03.061
बृहदश्व उवाच॥
Bṛhadaśva said.
सा निहत्य मृगव्याधं प्रतस्थे कमलेक्षणा। वनं प्रतिभयं शून्यं झिल्लिकागणनादितम् ॥०३-६१-१॥
Having killed the hunter, the lotus-eyed lady went into the deserted and frightening forest, which echoed with the sounds of many crickets. (03-61-1)
सिंहव्याघ्रवराहर्क्षरुरुद्वीपिनिषेवितम्। नानापक्षिगणाकीर्णं म्लेच्छतस्करसेवितम् ॥०३-६१-२॥
It was inhabited by lions, tigers, boars, bears, antelopes, and panthers, filled with various groups of birds, and frequented by foreigners and thieves. (03-61-2)
शालवेणुधवाश्वत्थतिन्दुकेङ्गुदकिंशुकैः। अर्जुनारिष्टसञ्छन्नं चन्दनैश्च सशाल्मलैः ॥०३-६१-३॥
Covered with sal, bamboo, dhava, aśvattha, tinduka, Indian elm, and kiṁśuka trees, as well as arjuna and arista, with sandalwood and śālmalī trees. (03-61-3)
जम्ब्वाम्रलोध्रखदिरशाकवेत्रसमाकुलम्। काश्मर्यामलकप्लक्षकदम्बोदुम्बरावृतम् ॥०३-६१-४॥
The place was densely filled with jambu, mango, lodhra, khadira, shāka, and vetra trees, and covered with kāśmarī, āmalaka, plakṣa, kadamba, and udumbara trees. (03-61-4)
बदरीबिल्वसञ्छन्नं न्यग्रोधैश्च समाकुलम्। प्रियालतालखर्जूरहरीतकबिभीतकैः ॥०३-६१-५॥
(That forest was) covered with jujube and bael, crowded with banyans, and filled with chironji, palmyra palms, date palms, haritaki, and bibhītaka trees. (03-61-5)
नानाधातुशतैर्नद्धान्विविधानपि चाचलान्। निकुञ्जान्पक्षिसङ्घुष्टान्दरीश्चाद्भुतदर्शनाः ॥ नदीः सरांसि वापीश्च विविधांश्च मृगद्विजान् ॥०३-६१-६॥
Mountains adorned with hundreds of different minerals, various types of mountains, groves resounding with the calls of birds, and caves of wondrous appearance; rivers, lakes, tanks, as well as various kinds of animals and birds. (03-61-6)
सा बहून्भीमरूपांश्च पिशाचोरगराक्षसान्। पल्वलानि तडागानि गिरिकूटानि सर्वशः ॥ सरितः सागरांश्चैव ददर्शाद्भुतदर्शनान् ॥०३-६१-७॥
She saw many with terrifying forms—including goblins, serpents, rākṣasas; marshes, ponds, enormous mountain peaks everywhere; as well as rivers and oceans, all possessing a marvelous appearance. (03-61-7)
यूथशो ददृशे चात्र विदर्भाधिपनन्दिनी। महिषान्वराहान्गोमायूनृक्षवानरपन्नगान् ॥०३-६१-८॥
Here, the daughter of the king of Vidarbha saw, in groups, buffaloes, boars, jackals, bears, monkeys, and serpents. (03-61-8)
तेजसा यशसा स्थित्या श्रिया च परया युता। वैदर्भी विचरत्येका नलमन्वेषती तदा ॥०३-६१-९॥
Then, endowed with brilliance, fame, steadfastness, and supreme beauty, the princess of Vidarbha wandered alone in search of Nala. (03-61-9)
नाबिभ्यत्सा नृपसुता भैमी तत्राथ कस्यचित्। दारुणामटवीं प्राप्य भर्तृव्यसनकर्शिता ॥०३-६१-१०॥
The king's daughter, Bhaimī, even after reaching the terrible forest and being afflicted by her husband's misfortune, was not afraid of anyone there. (03-61-10)
विदर्भतनया राजन्विललाप सुदुःखिता। भर्तृशोकपरीताङ्गी शिलातलसमाश्रिता ॥०३-६१-११॥
O King, the daughter of Vidarbha, overwhelmed with grief for her husband, sat on the surface of a rock and lamented. (03-61-11)
दमयन्त्युवाच॥
Damayantī said.
