodhād asūyayitvā taṃ rakṣā me bhavataḥ kṛtā
 17 na te bhayaṃ naravyāghra daṃṣṭribhyaḥ śatruto 'pi vā
     brahmavidbhyaś ca bhavitā matprasādān narādhipa
 18 rājan viṣanimittā ca na te pīḍā bhaviṣyati
     saṃgrāmeṣu ca rājendra śaśvaj jayam avāpsyati
 19 gaccha rājann itaḥ sūto bāhuko 'ham iti bruvan
     samīpam ṛtuparṇasya sa hi vedākṣanaipuṇam
     ayodhyāṃ nagarīṃ ramyām adyaiva niṣadheśvara
 20 sa te 'kṣahṛdayaṃ dātā rājāśvahṛdayena vai
     ikṣvākukulajaḥ śrīmān mitraṃ caiva bhaviṣyati
 21 bhaviṣyasi yadākṣajñaḥ śreyasā yokṣyase tadā
     sameṣyasi ca dārais tvaṃ mā sma śoke manaḥ kṛthāḥ
     rājyena tanayābhyāṃ ca satyam etad bravīmi te
 22 svarūpaṃ ca yadā draṣṭum icchethās tvaṃ narādhipa
     saṃsmartavyas tadā te 'haṃ vāsaś cedaṃ nivāsayeḥ
 23 anena vāsasāchannaḥ svarūpaṃ pratipatsyase
     ity uktvā pradadāv asmai divyaṃ vāsoyugaṃ tadā
 24 evaṃ nalaṃ samādiśya vāso dattvā ca kaurava
     nāgarājas tato rājaṃs tatraivāntaradhīyata

SECTION LXIII

Vrihadaswa said, "O king, after Nala had gone away, the beauteous Damayanti, now refreshed, timorously awoke in that lonely forest. And O mighty monarch, not finding her lord Naishadha, afflicted with grief and pain, she shrieked aloud in fright, saying, 'O lord? O mighty monarch! O husband, dost thou desert me? Oh, I am lost and undone, frightened in this desolate place. O illustrious prince, thou art truthful in speech, and conversant with morality. How hast thou then, having pledged thy word, deserted me asleep in the woods? Oh, why hast thou deserted thy accomplished wife, even devoted to thee, particularly one that hath not wronged thee, though wronged thou hast been by others? O king of men, it behoveth thee to act faithfull, according to those words thou hadst spoken unto me before in the presence of the guardians of the worlds. O bull among men, that thy wife liveth even a moment after thy desertion of her, is only because mortals are decreed to die at the appointed time. O bull among men, enough of this joke! O irrepressible one, I am terribly frightened. O lord, show thyself. I see thee! I see thee, o king! Thou art seen, O Naishadha, Hiding thyself behind those shrubs, why dost thou not reply unto me? It is cruel of thee, O great king, that seeing me in this plight and so lamenting, thou dost not, O king, approach and comfort me. I grieve not for myself, nor for anything else. I only grieve to think how thou wilt pass thy days alone, O king. In the evening oppressed with hunger and thirst and fatigue, underneath the trees, how wilt it take with thee when thou seest me not?' And then Damayanti, afflicted with anguish and burning with grief, began to rush hither and thither, weeping in woe. And now the helpless princess sprang up, and now she sank down in stupor; and now she shrank in terror, and now she wept and wailed aloud. And Bhima's daughter devoted to her husband, burning in anguish and sighing ever more, and faint and weeping exclaimed, 'That being through whose imprecation the afflicted Naishadha suffereth this woe, shall bear grief that is greater than ours. May that wicked being who hath brought Nala of sinless heart this, lead a more miserable life bearing greater ills.'
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"Thus lamenting, the crowned consort of the illustrious (king) began to seek her lord in those woods, inhabited by beasts of prey. And the daughter of Bhima, wailing bitterly, wandered hither and thither like a maniac, exclaiming, 'Alas! Alas! Oh king!' And as she was wailing loudly like a female osprey, and grieving and indulging in piteous lamentations unceasingly, she came near a gigantic serpent. And that huge and hungry serpent thereupon suddenly seized Bhima's daughter, who had come near and was moving about within its range. And folded within serpent's coils and filled with grief, she still wept, not for herself but for Naishadha. And she said 'O lord, why dost thou not rush towards me, now that I am seized, without anybody to protect me, by this serpent in these desert wilds? And, O Naishadha, how will it fare with thee when thou rememberest me? O lord, why hast thou gone away, deserting me today in the forest? Free from thy course, when thou wilt have regained thy mind and senses and wealth, how will it be with thee when thou thinkest of me? O Naishadha, O sinless one, who will soothe thee when thou art weary, and hungry, and fainting, O tiger among kings?' And while she was wailing thus, a certain huntsman ranging the deep woods, hearing her lamentations, swiftly came to the spot. And beholding the large-eyed one in the coils of the serpent, he rushed towards it and cut off its head with his sharp weapon. And having struck the reptile dead, the huntsman set Damayanti free. And having sprinkled her body with water and fed and comforted her. O Bharata, he addressed her saying, 'O thou with eyes like those of a young gazelle, who art thou? And why also hast thou come into the woods? And, O beauteous one, how hast thou fallen into this extreme misery' And thus accosted, O monarch, by that man, Damayanti, O Bharata, related unto him all that had happened. And beholding that beautiful woman clad in half a garment, with deep bosom and round hips, and limbs delicate and faultless, and face resembling the full moon, and eyes graced with curved eye-lashes, and speech sweet as honey, the hunter became inflamed with desire. And afflicted by the god of love, the huntsman began to soothe her in winning voice and soft words. And as soon as the chaste and beauteous Damayanti, beholding him understood his intentions, she was filled with fierce wrath and seemed to blaze up in anger. But the wicked-minded wretch, burning with desire became wroth, attempted to employ force upon her, who was unconquerable as a flame of blazing fire. And Damayanti already distressed upon being deprived of husband and kingdom, in that hour of grief beyond utterance, cursed him in anger, saying, 'I have never even thought of any other person than Naishadha, therefore let this mean-minded wrath subsisting on chase, fall down lifeless.' And as soon as she said this, the hunter fell down lifeless upon the ground, like a tree consumed by fire." 131

Book 3
Chapter 64

1 bṛhadaśva uvāca
      tasminn antarhite nāge prayayau naiṣadho nalaḥ
      ṛtuparṇasya nagaraṃ prāviśad daśame 'hani
  2 sa rājānam upātiṣṭhad bāhuko 'ham iti bruvan
      aśvānāṃ vāhane yuktaḥ pṛthivyāṃ nāsti matsamaḥ
  3 arthakṛcchreṣu caivāhaṃ praṣṭavyo naipuṇeṣu ca
      annasaṃskāram api ca jānāmy anyair viśeṣataḥ
  4 yāni śilpāṇi loke 'smin yac cāpy anyat suduṣkaram
      sarvaṃ yatiṣye tat kartum ṛtuparṇa bharasva mām
  5 vasa bāhuka bhadraṃ te sarvam etat kariṣyasi
      śīghrayāne sadā buddhir dhīyate me viśeṣataḥ
  6 sa tvam ātiṣṭha yogaṃ taṃ yena śīghrā hayā mama
      bhaveyur aśvādhyakṣo 'si vetanaṃ te śataṃ śatāḥ
  7 tvām upasthāsyataś cemau nityaṃ vārṣṇeyajīvalau
      etābhyāṃ raṃsyase sārdhaṃ vasa vai mayi bāhuka
  8 evam ukto nalas tena nyavasat tatra pūjitaḥ
      ṛtuparṇasya nagare sahavārṣṇeyajīvalaḥ
  9 sa tatra nivasan rājan vaidarbhīm anucintayan
      sāyaṃ sāyaṃ sadā cemaṃ ślokam ekaṃ jagāda ha
  10 kva nu sā kṣutpipāsārtā śrāntā śete tapasvinī
     smarantī tasya mandasya kaṃ vā sādyopatiṣṭhati
 11 evaṃ bruvantaṃ rājānaṃ niśāyāṃ jīvalo 'bravīt
     kām enāṃ śocase nityaṃ śrotum icchāmi bāhuka
 12 tam uvāca nalo rājā mandaprajñasya kasya cit
     āsīd bahumatā nārī tasyā dṛḍhataraṃ ca saḥ
 13 sa vai kena cid arthena tayā mando vyayujyata
     viprayuktaś ca mandātmā bhramaty asukhapīḍitaḥ
 14 dahyamānaḥ sa śokena divārātram atandritaḥ
     niśākāle smaraṃs tasyāḥ ślokam ekaṃ sma gāyati
 15 sa vai bhraman mahīṃ sarvāṃ kva cid āsādya kiṃ cana
     vasaty anarhas tadduḥkhaṃ bhūya evānusaṃsmaran
 16 sā tu taṃ puruṣaṃ nārī kṛcchre 'py anugatā vane
     tyaktā tenālpapuṇyena duṣkaraṃ yadi jīvati
 17 ekā bālānabhijñā ca mārgāṇām atathocitā
     kṣutpipāsāparītā ca duṣkaraṃ yadi jīvati
 18 śvāpadācarite nityaṃ vane mahati dāruṇe
     tyaktā tenālpapuṇyena mandaprajñena māriṣa
 19 ity evaṃ naiṣadho rājā damayantīm anusmaran
     ajñātavāsam avasad rājñas tasya niveśane

