03.052
Bṛhadaśva said.
Having promised to them, Nala said 'I will do,' O Bhārata. Then, standing with folded hands, he earnestly questioned them. (03-52-1)
Who indeed are you all? And who is that person for whom I am desired as a messenger? And what task is there for me? Tell me just as it is. (03-52-2)
After this was spoken by Naisadha, Maghavan replied, "Know us to be the immortals who have indeed come here for Damayantī's sake." (03-52-3)
O king, I am Indra; this is Agni, likewise this is the lord of waters. This is Yama, the destroyer of the bodies of men, as well.
So, you must announce us, who have arrived, to Damayantī. The guardians of the world with Indra are coming to you, desiring to see you. (03-52-5)
Śakra, Agni, Varuṇa, and Yama—the gods desire to obtain you. Of them, indeed, choose any one god as your husband. (03-52-6)
Thus addressed by Śakra, Nala, with joined palms, said: "Since we are united in one purpose, you ought not to send me." (03-52-7)
The gods said.
You had previously promised us that you would act, O Naiṣadha; why will you not do it? Go at once, O Naiṣadha, do not delay. (03-52-8)
Brihadasva said.
Thus addressed by those gods, the king of Niṣadha again said: "How am I able to enter the well-protected mansions?" (03-52-9)
Śakra again addressed him, saying, 'Will you enter?' Having replied, 'So be it,' he went to Damayantī's residence. (03-52-10)
He saw there the princess of Vidarbha, surrounded by her female companions, radiant in appearance and splendor, a woman of exquisite beauty. (03-52-11)
With exceedingly delicate limbs, a slender waist, and beautiful eyes, she seemed to outshine even the brightness of the moon with her own splendor. (03-52-12)
Just seeing her, his desire for the charming-smiling one increased; but wishing to uphold the truth, he restrained the longing in his heart. (03-52-13)
Then, having seen Nala, the Naiṣadha, those preeminent women, disturbed and overpowered by his brilliance, rose from their seats. (03-52-14)
The women, greatly pleased and filled with astonishment, praised Nala. However, they did not address him, but contemplated him in their minds. (03-52-15)
How beautiful, how radiant, how courageous is this great-souled one! Who is he? Will he be a god, a yakṣa, or a gandharva? (03-52-16)
But none of the noble, modest women could say anything to him; all were overpowered by his splendor. (03-52-17)
Then Damayantī, appearing as if she were smiling, with a gentle smile and astonished, spoke to the heroic Nala. (03-52-18)
Who are you, O flawless-limbed one, who increases the longing in my heart? You have arrived here like a hero among the gods. I wish to know you, sinless one. (03-52-19)
How did you come here and how is it that you were not noticed? My house is well protected, and the king is also very strict in his commands. (03-52-20)
Thus addressed by the daughter of Vidarbha, Nala replied to her, saying, "O auspicious lady, know me, Nala, as a divine messenger who has arrived here." (03-52-21)
The gods—Śakra, Agni, Varuṇa, and Yama—desire to obtain you; O beautiful one, choose any one of these gods as your husband. (03-52-22)
By their very power, I entered unnoticed; indeed, as I was entering, no one saw me nor did anyone restrain me. (03-52-23)
O auspicious lady, for this purpose I have been sent by the best of the gods. Having heard this, O fortunate one, make up your mind as you wish. (03-52-24)
