56. DAMAYANTI PROPOSES NALA

SRIMAD MAHABHARATA > AARANYA PARVA > NALOPAAKHYAANA PARVA > CHAPTER 56 - DAMAYANTI PROPOSES NALA

Summary: Damayanti conveys her love to Nala; Nala asks her to choose one among the Lokapaalaas; Damayanti suggests a way to Nala so that no blame attaches to him; Nala narrates everything to Lokapaalaas.

“Brihadashwa said, ‘Damayanti, having bowed down to Devas, thus addressed Nala with a smile, ‘O king (Nala), love me with proper regard, and command me what I shall do for you. Myself and what else of wealth is mine are yours. Grant me, O noble one, your love in full trust. O king, the language of the swan in burning me. It is for your sake, O brave one, that I have caused the kings to meet. O giver of proper honour, if you forsake me who adore you, for your sake will I resort to poison, or fire, or water or the rope.’

“Thus, addressed by the daughter of the king of the Vidarbhas, Nala answered her saying, ‘With the Lokapaalaas present, you choose a man? Do you turn your heart to those Mahatma lords, the creators of the worlds, to the dust of whose feet I am not equal. Displeasing Devas, a mortal comes across death. Save me, O you of faultless bodyparts! You choose the all-excelling Devas. By accepting Devas, you do enjoy spotless clothes, and divine garlands of multi-coloured colours, and excellent ornaments. What woman would not choose as her lord Hutaashana (Agni) – the chief of Devas, who compassing the earth swallows it? What woman would not choose him as her lord, the dread of whose mace induces all creatures to walk the path of Dharma (Yama)? What woman would not choose as her lord the Dharmatma and Mahatma Mahendra, the lord of Devas, the punisher of Daityas and Danavas? Or, if you could choose in your heart Varuna among the Lokapaalaas, do so unhesitatingly. O accept this friendly advice.’

“Thus, addressed by Naishadha (Nala), Damayanti, with eyes bathed in tears of grief spoke thus to Nala, ‘O lord of the earth, bowing to all Devas, I choose you for my lord. Truly do I tell you this.’ The king, who had come as the messenger of Devas, replied to the trembling Damayanti standing with folded hands, ‘O friendly one, do as you please. Having given my pledge, O blessed one, to Devas in especial, how can I, having come on other’s mission, dare seek my own interest? If seeking my own interest consists with Dharma, I will seek it, and you do also, O beautiful one, act accordingly.’ Then Damayanti of luminous smiles slowly spoke to king Nala, in words choked with tears, ‘O lord of men I see a blameless way, by which no sin whatever will attach to you. O king, you do, O foremost of men, come to the Swayamvara in company with all Devas headed by (Lord) Indra. There, O monarch, in the presence of the Lokapaalaas I will, O tiger among men, choose you – at which no blame will be yours.’

“Thus addressed, O monarch, by the daughter of Vidarbha (Damayanti), king Nala returned to where Devas were staying together. Seeing him approach those great Devas, the Lokapaalaas, eagerly asked him about all that had happened saying, ‘Have you, O king (Nala), seen Damayanti of sweet smiles? What has she said to 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. As I entered, no one perceived me, by virtue of your power, except the princess. I saw her hand-maids, and they also saw me. O noble Devas, seeing me, they were filled with wonder. As I spoke to her of you, the fair-faced lady, her will fixed on me, O you best of Devas, chose me (for her spouse). The lady said, ‘Let Devas, O tiger among men, come with you to the Swayamvara, I will in their presence, choose you. At this, O you of mighty arms, no blame will attach to you. This is all, O Devas, that took place, as I have said. Finally, everything rests with you, O foremost of Devas.’”