SECTION LXIV

"Vrihadaswa continued, 'Having destroyed that hunter Damayanti of eyes like lotus leaves, went onwards through that fearful and solitary forest ringing with the chirp of crickets. And it abounded with lions, and leopards, and Rurus and tigers, and buffaloes, and bears and deer. And it swarmed with birds of various species, and was infested by thieves and mlechchha tribes. And it contained Salas, and bamboos and Dhavas, and Aswatthas, and Tindukas and Ingudas, and Kinsukas, and Arjunas, and Nimvas, and Tinisas and Salmalas, and Jamvus, and mango trees, and Lodhras, and the catechu, and the cane, and Padmakas, and Amalahas, and Plakshas, and Kadamvas, and Udumvaras and Vadaris, and Vilwas, and banians, and Piyalas, and palms, and date-trees, and Haritakas and Vibhitakas. And the princess of Vidarbha saw many mountains containing ores of various kinds, and groves resounding with the notes of winged choirs, and many glens of wondrous sight, and many rivers and lakes and tanks and various kinds of birds and beasts. And she saw numberless snakes and goblins and Rakshasas of grim visage, and pools and tanks and hillocks, and brooks and fountains of wonderful appearance. And the princess of Vidarbha saw there herds of buffaloes. And boars, and bears as well as serpents of the wilderness. And safe in virtue and glory and good fortune and patience, Damayanti wandered through those woods alone, in search of Nala. And the royal daughter of Bhima, distressed only at her separation from her lord, was not terrified at aught in that fearful forest. And, O king, seating herself down upon a stone and filled with grief, and every limb of hers trembling with sorrow on account of her husband, she began to lament thus: 'O king of the Nishadhas, O thou of broad chest and mighty arms, whither hast thou gone, O king, leaving me in this lone forest? O hero, having performed the Aswamedha and other sacrifices, with gifts in profusion (unto the Brahmanas), why hast thou, O tiger among men, played false with me alone? O best of men, O thou of great splendour, it behoveth thee. O auspicious one, to remember what thou didst declare before me, O bull among kings! And, O monarch, it behoveth thee also to call to mind what the sky-ranging swans spake in thy presence and in mine. O tiger among men, the four Vedas in all their extent, with the Angas and the Upangas, well-studied, on one side, and one single truth on the other, (are equal). Therefore, O slayer of foes, it behoveth thee, O lord of men, to make good what thou didst formerly declare before me. Alas, O hero! warrior! O Nala! O sinless one being thine, I am about to perish in this dreadful forest. Oh! wherefore dost thou not answer me? This terrible lord of the forest, of grim visage and gaping jaws, and
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famishing with hunger, filleth me with fright. Doth it not behove thee to deliver me? Thou wert wont to say always, 'Save thee there existeth not one dear unto me.' O blessed one, O king, do thou now make good thy words so spoken before. And, O king, why dost thou not return an answer to thy beloved wife bewailing and bereft of sense, although thou lovest her, being loved in return? O king of the earth, O respected one, O represser of foes, O thou of large eyes, why dost thou not regard me, emaciated, and distressed and pale, and discoloured, and clad in a half piece of cloth, and alone, and weeping, and lamenting like one forlorn, and like unto a solitary doe separated from the herd? O illustrious sovereign, it is, I, Damayanti, devoted to thee, who, alone in this great forest, address thee. Wherefore, then, dost thou not reply unto me? Oh, I do not behold thee today on this mountain, O chief of men, O thou of noble birth and character with every limb possesed of grace! In this terrible forest, haunted by lions and tigers, O king of the Nishadhas, O foremost of men, O enhancer of my sorrows, (Wishing to know) whether thou art lying down, or sitting, or standing, or gone, whom shall I ask, distressed and woe-stricken on thy account, saying, 'Hast thou seen in this woods the royal Nala?' Of whom shall I in this forest enquire alter the departed Nala, handsome and of high soul, and the destroyer of hostile arrays? From whom shall I today hear the sweet words, viz., 'That royal Nala, of eyes like lotus-leaves, whom thou seekest, is even here?' Yonder cometh the forest-king, that tiger of graceful mien, furnished with four teeth and prominent cheeks. Even him will I accost fearlessly: Thou art the lord of all animals, and of this forest the king. Know me for Damayanti, the daughter of the king of the Vidarbhas, and the wife of Nala, destroyer of foes, and the king of the Nishadhas. Distressed and woe-stricken, I am seeking my husband alone in these woods. Do thou, O king of beasts, comfort me (with news of Nala) if thou hast seen him. Or, O lord of the forest, if thou cannot speak of Nala, do thou, then, O best of beasts, devour me, and free me from this misery. Alas! hearing my plaintive appeal in the wilderness, this king of mountains, this high and sacred hill, crested with innumerable [...?-JBH] rolleth towards the sea. Let me, then, for tidings of the king, ask this king of mountains, this high and sacred hill, crested with innumerable heaven-kissing and many-hued and beauteous peaks, and abounding in various ores, and decked with gems of diverse kings, and rising like a banner over this broad forest, and ranged by lions and tigers and elephants and boars and bears and stags, and echoing all around with (the notes of) winged creatures of various species, and adorned with kinsukas and Asokas and Vakulas and Punnagas, with blossoming Karnikaras, and Dhavas and Plakshas, and with streams haunted by waterfowls of every kind, and abounding in crested summits, O sacred one! O best of mountains! O thou of wondrous sight! O celebrated hill! O refuge (of
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the distressed)! O highly auspicious one! I bow to thee, O pillar of the earth! Approaching, I bow to thee. Know me for a king's daughter, and a king's daughter-in-law, and king's consort, Damayanti by name that lord of earth who ruleth the Vidarbhas, that mighty warrior-king Bhima by name, who protecteth the four orders, is my sire. That best of kings celebrated the Rajasuya and Aswamedha sacrifices, with profuse gifts to the Brahmanas. Possessed of beautiful and large eyes, distinguished for devotion to the Vedas, of unblemished character, truth-telling, devoid of guile, gentle, endued with prowess, lord of immense wealth, versed in morality, and pure, he having vanquished all his foes, effectually protecteth the inhabitants of Vidarbha. Know me, O holy one, for his daughter, thus come to thee. That best of men--the celebrated ruler of the Nishadha--known by the name of Virasena of high fame, was my father-in-law. The son of that king, heroic and handsome and possessed of energy incapable of being baffled, who ruleth well the kingdom which hath descended to him from his father, is named Nala. Know, O mountain, that of that slayer of foes, called also Punyasloka, possessed of the complexion of gold, and devoted to the Brahmanas, and versed in the Vedas, and gifted with eloquence,--of that righteous and Soma-quaffing and fire-adoring king, who celebrateth sacrifices and is liberal and warlike and who adequately chastiseth (criminals), I am the innocent spouse--the chief of his queens--standing before thee. Despoiled of prosperity and deprived of (the company of my) husband without a protector, and afflicted with calamity, hither have I come, O best of mountains, seeking my husband. Hast thou, O foremost of mountains, with thy hundreds of peaks towering (into the sky) seen king Nala in this frightful forest? Hast thou seen my husband, that ruler of the Nishadhas, the illustrious Nala, with the tread of a mighty elephant, endued with intelligence, long-armed, and of fiery energy, possessed of prowess and patience and courage and high fame? Seeing me bewailing alone, overwhelmed with sorrow, wherefore, O best of mountains, dost thou not today soothe me with thy voice, as thy own daughter in distress? O hero, O warrior of prowess, O thou versed in every duty, O thou adhering to truth--O lord of the earth, if thou art in this forest, then, O king, reveal thyself unto me. Oh, when shall I again hear the voice of Nala, gentle and deep as that of the clouds, that voice, sweet as Amrita, of the illustrious king, calling me Vidharva's daughter, with accents distinct, and holy, and musical as the chanting of the Vedas and rich, and soothing all my sorrows. O king, I am frightened. Do thou, O virtuous one, comfort me.'
"Having addressed that foremost of mountain thus, Damayanti then went in a northerly direction. And having proceeded three days and nights, that best of women came to an incomparable penance grove of ascetics, resembling in beauty a celestial grove. And the charming asylum
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she beheld was inhabited and adorned by ascetics like Vasishtha and Bhrigu and Atri, self-denying and strict in diet, with minds under control, endued with holiness, some living on water, some on air, and some on (fallen) leaves, with passions in check, eminently blessed, seeking the way to heaven, clad in barks of trees and deer-skins, and with senses subdued. And beholding that hermitage inhabited by ascetics, and abounding in herds of deer and monkeys, Damayanti was cheered. And that best of women, the innocent and blessed Damayanti, with graceful eye-brows, and long tresses, with lovely hips and deep bosom, and face graced with fine teeth and with fine black and large eyes, in her brightness and glory entered that asylum. And saluting those ascetics grown old in practising austerities, she stood in an attitude of humility. And the ascetics living in that forest, said, 'Welcome!' And those men of ascetic wealth, paying her due homage, said, 'Sit ye down, and tell us what we may do for thee.' That best of women replied unto them, saying, 'Ye sinless and eminently blessed ascetics, is it well with your austerities, and sacrificial fire, and religious observances, and the duties of your own order? And is it well with the beasts and birds of this asylum? And they answered, 'O beauteous and illustrious lady, prosperity attendeth us in every respect. But, O thou of faultless limbs, tell us who thou art, and what thou seekest. Beholding thy beauteous form and thy bright splendour, we have been amazed. Cheer up and mourn not. Tell us, O blameless and blessed one, art thou the presiding deity of this forest, or of this mountain, or of this river?' Damayanti replied unto those ascetics, saying, 'O Brahmanas, I am not the goddess of this forest, or of this mountain, or of this stream. O Rishis of ascetic wealth, know that I am a human being. I will relate my history in detail. Do ye listen to me. There is a king--the mighty ruler of the Vidarbhas--Bhima by name. O foremost of regenerate ones, know me to be his daughter. The wise ruler of the Nishadhas, Nala by name, of great celebrity, heroic, and ever victorious in battle, and learned, is my husband. Engaged in the worship of the gods, devoted to the twice-born ones, the guardian of the line of the Nishadhas, of mighty energy, possessed of great strength, truthful, conversant with all duties, wise, unwavering in promise, the crusher of foes, devout, serving the gods, graceful, the conqueror of hostile towns, that foremost of kings, Nala by name, equal in splendour unto the lord of celestials, the slayer of foes, possessed of large eyes, and a hue resembling the full moon, is my husband. The celebrator of great sacrifices, versed in the Vedas and their branches, the destroyer of enemies in battle, and like unto the sun and the moon in splendour, is he. That king devoted to truth and religion was summoned to dice by certain deceitful persons of mean mind and uncultured soul and of crooked ways, and skilful in gambling, and was deprived of wealth and kingdom. Know that I am the wife of that bull among kings,
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known to all by the name of Damayanti, anxious to find out my (missing) lord. In sadness of heart am I wandering among woods, and mountains, and lakes, and rivers, and tanks and forests, in search of that husband of mine--Nala, skilled in battle, high-souled, and well-versed in the use of weapons, O hath king Nala, the lord of the Nishadhas, come to this delightful asylum of your holy selves? It is for him, O Brahmanas, that I have come to this dreary forest full of terrors and haunted by tigers and other beasts. If I do not see king Nala within a few days and nights, I shall seek my good by renouncing this body. Of what use is my life without that bull among men? How shall I live afflicted with grief on account of my husband?'
Unto Bhima's daughter, Damayanti, lamenting forlorn in that forest, the truth-telling ascetics replied, saying, 'O blessed and beauteous one, we see by ascetic power that the future will bring happiness to thee, and that thou wilt soon behold Naishadha. O daughter of Bhima, thou wilt behold Nala, the lord of the Nishadhas, the slayer of foes, and the foremost of the virtuous freed from distress. And O blessed lady, thou wilt behold the king--thy lord--freed from all sins and decked with all kinds of gems, and ruling the selfsame city, and chasting his enemies, and striking terror into the hearts of foes, and gladdening the hearts of friends, and crowned with every blessing.'
"'Having spoken unto that princess--the beloved queen of Nala--the ascetics with their sacred fires and asylum vanished from sight. And beholding that mighty wonder, the daughter-in-law of king Virasena, Damayanti of faultless limbs, was struck with amazement. And she asked herself, 'Was it a dream that I saw? What an occurrence hath taken place! Where are all those ascetics? And where is that asylum? Where, further, is that delightful river of sacred waters--the resort of diverse kinds of fowls? And where, again, are those charming trees decked with fruits and flowers?' And after thinking so for some time, Bhima's daughter, Damayanti of sweet smiles melancholy and afflicted with grief on account of her lord, lost the colour of her face (again). And going to another part of the wood, she saw an Asoka tree. And approaching that first of trees in the forest, so charming with blossoms and its load of foliage, and resounding with the notes of birds, Damayanti, with tears in her eyes and accents choked in grief, began to lament, saying, 'Oh, this graceful tree in the heart of the forest, decked in flowers, looketh beautiful, like a charming king of hills. O beauteous Asoka, do thou speedily free me from grief. Hast thou seen king Nala, the slayer of foes and the beloved husband of Damayanti,--freed from fear and grief and obstacles? Hast thou seen my beloved husband, the ruler of the Nishadhas, clad in half a piece of cloth, with delicate skin, that hero afflicted with woe and who hath come into this wilderness? O Asoka tree, do thou free me from grief! O Asoka, vindicate thy name, for Asoka
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meaneth destroyer of grief. And going round that tree thrice, with an afflicted heart, that best of women, Bhima's daughter, entered a more terrible part of the forest. And wandering in quest of her lord, Bhima's daughter beheld many trees and streams and delightful mountains, and many beasts and birds, and caves, and precipices, and many rivers of wonderful appearance. And as she proceeded she came upon a broad way where she saw with wonder a body of merchants, with their horses and elephants, landing on the banks of a river, full of clear and cool water, and lovely and charming to behold, and broad, and covered with bushes of canes, and echoing with the cries of cranes and ospreys and Chakravakas, and abounding in tortoises and alligators and fishes, and studded with innumerable islets. And as soon as as she saw that caravan, the beauteous and celebrated wife of Nala, wild like a maniac, oppressed with grief, clad in half a garment, lean and pale and smutted, and with hair covered with dust, drew near and entered into its midst. And beholding her, some fled in fear, and some became extremely anxious, and some cried aloud, and some laughed at her, and some hated her. And some, O Bharata, felt pity for, and even addressed, her, saying, 'O blessed one, who art thou, and whose? What seekest thou in woods? Seeing thee here we have been terrified. Art thou human? Tell us truly, O blessed one if thou art the goddess of this wood or of this mountain or of the points of the heaven. We seek thy protection. Art thou a female Yaksha, or a female Rakshasa, or a celestial damsel? O thou of faultless features, do thou bless us wholly and protect us. And, O blessed one, do thou so act that his caravan may soon go hence in prosperity and that the welfare of all of us may be secured.' Thus addressed by that caravan, the princess Damayanti, devoted to her husband and oppressed by the calamity that had befallen her, answered, saying, 'O leader of the caravan, ye merchants, ye youths, old men, and children, and ye that compose this caravan, know me for a human being. I am the daughter of a king, and the daughter in-law of a king, and the consort also of a king, eager for the sight of my lord. The ruler of the Vidarbhas is my father, and my husband is the lord of the Nishadhas, named Nala. Even now I am seeking that unvanquished and blessed one. If ye have chanced to see my beloved one, king Nala, that tiger among men, that destroyer of hostile hosts, O tell me quick.' Thereupon the leader of that great caravan, named Suchi, replied unto Damayanti of faultless limbs, saying, 'O blessed one, listen to my words. O thou of sweet smiles, I am a merchant and the leader of this caravan. O illustrious lady, I have not seen any man of the name of Nala. In this extensive forest uninhabited by men, there are only elephants and leopards and buffaloes, and tigers and bears and other animals. Except thee, I have not met with any man or woman here, so help us now Manibhadra, the king of Yakshas!' Thus addressed by them she asked those merchants as well as the leader of the
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host saying, 'It behoveth you to tell me whither this caravan is bound.' The leader of the band said, 'O daughter of a great king, for the purpose of profit this caravan is bound direct for the city of Suvahu, the truth-telling ruler of the Chedis.'"

