03.055
Bṛhadaśva said.
But as the mighty guardians of the worlds, surrounded by the Naiṣadha and Bhīmī, were departing, they saw Dvāpara approaching together with Kali. (03-55-1)
Then Indra, the slayer of Balavṛtra, saw Kali and said, "With Dvāpara as your ally, O Kali, tell me where you will go." (03-55-2)
Then Kali said to Śakra: "I will go to Damayantī's svayaṃvara and choose her, for my mind is drawn to her." (03-55-3)
Indra, smiling, said to him: 'The svayamvara is over. Nala, the king, has been chosen by her as her husband from among us.' (03-55-4)
Kali, filled with anger, having thus been addressed by Śakra (Indra), addressed all the gods and then spoke these words. (03-55-5)
She, who among humans found a husband belonging to the gods, indeed, it is only just that she should receive a great punishment. (03-55-6)
After Kali had thus spoken, the dwellers in heaven replied: Nala was permitted by us, and was chosen by Damayantī. (03-55-7)
Who indeed, being endowed with all virtues, would not take refuge in King Nala—who knows all dharmas and is truly observant of vows? (03-55-8)
O tiger among men, in a king who is equal to the guardians of the world, those qualities—truth, steadfastness, generosity, austerity, purity, self-control, and tranquility—are firmly established. (03-55-9)
Whoever, being deluded, desires to curse Nala in this way for his conduct, should curse himself and even destroy himself. (03-55-10)
In such a difficult situation that one would sink into a vast, bottomless hell without a raft—having thus spoken about Kali, the gods and Dvāpara went back to heaven. (03-55-11)
Then, after the gods had departed, Kali said to Dvapara: "I am not able to destroy my anger toward Nala, O Dvapara; I will remain (with him), O Dvapara." (03-55-12)
I will make him lose his kingdom; he will not enjoy Damayanti's company. You too, by joining the dice game, should assist in this. (03-55-13)
