03.051
Bṛhadaśva said.
But Damayanti, O Bhārata, having heard those words of the swan, from that moment on, became unwell regarding Nala. (03-51-1)
Then Damayantī, distressed, pale-faced, emaciated and deeply anxious, became entirely given to sighing at that time. (03-51-2)
She became absorbed in meditation, always looking upwards with a delirious appearance. She never finds pleasure in a bed, on a seat, or among any enjoyments. (03-51-3)
She neither sleeps at night nor by day; she keeps uttering 'ha' and 'heti' again and again. Her friends recognized her distressed condition by her gestures. (03-51-4)
Then, O king, Damayantī's group of friends informed the lord of Vidarbha that Damayantī was not well. (03-51-5)
Having heard this from Damayantī’s group of friends, King Bhīma began to think of that great matter regarding his daughter. (03-51-6)
Having considered, the king saw that his own daughter Damayantī had come of age, and realized his duty was to arrange the svayamvara (marriage assembly) for her. (03-51-7)
He gathered the kings together, O lord of the people. "Let the heroes experience this svayaṃvara"—so it was said, O lord. (03-51-8)
But all the kings, having heard of Damayantī's self-choice (svayamvara), then came to Bhīma upon his invitation. (03-51-9)
Making the earth resound with the noise of elephants, horses, and chariots, with their armies that were well-adorned and decorated with various garlands and ornaments, and were visible. (03-51-10)
But in this very time, the two ancient, great-souled sages, the best of seers, who were wandering, went from here to Indra's world. (03-51-11)
Nārada and Parvata, both great-souled and of great vows, well-honored, entered the abode of the king of the gods. (03-51-12)
After honoring them, the thousand-eyed Indra then inquired of both about their imperishable well-being and also about their complete freedom from trouble. (03-51-13)
Nārada said.
O god, omnipresent lord, both of us are well. And, O Maghavan, all the kings in the world are also well, O mighty one. (03-51-14)
Bṛhadaśva said.
Having heard Nārada's words, the slayer of Bala and Vṛtra asked: ‘O righteous kings of the earth, warriors who fight without regard for their lives.’ (03-51-15)
Those who are slain by weapons in battle as they turn their backs, for them this world becomes imperishable, just as is a wish-granting cow to me. (03-51-16)
Where now are your heroic kṣatriyas? I do not see those kings, guests, and beloved ones of mine coming. (03-51-17)
Thus, when addressed by Śakra, Nārada replied: "Listen to me, O revered one, why the kings are not to be seen." (03-51-18)
Damayanti, the daughter of the king of Vidarbha, is renowned, having surpassed all women of the earth in beauty. (03-51-19)
O Śakra, her self-choice ceremony will soon take place. Kings and princes from all sides will go there. (03-51-20)
O slayer of strong enemies, the kings, desiring her—who had become a jewel of the world—were especially eager for her. (03-51-21)
While this was being told, the guardians of the world together with Agni, the foremost immortals, arrived near the king of the gods. (03-51-22)
Then all of them heard Nārada's great words; and having heard, the joyful ones said: 'Let us also go indeed.' (03-51-23)
Then all of them, O great king, along with their entourages and vehicles, went towards the Vidarbhas, where all the kings had gathered. (03-51-24)
Nala too, O Kaunteya, having heard of the meeting of the kings, approached Damayantī with an undiscouraged spirit, being devoted to her. (03-51-25)
Then the gods saw Nala standing on the path on the earth, appearing just like Kāma himself in form and beauty. (03-51-26)
Seeing him shining like the sun, the guardians of the worlds stood, their thoughts overcome and astonished by his beauty. (03-51-27)
Then, having stationed their aerial chariots in the sky, the celestial beings descended from the heavens and spoke to Naiṣadha, O king. (03-51-28)
O Nishadha, king among kings, Nala, you who are steadfast in truth—please help us and be our messenger, O best of men. (3-51-29)