Book 3
Chapter 65

1 bṛhadaśva uvāca
      hṛtarājye nale bhīmaḥ sabhārye preṣyatāṃ gate
      dvijān prasthāpayām āsa naladarśanakāṅkṣayā
  2 saṃdideśa ca tān bhīmo vasu dattvā ca puṣkalam
      mṛgayadhvaṃ nalaṃ caiva damayantīṃ ca me sutām
  3 asmin karmaṇi niṣpanne vijñāte niṣadhādhipe
      gavāṃ sahasraṃ dāsyāmi yo vas tāv ānayiṣyati
      agrahāraṃ ca dāsyāmi grāmaṃ nagarasaṃmitam
  4 na cec chakyāv ihānetuṃ damayantī nalo 'pi vā
      jñātamātre 'pi dāsyāmi gavāṃ daśaśataṃ dhanam
  5 ity uktās te yayur hṛṣṭā brāhmaṇāḥ sarvatodiśam
      purarāṣṭrāṇi cinvanto naiṣadhaṃ saha bhāryayā
  6 tataś cedipurīṃ ramyāṃ sudevo nāma vai dvijaḥ
      vicinvāno 'tha vaidarbhīm apaśyad rājaveśmani
      puṇyāhavācane rājñaḥ sunandā sahitāṃ sthitām
  7 mandaprakhyāyamānena rūpeṇāpratimena tām
      pinaddhāṃ dhūmajālena prabhām iva vibhāvasoḥ
  8 tāṃ samīkṣya viśālākṣīm adhikaṃ malināṃ kṛśām
      tarkayām āsa bhaimīti kāraṇair upapādayan
  9 sudeva uvāca
      yatheyaṃ me purā dṛṣṭā tathārūpeyam aṅganā
      kṛtārtho 'smy adya dṛṣṭvemāṃ lokakāntām iva śriyam
  10 pūrṇacandrānanāṃ śyāmāṃ cāruvṛttapayodharām
     kurvantīṃ prabhayā devīṃ sarvā vitimirā diśaḥ
 11 cārupadmapalāśākṣīṃ manmathasya ratīm iva
     iṣṭāṃ sarvasya jagataḥ pūrṇacandraprabhām iva
 12 vidarbhasarasas tasmād daivadoṣād ivoddhṛtām
     malapaṅkānuliptāṅgīṃ mṛṇālīm iva tāṃ bhṛśam
 13 paurṇamāsīm iva niśāṃ rāhugrastaniśākarām
     patiśokākulāṃ dīnāṃ śuṣkasrotāṃ nadīm iva
 14 vidhvastaparṇakamalāṃ vitrāsitavihaṃgamām
     hastihastaparikliṣṭāṃ vyākulām iva padminīm
 15 sukumārīṃ sujātāṅgīṃ ratnagarbhagṛhocitām
     dahyamānām ivoṣṇena mṛṇālīm aciroddhṛtām
 16 rūpaudaryaguṇopetāṃ maṇḍanārhām amaṇḍitām
     candralekhām iva navāṃ vyomni nīlābhrasaṃvṛtām
 17 kāmabhogaiḥ priyair hīnāṃ hīnāṃ bandhujanena ca
     dehaṃ dhārayatīṃ dīnāṃ bhartṛdarśanakāṅkṣayā
 18 bhartā nāma paraṃ nāryā bhūṣaṇaṃ bhūṣaṇair vinā
     eṣā virahitā tena śobhanāpi na śobhate
 19 duṣkaraṃ kurute 'tyarthaṃ hīno yad anayā nalaḥ
     dhārayaty ātmano dehaṃ na śokenāvasīdati
 20 imām asitakeśāntāṃ śatapatrāyatekṣaṇām
     sukhārhāṃ duḥkhitāṃ dṛṣṭvā mamāpi vyathate manaḥ
 21 kadā nu khalu duḥkhasya pāraṃ yāsyati vai śubhā
     bhartuḥ samāgamāt sādhvī rohiṇī śaśino yathā
 22 asyā nūnaṃ punar lābhān naiṣadhaḥ prītim eṣyati
     rājā rājyaparibhraṣṭaḥ punar labdhveva medinīm
 23 tulyaśīlavayoyuktāṃ tulyābhijanasaṃyutām
     naiṣadho 'rhati vaidarbhīṃ taṃ ceyam asitekṣaṇā
 24 yuktaṃ tasyāprameyasya vīryasattvavato mayā
     samāśvāsayituṃ bhāryāṃ patidarśanalālasām
 25 ayam āśvāsayāmy enāṃ pūrṇacandra nibhānanām
     adṛṣṭapūrvāṃ duḥkhasya duḥkhārtāṃ dhyānatatparām
 26 bṛhadaśva uvāca
     evaṃ vimṛśya vividhaiḥ kāraṇair lakṣaṇaiś ca tām
     upagamya tato bhaimīṃ sudevo brāhmaṇo 'bravīt
 27 ahaṃ sudevo vaidharbhi bhrātus te dayitaḥ sakhā
     bhīmasya vacanād rājñas tvām anveṣṭum ihāgataḥ
 28 kuśalī te pitā rājñi janitrī bhrātaraś ca te
     āyuṣmantau kuśalinau tatrasthau dārukau ca te
     tvatkṛte bandhuvargāś ca gatasattvā ivāsate
 29 abhijñāya sudevaṃ tu damayantī yudhiṣṭhira
     paryapṛcchat tataḥ sarvān krameṇa suhṛdaḥ svakān
 30 ruroda ca bhṛśaṃ rājan vaidarbhī śokakarśitā
     dṛṣṭvā sudevaṃ sahasā bhrātur iṣṭaṃ dvijottamam
 31 tato rudantīṃ tāṃ dṛṣṭvā sunandā śokakarśitām
     sudevena sahaikānte kathayantīṃ ca bhārata
 32 janitryai preṣayām āsa sairandhrī rudate bhṛśam
     brāhmaṇena samāgamya tāṃ veda yadi manyase
 33 atha cedipater mātā rājñaś cāntaḥpurāt tadā
     jagāma yatra sā bālā brāhmaṇena sahābhavat
 34 tataḥ sudevam ānāyya rājamātā viśāṃ pate
     papraccha bhāryā kasyeyaṃ sutā vā kasya bhāminī
 35 kathaṃ ca naṣṭā jñātibhyo bhartur vā vāmalocanā
     tvayā ca viditā vipra katham evaṃgatā satī
 36 etad icchāmy ahaṃ tvatto jñātuṃ sarvam aśeṣataḥ
     tattvena hi mamācakṣva pṛcchantyā devarūpiṇīm
 37 evam uktas tayā rājan sudevo dvijasattamaḥ
     sukhopaviṣṭa ācaṣṭa damayantyā yathātatham

SECTION LXV

"Vrihadaswa said, 'Having heard the words of the leader of that caravan, Damayanti of faultless limbs proceeded with that caravan itself anxious to behold her lord. And after having proceeded for many days the merchants saw a large lake fragrant with lotuses in the midst of that dense and terrible forest. And it was beautiful all over, and exceedingly delightful, (with banks) abounding in grass and fuel and fruits and flowers. And it was inhabited by various kinds of fowls and birds, and fall of water that was pure and sweet. And it was cool and capable of captivating the heart. And the caravan, worn out with toil, resolved to halt there. And with the permission of their leader, they spread themselves around those beautiful woods. And that mighty caravan finding it was evening halted at that place. And (it came to pass that) at the hour of midnight when everything was hushed and still and the tired caravan had fallen asleep, a herd of elephants in going towards a mountain stream to drink of its water befouled by their temporal juice, saw that caravan as also the numerous elephants belonging to it. And seeing their domesticated fellows the wild elephants infuriated and with the temporal juice trickling down rushed impetuously on the former, with the intention of killing them. And the force of the rush of those elephants was hard to bear, like the impetuosity of peaks lessened from mountain summits rolling towards the plain. The rushing elephants found the forest paths to be all blocked up, for the goodly caravan was sleeping obstructing the paths around that lake of lotuses. And the elephants all of a sudden, began to crush the men lying insensible on the ground. And uttering cries of 'Oh!' and 'Alas!' the merchants, blinded by sleep, fled, in order to escape that danger, to copses and woods for refuge. And some were slain by the tusks, and some by the trunks, and some by the legs of those elephants. And innumerable camels and horses were killed, and crowds of men on foot, running in fright, killed one another. And uttering loud cries some fell down on the ground, and some in fear climbed on trees, and some dropped down on uneven ground. And, O king, thus accidentally attacked by that large herd of elephants, that goodly caravan suffered a great loss. And there arose a tremendous uproar calculated to frighten the three worlds, 'Lo! a great fire hath broken out. Rescue us.
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Do ye speedily fly away. Why do ye fly? Take the heaps of jewels scattered around. All this wealth is a trifle. I do not speak falsely, 'I tell you again, (exclaimed some one) think on my words, O ye distracted one!' With such exclamation they ran about in fright. And Damayanti awoke in fear and anxiety, while that terrible slaughter was raging there. And beholding slaughter capable of awaking the fear of all the worlds, and which was so unforeseen, the damsel of eyes like lotus leaves rose up, wild with fright, and almost out of breath. And those of the caravan that had escaped unhurt, met together, and asked one another, 'Of what deed of ours is this the consequence? Surely, we have failed to worship the illustrious Manibhadras, and likewise the exalted and graceful Vaisravana, the king of the Yaksha. Perhaps, we have not worshipped the deities that cause calamities, or perhaps, we have not paid them the first homage. Or, perhaps, this evil is the certain consequence of the birds (we saw). Our stars are not unpropitious. From what other cause, then hath this disaster come?' Others, distressed and bereft of wealth and relatives, said, 'That maniac-like woman who came amongst this mighty caravan in guise that was strange and scarcely human, alas, it is by her that this dreadful illusion had been pre-arranged. Of a certainty, she is a terrible Rakshasa or a Yaksha or a Pisacha woman. All this evil is her work, what need of doubts? If we again see that wicked destroyer of merchants, that giver of innumerable woes, we shall certainly slay that injurer of ours, with stones, and dust, and grass, and wood, and cuffs.' And hearing these dreadful words of the merchants, Damayanti, in terror and shame and anxiety, fled into the woods apprehensive of evil. And reproaching herself she said, 'Alas! fierce and great is the wrath of God on me. Peace followeth not in my track. Of what misdeed is this the consequence? I do not remember that I did ever so little a wrong to any one in thought, word, or deed. Of what deed, then, is this the consequence? Certainly, it is on account of the great sins I had committed in a former life that such calamity hath befallen me, viz., the loss of my husband's kingdom, his defeat at the hands of his own kinsmen, this separation from my lord and my son and daughter, this my unprotected state, and my presence in this forest abounding in innumerable beasts of prey!'"
"The next day, O king, the remnant of that caravan left the place bewailing the destruction that had overtaken them and lamenting for their dead brothers and fathers and sons and friends. And the princess of Vidarbha began to lament, saying, 'Alas! What misdeed have I perpetrated! The crowd of men that I obtained in this lone forest, hath been destroyed by a herd of elephants, surely as a consequence of my ill luck. Without doubt, I shall have to suffer misery for a long time. I have heard from old men that no person dieth ere his time; it is for this that my miserable self hath not been trodden to death by that herd of elephants. Nothing that befalleth men is due to anything else than Destiny,
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for even in my childhood I did not commit any such sin in thought, word, or deed, whence might come this calamity. Methinks, I suffer this severance from my husband through the potency of those celestial Lokapalas, who had come to the Swayamvara but whom I disregarded for the sake of Nala.' Bewailing thus, O tiger among kings, that excellent lady, Damayanti, devoted to her husband, went, oppressed with grief and (pale) as the autumnal moon, with those Brahmanas versed in the Vedas that had survived the slaughter of the caravan. And departing speedily, towards evening, the damsel came to the mighty city of the truth-telling Suvahu, the king of the Chedis. And she entered that excellent city clad in half a garment. And the citizens saw her as she went, overcome with fear, and lean, melancholy, her hair dishevelled and soiled with dust, and maniac-like. And beholding her enter the city of the king of the Chedis, the boys of the city, from curiosity, began to follow her. And surrounded by them, she came before the palace of the king. And from the terrace the queen-mother saw her surrounded by the crowd. And she said to her nurse, 'Go and bring that woman before me. She is forlorn and is being vexed by the crowd. She hath fallen into distress and standeth in need of succour. I find her beauty to be such that it illumineth my house. The fair one, though looking like a maniac, seemeth a very Sree with her large eyes.' Thus commanded, the nurse went out and dispersing the crowd brought Damayanti to that graceful terrace. And struck with wonder, O king, she asked Damayanti, saying, 'Afflicted though thou art with such distress, thou ownest a beautiful form. Thou shinest like lightning in the midst of the clouds. Tell me who thou art, and whose. O thou possessed of celestial splendour, surely, thy beauty is not human, bereft though thou art of ornaments. And although thou art helpless, yet thou art unmoved under the outrage of these men.' Hearing these words of the nurse, the daughter of Bhima said, Know that I am a female belonging to the human species and devoted to my husband. I am a serving woman of good lineage. I live wherever I like, subsisting on fruit and roots, and whom a companion, and stay where evening overtaketh me. My husband is the owner of countless virtues and was ever devoted to me. And I also, on my part, was deeply attached to him, following him like his shadow. It chanced that once he became desperately engaged at dice. Defeated at dice, he came along into the forest. I accompanied my husband into the woods, comforting the hero clad in a single piece of cloth and maniac-like and overwhelmed with calamity. Once on a time for some cause, that hero, afflicted with hunger and thirst and grief, was forced to abandon that sole piece of covering in the forest. Destitute of garment and maniac-like and deprived of his senses as he was, I followed him, myself in a single garment. Following him, I did not sleep for nights together. Thus passed many days, until at last while I was sleeping, he cut off half of my cloth, and forsook me who had done him no wrong.
p. 140
[paragraph continues] I am seeking my husband but unable to find him who is of hue like the filaments of the lotus, without being able to cast my eyes on that delight of my heart, that dear lord who owneth my heart and resembleth the celestials in mien, day and night do I burn in grief."
"Unto Bhima's daughter thus lamenting with tearful eyes, and afflicted and speaking in accents choked in grief, the queen-mother herself said, 'O blessed damsel, do thou stay with me. I am well pleased with thee. O fair lady, my men shall search for thy husband. Or, perhaps he may come here of his own accord in course of his wanderings. And, O beautiful lady, residing here thou wilt regain thy (lost) lord.' Hearing these words of the queen mother, Damayanti replied, 'O mother of heroes, I may stay with thee on certain conditions. I shall not eat the leavings on any dish, nor shall I wash anybody's feet, nor shall I have to speak with other men. And if anybody shall seek me (as a wife or mistress) he should be liable to punishment at thy hands. And, further, should he solicit me over and over again, that wicked one should be punished with death. This is the vow I have made. I intend to have an interview with those Brahmanas that will set out to search for my husband. If thou canst do all this, I shall certainly live with thee. If it is otherwise, I cannot find it in my heart to reside with thee.' The queen-mother answered her with a glad heart, saying, 'I will do all this. Thou hast done well in adopting such a vow!'"
"Vrihadaswa continued, 'O king, having spoken so unto the daughter of Bhima, the queen-mother, O Bharata, said to her daughter named Sunanda, 'O Sunanda, accept this lady like a goddess as thy Sairindhri! Let her be thy companion, as she is of the same age with thee. Do thou, with heart free from care, always sport with her in joy.' And Sunanda cheerfully accepted Damayanti and led her to her own apartment accompanied by her associates. And treated with respect, Damayanti was satisfied, and she continued to reside there without anxiety of any kind, for all her wishes were duly gratified.'"

Book 3
Chapter 66

1 sudeva uvāca
      vidarbharājo dharmātmā bhīmo bhīmaparākramaḥ
      suteyaṃ tasya kalyāṇī damayantīti viśrutā
  2 rājā tu naiṣadho nāma vīrasenasuto nalaḥ
      bhāryeyaṃ tasya kalyāṇī puṇyaślokasya dhīmataḥ
  3 sa vai dyūte jito bhrātrā hṛtarājyo mahīpatiḥ
      damayantyā gataḥ sārdhaṃ na prajñāyata karhi cit
  4 te vayaṃ damayantyarthaṃ carāmaḥ pṛthivīm imām
      seyam āsāditā bālā tava putraniveśane
  5 asyā rūpeṇa sadṛśī mānuṣī neha vidyate
      asyāś caiva bhruvor madhye sahajaḥ piplur uttamaḥ
      śyāmāyāḥ padmasaṃkāśo lakṣito 'ntarhito mayā
  6 malena saṃvṛto hy asyās tanvabhreṇeva candramāḥ
      cihnabhūto vibhūtyartham ayaṃ dhātrā vinirmitaḥ
  7 pratipat kaluṣevendor lekhā nāti virājate
      na cāsyā naśyate rūpaṃ vapur malasamācitam
      asaṃskṛtam api vyaktaṃ bhāti kāñcanasaṃnibham
  8 anena vapuṣā bālā piplunānena caiva ha
      lakṣiteyaṃ mayā devī pihito 'gnir ivoṣmaṇā
  9 bṛhadaśva uvāca
      tac chrutvā vacanaṃ tasya sudevasya viśāṃ pate
      sunandā śodhayām āsa piplupracchādanaṃ malam
  10 sa malenāpakṛṣṭena piplus tasyā vyarocata
     damayantyās tadā vyabhre nabhasīva niśākaraḥ
 11 pipluṃ dṛṣṭvā sunandā ca rājamātā ca bhārata
     rudantyau tāṃ pariṣvajya muhūrtam iva tasthatuḥ
     utsṛjya bāṣpaṃ śanakai rājamātedam abravīt
 12 bhaginyā duhitā me 'si piplunānena sūcitā
     ahaṃ ca tava mātā ca rājanyasya mahātmanaḥ
     sute daśārṇādhipateḥ sudāmnaś cārudarśane
 13 bhīmasya rājñaḥ sā dattā vīrabāhor ahaṃ punaḥ
     tvaṃ tu jātā mayā dṛṣṭā daśārṇeṣu pitur gṛhe
 14 yathaiva te pitur gehaṃ tathedam api bhāmini
     yathaiva hi mamaiśvaryaṃ damayanti tathā tava
 15 tāṃ prahṛṣṭena manasā damayantī viśāṃ pate
     abhivādya mātur bhaginīm idaṃ vacanam abravīt
 16 ajñāyamānāpi satī sukham asmy uṣiteha vai
     sarvakāmaiḥ suvihitā rakṣyamāṇā sadā tvayā
 17 sukhāt sukhataro vāso bhaviṣyati na saṃśayaḥ
     ciraviproṣitāṃ mātar mām anujñātum arhasi
 18 dārakau ca hi me nītau vasatas tatra bālakau
     pitrā vihīnau śokārtau mayā caiva kathaṃ nu tau
 19 yadi cāpi priyaṃ kiṃ cin mayi kartum ihecchasi
     vidarbhān yātum icchāmi śīghraṃ me yānam ādiśa
 20 bāḍham ity eva tām uktvā hṛṣṭā mātṛṣvasā nṛpa
     guptāṃ balena mahatā putrasyānumate tataḥ
 21 prasthāpayad rājamātā śrīmatā naravāhinā
     yānena bharataśreṣṭha svannapānaparicchadām
 22 tataḥ sā nacirād eva vidarbhān agamac chubhā
     tāṃ tu bandhujanaḥ sarvaḥ prahṛṣṭaḥ pratyapūjayat
 23 sarvān kuśalino dṛṣṭvā bāndhavān dārakau ca tau
     mātaraṃ pitaraṃ caiva sarvaṃ caiva sakhījanam
 24 devatāḥ pūjayām āsa brāhmaṇāṃś ca yaśasvinī
     vidhinā pareṇa kalyāṇī damayantī viśāṃ pate
 25 atarpayat sudevaṃ ca gosahasreṇa pārthivaḥ
     prīto dṛṣṭvaiva tanayāṃ grāmeṇa draviṇena ca
 26 sā vyuṣṭā rajanīṃ tatra pitur veśmani bhāminī
     viśrāntāṃ mātaraṃ rājann idaṃ vacanam abravīt

SECTION LXVI

"Vrihadaswa said, 'O monarch, having deserted Damayanti, king Nala saw a mighty conflagration that was raging in that dense forest. And in the midst of that conflagration, he heard the voice of some creature, repeatedly crying aloud, 'O righteous Nala, come hither.' And answering, 'Fear not,' he entered into the midst of the fire and beheld a mighty Naga lying in coils. And the Naga with joined hands, and trembling, spake unto Nala, saying, 'O king, that I am a snake, Karkotaka by name. I had
p. 141
deceived the great Rishi Narada of high ascetic merit, and by him have I been cursed in wrath, O king of men, even in words such as these: 'Stay thou here like an immobile thing, until one Nala taketh thee hence. And, indeed, on the spot to which he will carry thee, there shalt thou he freed from my curse. It is for that curse of his that I am unable to stir one step. I will instruct thee in respect of thy welfare. It behoveth thee to deliver me. I will be thy friend. There is no snake equal to me. I will be light in thy hands. Taking me up, do thou speedily go hence.' Having said this, that prince of snakes became as small as the thumb. And taking him up, Nala went to a spot free from fire. Having reached an open spot where there was no fire, Nala intended to drop the serpent, upon which Karkotaka again addressed him, saying, 'O king of the Nishadhas, proceed thou yet, counting a few steps of thine; meanwhile, O mighty-armed one, I will do thee great good.' And as Nala began to count his steps, the snake bit him at the tenth step. And, lo! As he was bit, his form speedily underwent a change. And beholding his change of form, Nala was amazed. And the king saw the snake also assume his own form. And the snake Karkotaka, comforting Nala, spake unto him, 'I have deprived thee of thy beauty, so that people may not recognise thee. And, O Nala, he by whom thou hast been deceived and cast into distress, shall dwell in thee tortured by my venom. And, O monarch, as long as he doth not leave thee, he will have to dwell in pain in thy body with thee every limb filled with my venom. And, O ruler of men I have saved from the hands of him who from anger and hate deceived thee, perfectly innocent though thou art and undeserving of wrong. And, O tiger among men, through my grace, thou shalt have (no longer) any fear from animals with fangs from enemies, and from Brahmanas also versed in the Vedas, O king! Nor shalt thou, O monarch, feel pain on account of my poison. And, O foremost of kings, thou shalt be ever victorious in battle. This very day, O prince, O lord of Nishadhas, go to the delightful city of Ayodhya, and present thyself before Rituparna skilled in gambling, saying, 'I am a charioteer, Vahuka by name.' And that king will give thee his skill in dice for thy knowledge of horses. Sprung from the line of Ikswaku, and possessed of prosperity, he will be thy friend. When thou wilt be an adept at dice, thou shalt then have prosperity. Thou wilt also meet with thy wife and thy children, and regain thy kingdom. I tell thee this truly. Therefore, let not thy mind be occupied by sorrow. And, O lord of men, when thou shouldst desire to behold thy proper form, thou shouldst remember me, and wear this garment. Upon wearing this, thou shalt get back thy own form.' And saying this, that Naga then gave unto Nala two pieces of celestial cloth. And, O son of the Kuru race, having thus instructed Nala, and presented him with the attire, the king of snakes, O monarch, made himself invisible there and then!'"

Book 3
Chapter 67

1 damayanty uvāca
      māṃ ced icchasi jīvantīṃ mātaḥ satyaṃ bravīmi te
      naravīrasya vai tasya nalasyānayane yata
  2 bṛhadaśva uvāca
      damayantyā tathoktā tu sā devī bhṛśaduḥkhitā
      bāṣpeṇa pihitā rājan nottaraṃ kiṃ cid abravīt
  3 tadavasthāṃ tu tāṃ dṛṣṭvā sarvam antaḥpuraṃ tadā
      hāhābhūtam atīvāsīd bhṛśaṃ ca praruroda ha
  4 tato bhīmaṃ mahārāja bhāryā vacanam abravīt
      damayantī tava sutā bhartāram anuśocati
  5 apakṛṣya ca lajjāṃ māṃ svayam uktavatī nṛpa
      prayatantu tava preṣyāḥ puṇyaślokasya darśane
  6 tayā pracodito rājā brāhmaṇān vaśavartinaḥ
      prāsthāpayad diśaḥ sarvā yatadhvaṃ naladarśane
  7 tato vidarbhādhipater niyogād brāhmaṇarṣabhāḥ
      damayantīm atho dṛṣṭvā prasthitāḥ smety athābruvan
  8 atha tān abravīd bhaimī sarvarāṣṭreṣv idaṃ vacaḥ
      bruvadhvaṃ janasaṃsatsu tatra tatra punaḥ punaḥ
  9 kva nu tvaṃ kitava chittvā vastrārdhaṃ prasthito mama
      utsṛjya vipine suptām anuraktāṃ priyāṃ priya
  10 sā vai yathā samādiṣṭā tatrāste tvatpratīkṣiṇī
     dahyamānā bhṛśaṃ bālā vastrārdhenābhisaṃvṛtā
 11 tasyā rudantyā satataṃ tena śokena pārthiva
     prasādaṃ kuru vai vīra prativākyaṃ dadasva ca
 12 etad anyac ca vaktavyaṃ kṛpāṃ kuryād yathā mayi
     vāyunā dhūyamāno hi vanaṃ dahati pāvakaḥ
 13 bhartavyā rakṣaṇīyā ca patnī hi patinā sadā
     tan naṣṭam ubhayaṃ kasmād dharmajñasya satas tava
 14 khyātaḥ prājñaḥ kulīnaś ca sānukrośaś ca tvaṃ sadā
     saṃvṛtto niranukrośaḥ śaṅke madbhāgyasaṃkṣayāt
 15 sa kuruṣva maheṣvāsa dayāṃ mayi nararṣabha
     ānṛśaṃsyaṃ paro dharmas tvatta eva hi me śrutam
 16 evaṃ bruvāṇān yadi vaḥ pratibrūyād dhi kaś cana
     sa naraḥ sarvathā jñeyaḥ kaś cāsau kva ca vartate
 17 yac ca vo vacanaṃ śrutvā brūyāt prativaco naraḥ
     tad ādāya vacaḥ kṣipraṃ mamāvedyaṃ dvijottamāḥ
 18 yathā ca vo na jānīyāc carato bhīmaśāsanāt
     punarāgamanaṃ caiva tathā kāryam atandritaiḥ
 19 yadi vāsau samṛddhaḥ syād yadi vāpy adhano bhavet
     yadi vāpy arthakāmaḥ syāj jñeyam asya cikīrṣitam
 20 evam uktās tv agacchaṃs te brāhmaṇāḥ sarvatodiśam
     nalaṃ mṛgayituṃ rājaṃs tathā vyasaninaṃ tadā
 21 te purāṇi sarāṣṭrāṇi grāmān ghoṣāṃs tathāśramān
     anveṣanto nalaṃ rājan nādhijagmur dvijātayaḥ
 22 tac ca vākyaṃ tathā sarve tatra tatra viśāṃ pate
     śrāvayāṃ cakrire viprā damayantyā yatheritam

SECTION LXVII

"Vrihadaswa said, 'After the snake had vanquished, Nala, the ruler of the Nishadhas, proceeded, and on the tenth day entered the city of Rituparna. And he approached the king, saying, 'My name is Vahuka. There is no one in this world equal to me in managing steeds. My counsel also should be sought in matters of difficulty and in all affairs of skill. I also surpass others in the art of cooking. In all those arts that exists in this world, and also in every thing difficult of accomplishment, I will strive to attain success, O Rituparna, do thou maintain me.' And Rituparna replied, 'O Vahuka, stay with me! May good happen to thee. Thou wilt even perform all this. I have always particularly desired to be driven fast. Do thou concert such measures that my steeds may become fleet. I appoint thee the superintendent of my stables. Thy pay shall be ten thousand (coins). Both Varshneya and Jivala shall always be under thy direction. Thou wilt live pleasantly in their company. Therefore, O Vahuka, stay thou with me.'"
"Vrihadaswa continued, 'Thus addressed by the king, Nala began to dwell in the city of Rituparna, treated with respect and with Varshneya and Jivala as his companions. And residing there, the king (Nala), remembering the princess of Vidarbha, recited every evening the following sloka: 'Where lieth that helpless one afflicted with hunger and thirst and worn with toil, thinking of that wretch? And upon whom also doth she now wait?' And once as the king was reciting this in the night, Jivala asked him saying, 'O Vahuka, whom dost thou lament thus daily? I am curious to hear it. O thou blest with length of days, whose spouse is she whom thus lamentest?' Thus questioned, king Nala answered him, saying, 'A certain person devoid of sense had a wife well-known to many. That wretch was false in his promises. For some reason that wicked person was separated from her. Separated from her, that wretch wandered about oppressed with woe, and burning with grief he resteth not by day or night. And at night, remembering her, he singeth this sloka. Having wandered over the entire world, he hath at last found a refuge, and undeserving of the distress that hath befallen him, passeth his days, thus remembering his wife. When calamity had overtaken this man, his wife followed him into the woods. Deserted by that man of little virtue, her life itself is in danger. Alone, without knowledge of ways, ill able to bear distress, and fainting with hunger and thirst, the girl can hardly protect her life. And, O friend, she hath been deserted by that man of small fortune and having little sense, with the wide and terrible forest, ever abounding in beasts of prey'--
"Thus remembering Damayanti, the king of the Nishadhas continued to live unknown in the abode of that monarch!"

Book 3
Chapter 68

 1 bṛhadaśva uvāca
      atha dīrghasya kālasya parṇādo nāma vai dvijaḥ
      pratyetya nagaraṃ bhaimīm idaṃ vacanam abravīt
  2 naiṣadhaṃ mṛgayānena damayanti divāniśam
      ayodhyāṃ nagarīṃ gatvā bhāṅgasvarir upasthitaḥ
  3 śrāvitaś ca mayā vākyaṃ tvadīyaṃ sa mahājane
      ṛtuparṇo mahābhāgo yathoktaṃ varavarṇini
  4 tac chrutvā nābravīt kiṃ cid ṛtuparṇo narādhipaḥ
      na ca pāriṣadaḥ kaś cid bhāṣyamāṇo mayāsakṛt
  5 anujñātaṃ tu māṃ rājñā vijane kaś cid abravīt
      ṛtuparṇasya puruṣo bāhuko nāma nāmataḥ
  6 sūtas tasya narendrasya virūpo hrasvabāhukaḥ
      śīghrayāne sukuśalo mṛṣṭakartā ca bhojane
  7 sa viniḥśvasya bahuśo ruditvā ca muhur muhuḥ
      kuśalaṃ caiva māṃ pṛṣṭvā paścād idam abhāṣata
  8 vaiṣamyam api saṃprāptā gopāyanti kulastriyaḥ
      ātmānam ātmanā satyo jitasvargā na saṃśayaḥ
      rahitā bhartṛbhiś caiva na krudhyanti kadā cana
  9 viṣamasthena mūḍhena paribhraṣṭasukhena ca
      yat sā tena parityaktā tatra na kroddhum arhati
  10 prāṇayātrāṃ pariprepsoḥ śakunair hṛtavāsasaḥ
     ādhibhir dahyamānasya śyāmā na kroddhum arhati
 11 satkṛtāsatkṛtā vāpi patiṃ dṛṣṭvā tathāgatam
     bhraṣṭarājyaṃ śriyā hīnaṃ śyāmā na kroddhum arhati
 12 tasya tad vacanaṃ śrutvā tvarito 'ham ihāgataḥ
     śrutvā pramāṇaṃ bhavatī rājñaś caiva nivedaya
 13 etac chrutvāśrupūrṇākṣī parṇādasya viśāṃ pate
     damayantī raho 'bhyetya mātaraṃ pratyabhāṣata
 14 ayam artho na saṃvedyo bhīme mātaḥ kathaṃ cana
     tvatsaṃnidhau samādekṣye sudevaṃ dvijasattamam
 15 yathā na nṛpatir bhīmaḥ pratipadyeta me matam
     tathā tvayā prayattavyaṃ mama cet priyam icchasi
 16 yathā cāhaṃ samānītā sudevenāśu bāndhavān
     tenaiva maṅgalenāśu sudevo yātu māciram
     samānetuṃ nalaṃ mātar ayodhyāṃ nagarīm itaḥ
 17 viśrāntaṃ ca tataḥ paścāt parṇādaṃ dvijasattamam
     arcayām āsa vaidarbhī dhanenātīva bhāminī
 18 nale cehāgate vipra bhūyo dāsyāmi te vasu
     tvayā hi me bahu kṛtaṃ yathā nānyaḥ kariṣyati
     yad bhartrāhaṃ sameṣyāmi śīghram eva dvijottama
 19 evam ukto 'rcayitvā tām āśīrvādaiḥ sumaṅgalaiḥ
     gṛhān upayayau cāpi kṛtārthaḥ sa mahāmanāḥ
 20 tataś cānāyya taṃ vipraṃ damayantī yudhiṣṭhira
     abravīt saṃnidhau mātur duḥkhaśokasamanvitā
 21 gatvā sudeva nagarīm ayodhyāvāsinaṃ nṛpam
     ṛtuparṇaṃ vaco brūhi patim anyaṃ cikīrṣatī
     āsthāsyati punar bhaimī damayantī svayaṃvaram
 22 tatra gacchanti rājāno rājaputrāś ca sarvaśaḥ
     yathā ca gaṇitaḥ kālaḥ śvobhūte sa bhaviṣyati
 23 yadi saṃbhāvanīyaṃ te gaccha śīghram ariṃdama
     sūryodaye dvitīyaṃ sā bhartāraṃ varayiṣyati
     na hi sa jñāyate vīro nalo jīvan mṛto 'pi vā
 24 evaṃ tayā yathoktaṃ vai gatvā rājānam abravīt
     ṛtuparṇaṃ mahārāja sudevo brāhmaṇas tadā

SECTION LXVIII

"Vaisampayana said, 'After Nala, despoiled of his kingdom, had, with his wife, become a bondsman, Bhima with the desire of seeing Nala sent out Brahmanas to search for him. And giving them profuse wealth, Bhima enjoined on them, saying, 'Do ye search for Nala, and also for my daughter Damayanti. He who achieveth this task, viz., ascertaining where the ruler of the Nishadhas is, bringeth him and my daughter hither, will obtain from me a thousand kine, and fields, and a village resembling a town. Even if failing to bring Damayanti and Nala here, he that succeeds learning their whereabouts, will get from me the wealth represented by a thousand kine.' Thus addressed, the Brahmanas cheerfully went out in all directions seeking Nala and his wife in cities and provinces. But Nala or his spouse they found not anywhere. Until at length searching in the beautiful city of the Chedis, a Brahmana named Sudeva, during the time of the king's prayers, saw the princess of Vidarbha in the palace of the king, seated with Sunanda. And her incomparable beauty was slightly perceptible, like the brightness of a fire enveloped in curls of smoke. And beholding that lady of large eyes, soiled and emaciated he decided her to be Damayanti, coming to that conclusion from various reasons. And Sudeva said, 'As I saw her before, this damsel is even so at present. O, I am blest, by casting my eyes on this fair one, like Sree herself delighting the worlds! Resembling the full moon, of unchanging youth, of well-rounded breasts, illumining all sides by her splendour, possessed of large eyes like beautiful lotuses, like unto Kama's Rati herself the delight of all the worlds like the rays of the full moon, O, she looketh like a lotus-stalk transplanted by adverse fortune from the Vidarbha lake and covered with mire in the process. And oppressed with grief on account of her husband, and melancholy, she looketh like the night of the full moon when Rahu hath swallowed that luminary, or like a stream whose current hath dried up. Her plight is very much like that of a ravaged lake with the leaves of its lotuses crushed by the trunks of elephants, and with its birds and fowls affrighted by the invasion. Indeed, this girl, of a delicate frame and of lovely limbs, and deserving to dwell in a mansion decked with gems, is (now) like an uprooted lotus-stalk scorched by the sun. Endued with beauty and generosity of nature, and destitute of ornaments, though deserving of them, she looketh like the moon 'new bent in haven' but covered with black clouds. Destitute of comforts and luxuries, separated from loved ones and friends, she liveth in distress, supported by the hope of beholding her lord. Verily, the husband is the best ornament of a woman, however destitute of ornaments. Without her husband beside her, this lady, though beautiful, shineth not. It is a hard feat achieved by
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[paragraph continues] Nala in that he liveth without succumbing to grief, though separated from such a wife. Beholding this damsel possessed of black hair and of eyes like lotus-leaves, in woe though deserving of bliss, even my heart is pained. Alas! when shall this girl graced with auspicious marks and devoted to her husband, crossing this ocean of woe, regain the company of her lord, like Rohini regaining the Moon's? Surely, the king of the Nishadhas will experience in regaining her the delight that a king deprived of his kingdom experienceth in regaining his kingdom. Equal to her in nature and age and extraction, Nala deserveth the daughter of Vidarbha, and this damsel of black eyes also deserveth him. It behoveth me to comfort the queen of that hero of immeasurable prowess and endued with energy and might, (since) she is so eager to meet her husband. I will console this afflicted girl of face like the full moon, and suffering distress that she had never before endured, and ever meditating on her lord.'
"Vrihadaswa continued, 'Having thus reflected on these various circumstances and signs, the Brahmana, Sudeva, approached Damayanti, and addressed her, saying, 'O princess of Vidarbha, I am Sudeva, the dear friend of thy brother. I have come here, seeking thee, at the desire of king Bhima. Thy father is well, and also thy mother, and thy brothers. And thy son and daughter, blessed with length of days, are living in peace. Thy relatives, though alive, are almost dead on thy account, and hundreds of Brahmanas are ranging the world in search of thee."
"Vrihadaswa continued, 'O Yudhishthira, Damayanti recognising Sudeva, asked him respecting all her relatives and kinsmen one after another. And, O monarch, oppressed with grief, the princess of Vidarbha began to weep bitterly, at the unexpected sight of Sudeva, that foremost of Brahmanas and the friend of her brother. And, O Bharata, beholding Damayanti weeping, and conversing in private with Sudeva, Sunanda was distressed, and going to her mother informed her, saying, 'Sairindhri is weeping bitterly in the presence of a Brahmana. If thou likest, satisfy thyself.' And thereupon the mother of the king of the Chedis, issuing from the inner apartments of the palace, came to the place where the girl (Damayanti) was with that Brahmana. Then calling Sudeva, O king, the queen-mother asked him, 'Whose wife is this fair one, and whose daughter? How hath this lady of beautiful eyes been deprived of the company of her relatives and of her husband as well? And how also hast thou come to know this lady fallen into such a plight? I wish to hear all this in detail from thee. Do truly relate unto me who am asking thee about this damsel of celestial beauty.' Then, O king, thus addressed by the queen-mother, Sudeva, that best of Brahmanas, sat at his ease, and began to relate the true history of Damayanti.'"

Book 3
Chapter 69

 1 bṛhadaśva uvāca
      śrutvā vacaḥ sudevasya ṛtuparṇo narādhipaḥ
      sāntvayañ ślakṣṇayā vācā bāhukaṃ pratyabhāṣata
  2 vidarbhān yātum icchāmi damadantyāḥ svayaṃvaram
      ekāhnā hayatattvajña manyase yadi bāhuka
  3 evam uktasya kaunteya tena rājñā nalasya ha
      vyadīryata mano duḥkhāt pradadhyau ca mahāmanāḥ
  4 damayantī bhaved etat kuryād duḥkhena mohitā
      asmadarthe bhaved vāyam upāyaś cintito mahān
  5 nṛśaṃsaṃ bata vaidarbhī kartukāmā tapasvinī
      mayā kṣudreṇa nikṛtā pāpenākṛtabuddhinā
  6 strīsvabhāvaś calo loke mama doṣaś ca dāruṇaḥ
      syād evam api kuryāt sā vivaśā gatasauhṛdā
      mama śokena saṃvignā nairāśyāt tanumadhyamā
  7 na caivaṃ karhi cit kuryāt sāpatyā ca viśeṣataḥ
      yad atra tathyaṃ pathyaṃ ca gatvā vetsyāmi niścayam
      ṛtuparṇasya vai kāmam ātmārthaṃ ca karomy aham
  8 iti niścitya manasā bāhuko dīnamānasaḥ
      kṛtāñjalir uvācedam ṛtuparṇaṃ narādhipam
  9 pratijānāmi te satyaṃ gamiṣyasi narādhipa
      ekāhnā puruṣavyāghra vidarbhanagarīṃ nṛpa
  10 tataḥ parīkṣām aśvānāṃ cakre rājan sa bāhukaḥ
     aśvaśālām upāgamya bhāṅgasvarinṛpājñayā
 11 sa tvaryamāṇo bahuśa ṛtuparṇena bāhukaḥ
     adhyagacchat kṛśān aśvān samarthān adhvani kṣamān
 12 tejobalasamāyuktān kulaśīlasamanvitān
     varjitāṁl lakṣaṇair hīnaiḥ pṛthuprothān mahāhanūn
     śuddhān daśabhir āvartaiḥ sindhujān vātaraṃhasaḥ
 13 dṛṣṭvā tān abravīd rājā kiṃ cit kopasamanvitaḥ
     kim idaṃ prārthitaṃ kartuṃ pralabdhavyā hi te vayam
 14 katham alpabalaprāṇā vakṣyantīme hayā mama
     mahān adhvā ca turagair gantavyaḥ katham īdṛśaiḥ
 15 bāhuka uvāca
     ete hayā gamiṣyanti vidarbhān nātra saṃśayaḥ
     athānyān manyase rājan brūhi kān yojayāmi te
 16 ṛtuparṇa uvāca
     tvam eva hayatattvajñaḥ kuśalaś cāsi bāhuka
     yān manyase samarthāṃs tvaṃ kṣipraṃ tān eva yojaya
 17 bṛhadaśva uvāca
     tataḥ sadaśvāṃś caturaḥ kulaśīlasamanvitān
     yojayām āsa kuśalo javayuktān rathe naraḥ
 18 tato yuktaṃ rathaṃ rājā samārohat tvarānvitaḥ
     atha paryapatan bhūmau jānubhis te hayottamāḥ
 19 tato naravaraḥ śrīmān nalo rājā viśāṃ pate
     sāntvayām āsa tān aśvāṃs tejobalasamanvitān
 20 raśmibhiś ca samudyamya nalo yātum iyeṣa saḥ
     sūtam āropya vārṣṇeyaṃ javam āsthāya vai param
 21 te codyamānā vidhinā bāhukena hayottamāḥ
     samutpetur ivākāśaṃ rathinaṃ mohayann iva
 22 tathā tu dṛṣṭvā tān aśvān vahato vātaraṃhasaḥ
     ayodhyādhipatir dhīmān vismayaṃ paramaṃ yayau
 23 rathaghoṣaṃ tu taṃ śrutvā hayasaṃgrahaṇaṃ ca tat
     vārṣṇeyaś cintayām āsa bāhukasya hayajñatām
 24 kiṃ nu syān mātalir ayaṃ devarājasya sārathiḥ
     tathā hi lakṣaṇaṃ vīre bāhuke dṛśyate mahat
 25 śālihotro 'tha kiṃ nu syād dhayānāṃ kulatattvavit
     mānuṣaṃ samanuprāpto vapuḥ paramaśobhanam
 26 utāho svid bhaved rājā nalaḥ parapuraṃjayaḥ
     so 'yaṃ nṛpatir āyāta ity evaṃ samacintayat
 27 atha vā yāṃ nalo veda vidyāṃ tām eva bāhukaḥ
     tulyaṃ hi lakṣaye jñānaṃ bāhukasya nalasya ca
 28 api cedaṃ vayas tulyam asya manye nalasya ca
     nāyaṃ nalo mahāvīryas tadvidyas tu bhaviṣyati
 29 prachannā hi mahātmānaś caranti pṛthivīm imām
     daivena vidhinā yuktāḥ śāstroktaiś ca virūpaṇaiḥ
 30 bhavet tu matibhedo me gātravairūpyatāṃ prati
     pramāṇāt parihīnas tu bhaved iti hi me matiḥ
 31 vayaḥpramāṇaṃ tattulyaṃ rūpeṇa tu viparyayaḥ
     nalaṃ sarvaguṇair yuktaṃ manye bāhukam antataḥ
 32 evaṃ vicārya bahuśo vārṣṇeyaḥ paryacintayat
     hṛdayena mahārāja puṇyaślokasya sārathiḥ
 33 ṛtuparṇas tu rājendra bāhukasya hayajñatām
     cintayan mumude rājā sahavārṣṇeyasārathiḥ
 34 balaṃ vīryaṃ tathotsāhaṃ hayasaṃgrahaṇaṃ ca tat
     paraṃ yatnaṃ ca saṃprekṣya parāṃ mudam avāpa ha

SECTION LXIX

"Sudeva said, 'There is a virtuous and illustrious ruler of the Vidarbhas, Bhima by name. This blessed lady is his daughter, and widely known by the name of Damayanti. And there is a king ruling the Nishadhas, named Nala, the son of Virasena. This blessed lady is the wife of that wise and righteous monarch. Defeated at dice by his brother, and despoiled of his kingdom, that king, accompanied by Damayanti, went away without the knowledge of any one. We have been wandering over the whole earth in search of Damayanti. And that girl is at last found in the house of thy son. No woman existeth that is her rival in beauty. Between the eye-brows of this ever-youthful damsel, there is an excellent mole from birth, resembling a lotus. Noticed by us (before) it seems to have disappeared, covered, (as her forehead is) with (a coat of) dust even like the moon hid in clouds. Placed there by the Creator himself as an indication of prosperity and wealth, that mole is visible faintly, like the cloud-covered lunar crescent of the first day of the lighted fortnight. And covered as her body is with dust, her beauty hath not disappeared. Though careless of her person, it is still manifest, and shineth like gold. And this girl--goddess-like--capable of being identified by this form of hers and that mole, hath been discovered by me as one discovereth a fire that is covered, by its heat!'
"O king, hearing these words of Sudeva, Sunanda washed the dust that covered the mole between Damayanti's eye-brows. And thereupon it became visible like the moon in the sky, just emerged from the clouds. And seeing that mole, O Bharata, Sunanda and the queen-mother began to weep, and embracing Damayanti stood silent for a while. And the queen-mother, shedding tears as she spoke, said in gentle accents, 'By this thy mole, I find that thou art the daughter of my sister. O beauteous girl, thy mother and I are both daughters of the high-souled Sudaman, the ruler of the Dasarnas. She was bestowed upon king Bhima, and I on Viravahu. I witnessed thy birth at our father's palace in the country of the Dasarnas. O beautiful one, my house is to thee even as thy father's. And this wealth, O Damayanti, is thine as much as mine.' As this, O king, Damayanti bowing down to her mother's sister with a glad heart, spake unto her these words, 'Unrecognised, I have still lived happily with thee, every want of mine satisfied and myself cared for by thee. And happy as my stay hath been, it would, without doubt, be happier still. But, mother, I have long been an exile. It behoveth thee, therefore, to grant me permission (to depart). My son and daughter, sent to my father's palace, are living there. Deprived of their father, and of their
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mother also, how are they passing their days stricken with sorrow. If thou wishest to do what is agreeable to me, do thou without loss of time, order a vehicle, for I wish to go to the Vidarbhas.' At this, O king, the sister to (Damayanti's) mother, with a glad heart, said, 'So be it'. And the queen-mother with her son's permission, O chief of the Bharatas, sent Damayanti in handsome litter carried by men, protected by a large escort and provided with food and drink and garments of the first quality. And soon enough she reached the country of the Vidarbhas. And all her relatives, rejoicing (in her arrival) received her with respect. And seeing her relatives, her children, both her parents, and all her maids, to be well, the illustrious Damayanti, O king, worshipped the gods and Brahmanas according to the superior method. And the king rejoiced at beholding his daughter gave unto Sudeva a thousand kine and much wealth and a village. And, O king, having spent that night at her father's mansion and recovered from fatigue, Damayanti addressed her mother, saying, 'O mother, if thou wishest me to live, I tell thee truly, do thou endeavour to bring Nala, that hero among men.' Thus addressed by Damayanti, the venerable queen became filled with sorrow. And bathed in tears, she was unable to give any answer. And beholding her in that plight, all the inmates of the inner apartments broke out into exclamation of 'Oh!' And 'Alas'! and began to cry bitterly. And then the queen addressed the mighty monarch Bhima, saying, 'Thy daughter Damayanti mourneth on account of her husband. Nay, banishing away all bashfulness, she hath herself, O king, declared her mind to me. Let thy men strive to find out (Nala) the righteous.' Thus informed by her the king sent the Brahmanas under him in all directions, saying, 'Exert ye to discover Nala.' And those Brahmanas, commanded by the ruler of the Vidarbhas (to seek Nala) appeared before Damayanti and told her of the journey they were about to undertake. And Bhima's daughter spake unto them saying, 'Do ye cry in every realm and in every assembly, 'O beloved gambler, where hast thou gone cutting off half of my garment, and deserting the dear and devoted wife asleep in the forest? And that girl, as commanded by thee stayeth expecting thee, clad in half a piece of cloth and burning with grief! O king, O hero, relent towards, and answer, her who incessantly weepeth for that grief. This and more ye will say, so that he may be inclined to pity me. Assisted by the wind, fire consumeth the forest. (Further, ye will say that) the wife is always to be protected and maintained by the husband. Why then, good as thou art and acquainted with every duty, hast thou neglected both the duties? Possessed of fame and wisdom, and lineage, and kindness, why hast thou be unkind? I fear, this is owing to the loss of my good luck! Therefore, O tiger among men, have pity on me. O bull among men! I have heard it
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from thee that kindness is the highest virtue. Speaking so, if anybody answereth you, that person should by all means, be known, and ye should learn who he is, and where he dwelleth. And ye foremost of regenerate ones, do ye bring me the words of him who hearing this your speech will chance to answer. Ye should also act with such care that no one may know the words ye utter to be at my command, nor that ye will come back to me. And ye should also learn whether that answers is wealthy, or poor, or destitute of power, in fact all about him.'
"Thus instructed by Damayanti, O king, the Brahmanas set out in all directions in search of Nala overtaken with such disaster. And the Brahmanas, O king, searched for him in cities and kingdoms and villages, and retreats of ascetics, and places inhabited by cow-herds. And, O monarch, wherever they went they recited the speeches that Damayanti had directed them to do."

Book 3
Chapter 70

 1 bṛhadaśva uvāca
      sa nadīḥ parvatāṃś caiva vanāni ca sarāṃsi ca
      acireṇāticakrāma khecaraḥ khe carann iva
  2 tathā prayāte tu rathe tadā bhāṅgasvarir nṛpaḥ
      uttarīyam athāpaśyad bhraṣṭaṃ parapuraṃjayaḥ
  3 tataḥ sa tvaramāṇas tu paṭe nipatite tadā
      grahīṣyāmīti taṃ rājā nalam āha mahāmanāḥ
  4 nigṛhṇīṣva mahābuddhe hayān etān mahājavān
      vārṣṇeyo yāvad etaṃ me paṭam ānayatām iti
  5 nalas taṃ pratyuvācātha dūre bhraṣṭaḥ paṭas tava
      yojanaṃ samatikrānto na sa śakyas tvayā punaḥ
  6 evam ukte nalenātha tadā bhāṅgasvarir nṛpaḥ
      āsasāda vane rājan phalavantaṃ bibhītakam
  7 taṃ dṛṣṭvā bāhukaṃ rājā tvaramāṇo 'bhyabhāṣata
      mamāpi sūta paśya tvaṃ saṃkhyāne paramaṃ balam
  8 sarvaḥ sarvaṃ na jānāti sarvajño nāsti kaś cana
      naikatra pariniṣṭhāsti jñānasya puruṣe kva cit
  9 vṛkṣe 'smin yāni parṇāni phalāny api ca bāhuka
      patitāni ca yāny atra tatraikam adhikaṃ śatam
      ekapatrādhikaṃ patraṃ phalam ekaṃ ca bāhuka
  10 pañca koṭyo 'tha patrāṇāṃ dvayor api ca śākhayoḥ
     pracinuhy asya śākhe dve yāś cāpy anyāḥ praśākhikāḥ
     ābhyāṃ phalasahasre dve pañconaṃ śatam eva ca
 11 tato rathād avaplutya rājānaṃ bāhuko 'bravīt
     parokṣam iva me rājan katthase śatrukarśana
 12 atha te gaṇite rājan vidyate na parokṣatā
     pratyakṣaṃ te mahārāja gaṇayiṣye bibhītakam
 13 ahaṃ hi nābhijānāmi bhaved evaṃ na veti ca
     saṃkhyāsyāmi phalāny asya paśyatas te narādhipa
     muhūrtam iva vārṣṇeyo raśmīn yacchatu vājinām
 14 tam abravīn nṛpaḥ sūtaṃ nāyaṃ kālo vilambitum
     bāhukas tv abravīd enaṃ paraṃ yatnaṃ samāsthitaḥ
 15 pratīkṣasva muhūrtaṃ tvam atha vā tvarate bhavān
     eṣa yāti śivaḥ panthā yāhi vārṣṇeyasārathiḥ
 16 abravīd ṛtuparṇas taṃ sāntvayan kurunandana
     tvam eva yantā nānyo 'sti pṛthivyām api bāhuka
 17 tvatkṛte yātum icchāmi vidarbhān hayakovida
     śaraṇaṃ tvāṃ prapanno 'smi na vighnaṃ kartum arhasi
 18 kāmaṃ ca te kariṣyāmi yan māṃ vakṣyasi bāhuka
     vidarbhān yadi yātvādya sūryaṃ darśayitāsi me
 19 athābravīd bāhukas taṃ saṃkhyāyemaṃ bibhītakam
     tato vidarbhān yāsyāmi kuruṣvedaṃ vaco mama
 20 akāma iva taṃ rājā gaṇayasvety uvāca ha
     so 'vatīrya rathāt tūrṇaṃ śātayām āsa taṃ drumam
 21 tataḥ sa vismayāviṣṭo rājānam idam abravīt
     gaṇayitvā yathoktāni tāvanty eva phalāni ca
 22 atyadbhutam idaṃ rājan dṛṣṭavān asmi te balam
     śrotum icchāmi tāṃ vidyāṃ yathaitaj jñāyate nṛpa
 23 tam uvāca tato rājā tvarito gamane tadā
     viddhy akṣahṛdayajñaṃ māṃ saṃkhyāne ca viśāradam
 24 bāhukas tam uvācātha dehi vidyām imāṃ mama
     matto 'pi cāśvahṛdayaṃ gṛhāṇa puruṣarṣabha
 25 ṛtuparṇas tato rājā bāhukaṃ kāryagauravāt
     hayajñānasya lobhāc ca tathety evābravīd vacaḥ
 26 yatheṣṭaṃ tvaṃ gṛhāṇedam akṣāṇāṃ hṛdayaṃ param
     nikṣepo me 'śvahṛdayaṃ tvayi tiṣṭhatu bāhuka
     evam uktvā dadau vidyām ṛtuparṇo nalāya vai
 27 tasyākṣahṛdayajñasya śarīrān niḥsṛtaḥ kaliḥ
     karkoṭakaviṣaṃ tīkṣṇaṃ mukhāt satatam udvaman
 28 kales tasya tadārtasya śāpāgniḥ sa viniḥsṛtaḥ
     sa tena karśito rājā dīrghakālam anātmavān
 29 tato viṣavimuktātmā svarūpam akarot kaliḥ
     taṃ śaptum aicchat kupito niṣadhādhipatir nalaḥ
 30 tam uvāca kalir bhīto vepamānaḥ kṛtāñjaliḥ
     kopaṃ saṃyaccha nṛpate kīrtiṃ dāsyāmi te parām
 31 indrasenasya jananī kupitā māśapat purā
     yadā tvayā parityaktā tato 'haṃ bhṛśapīḍitaḥ
 32 avasaṃ tvayi rājendra suduḥkham aparājita
     viṣeṇa nāgarājasya dahyamāno divāniśam
 33 ye ca tvāṃ manujā loke kīrtayiṣyanty atandritāḥ
     matprasūtaṃ bhayaṃ teṣāṃ na kadā cid bhaviṣyati
 34 evam ukto nalo rājā nyayacchat kopam ātmanaḥ
     tato bhītaḥ kaliḥ kṣipraṃ praviveśa bibhītakam
     kalis tv anyena nādṛśyat kathayan naiṣadhena vai
 35 tato gatajvaro rājā naiṣadhaḥ paravīrahā
     saṃpranaṣṭe kalau rājan saṃkhyāyātha phalāny uta
 36 mudā paramayā yuktas tejasā ca pareṇa ha
     ratham āruhya tejasvī prayayau javanair hayaiḥ
     bibhītakaś cāpraśaṣṭaḥ saṃvṛttaḥ kalisaṃśrayāt
 37 hayottamān utpatato dvijān iva punaḥ punaḥ
     nalaḥ saṃcodayām āsa prahṛṣṭenāntarātmanā
 38 vidarbhābhimukho rājā prayayau sa mahāmanāḥ
     nale tu samatikrānte kalir apy agamad gṛhān
 39 tato gatajvaro rājā nalo 'bhūt pṛthivīpate
     vimuktaḥ kalinā rājan rūpamātraviyojitaḥ

SECTION LXX

"Vrihadaswa said, 'After a long time had passed away, a Brahmana named Parnada returned to the city (of the Vidarbhas), and said unto the daughter of Bhima, 'O Damayanti, seeking Nala, the king of Nishadhas, I came to the city of Ayodhya, and appeared before the son of Bhangasura. And, O best of women, I repeated those words of thine in the presence of the blessed Rituparna. But hearing them neither that ruler of men, nor his courtiers, answered anything, although I uttered them repeatedly. Then, after I had been dismissed by the monarch, I was accosted by a person in the service of Rituparna, named Vahuka. And Vahuka is the charioteer of that king, of unsightly appearance and possessed of short arms. And he is skillful in driving with speed, and well acquainted with the culinary art. And sighing frequently, and weeping again and again, he inquired about my welfare and afterwards said these words, 'Chaste women, although fallen into distress, yet protect themselves and thus certainly secure heaven. Although they may be deserted by their lords, they do not yet become angry on that account, for women that are chaste lead their lives, encased in the armour of virtuous behaviour. It behoveth her not to be angry, since he that deserted her was overwhelmed with calamity, and deprived of every bliss. A beauteous and virtuous woman should not be angry with one that was deprived by birds of his garment while striving to procure sustenance and who is being consumed with grief. Whether treated well or ill, such a wife should never indulge in ire, beholding her husband in that plight, despoiled of kingdom and destitute of prosperity, oppressed with hunger
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and overwhelmed with calamity.' Hearing these words of his, I have speedily come here. Thou hast now heard all. Do what thou thinkest proper, and inform the king of it.'
"O king, having heard these words of Parnada, Damayanti with tearful eyes came to her mother, and spake unto her in private, 'O mother, king Bhima should not, by any means, be made acquainted with my purpose. In thy presence will I employ that best of Brahmanas, Sudeva! If thou desirest my welfare, act in such a way that king Bhima may not know my purpose. Let Sudeva without delay go hence to the city of Ayodhya, for the purpose of bringing Nala, O mother, having performed the same auspicious rites by virtue of which he had speedily brought me into the midst of friends.' With these words, after Parnada had recovered from fatigue, the princess of Vidarbha worshipped him with profuse wealth and also said, 'When Nala will come here, O Brahmana, I will bestow on thee wealth in abundance again. Thou hast done me the immense service which none else, indeed, can do me, for, (owing to that service of thine), O thou best of the regenerate ones, I shall speedily regain my (lost) lord.' And thus addressed by Damayanti, that high-minded Brahmana comforted her, uttering benedictory words of auspicious import, and then went home, regarding his mission to have been successful. And after he had gone away, Damayanti oppressed with grief and distress, calling Sudeva, addressed him, O Yudhishthira, in the presence of her mother, saying, 'O Sudeva, go thou to the city of Ayodhya, straight as a bird, and tell king Rituparna living there, these words: 'Bhima's daughter, Damayanti will hold another Swayamvara. All the kings and princes are going thither. Calculating the time, I find that the ceremony will take place tomorrow. O represser of foes, if it is possible for thee, go thither without delay. Tomorrow, after the sun hath risen, she will choose a second husband, as she doth not know whether the heroic Nala liveth or not. And addressed by her, O monarch thus, Sudeva set out. And he said unto Rituparna, all that he had been directed to say.'"


(My humble saltutations to the lotus feet of Sreeman Brahmasri K M Ganguli ji for the collection)