सिंहोरस्क महाबाहो निषधानां जनाधिप। क्व नु राजन्गतोऽसीह त्यक्त्वा मां निर्जने वने ॥०३-६१-१२॥
O lion-chested, mighty-armed lord of the Niṣadhas, where indeed have you gone, O king, leaving me alone in this desolate forest? (03-61-12)
अश्वमेधादिभिर्वीर क्रतुभिः स्वाप्तदक्षिणैः। कथमिष्ट्वा नरव्याघ्र मयि मिथ्या प्रवर्तसे ॥०३-६१-१३॥
O hero, by performing horse sacrifices and other rites with rightfully earned fees, and after worshipping, O tiger among men, how is it that you behave falsely towards me? (03-61-13)
यत्त्वयोक्तं नरव्याघ्र मत्समक्षं महाद्युते। कर्तुमर्हसि कल्याण तदृतं पार्थिवर्षभ ॥०३-६१-१४॥
O tiger among men, what you have spoken in my presence, O illustrious and auspicious one, that indeed you ought to fulfill, O best of kings. (03-61-14)
यथोक्तं विहगैर्हंसैः समीपे तव भूमिप। मत्सकाशे च तैरुक्तं तदवेक्षितुमर्हसि ॥०३-६१-१५॥
O king, you ought to examine that which was said by the birds, the swans, near you and in my presence. (03-61-15)
चत्वार एकतो वेदाः साङ्गोपाङ्गाः सविस्तराः। स्वधीता मानवश्रेष्ठ सत्यमेकं किलैकतः ॥०३-६१-१६॥
O best among men, the four Vedas, with all their ancillary and subsidiary parts, though learned thoroughly and explained in detail on one side, on the other side, truth alone is indeed one. (03-61-16)
तस्मादर्हसि शत्रुघ्न सत्यं कर्तुं नरेश्वर। उक्तवानसि यद्वीर मत्सकाशे पुरा वचः ॥०३-६१-१७॥
Therefore, O Śatrughna, you ought to fulfill your promise, O lord of men, the word that you, O hero, formerly spoke in my presence. (03-61-17)
हा वीर ननु नामाहमिष्टा किल तवानघ। अस्यामटव्यां घोरायां किं मां न प्रतिभाषसे ॥०३-६१-१८॥
Alas, O hero, am I not indeed dear to you, O sinless one? In this terrible forest, why do you not speak to me? (3-61-18)
भर्त्सयत्येष मां रौद्रो व्यात्तास्यो दारुणाकृतिः। अरण्यराट्क्षुधाविष्टः किं मां न त्रातुमर्हसि ॥०३-६१-१९॥
This fierce one with an open mouth and terrible form, the lord of the forest overcome by hunger, rebukes me. Why do you not protect me? (03-61-19)
न मे त्वदन्या सुभगे प्रिया इत्यब्रवीस्तदा। तामृतां कुरु कल्याण पुरोक्तां भारतीं नृप ॥०३-६१-२०॥
He then said, "O fortunate one, no one is dear to me except you." O king, make that statement previously spoken, which is true, a reality.
उन्मत्तां विलपन्तीं मां भार्यामिष्टां नराधिप। ईप्सितामीप्सितो नाथ किं मां न प्रतिभाषसे ॥०३-६१-२१॥
O king, O lord, why do you not address me—me who am delirious, wailing, your dear wife, desired and beloved by you? (03-61-21)
कृशां दीनां विवर्णां च मलिनां वसुधाधिप। वस्त्रार्धप्रावृतामेकां विलपन्तीमनाथवत् ॥०३-६१-२२॥
O lord of the earth, thin, afflicted, discolored, and dirty, wearing only half a garment, alone, she was lamenting like one without a protector. (03-61-22)
यूथभ्रष्टामिवैकां मां हरिणीं पृथुलोचन। न मानयसि मानार्ह रुदतीमरिकर्शन ॥०३-६१-२३॥
O tormentor of enemies, you do not honor me, who is worthy of respect, as I weep alone like a doe separated from her herd, O wide-eyed one. (03-61-23)
महाराज महारण्ये मामिहैकाकिनीं सतीम्। आभाषमाणां स्वां पत्नीं किं मां न प्रतिभाषसे ॥०३-६१-२४॥
O great king, in this vast forest, your faithful wife—I am here alone, speaking to you, your own wife; why do you not answer me? (03-61-24)
कुलशीलोपसम्पन्नं चारुसर्वाङ्गशोभनम्। नाद्य त्वामनुपश्यामि गिरावस्मिन्नरोत्तम ॥ वने चास्मिन्महाघोरे सिंहव्याघ्रनिषेविते ॥०३-६१-२५॥
O best of men, today I do not see you, who are endowed with noble family and character and whose every limb is beautiful, on this mountain and in this very fearful forest frequented by lions and tigers. (03-61-25)
शयानमुपविष्टं वा स्थितं वा निषधाधिप। प्रस्थितं वा नरश्रेष्ठ मम शोकविवर्धन ॥०३-६१-२६॥
O ruler of Niṣadha, whether you lie down, sit, stand, or depart, O best of men, you are the cause of my ever-increasing sorrow. (03-61-26)
कं नु पृच्छामि दुःखार्ता त्वदर्थे शोककर्शिता। कच्चिद्दृष्टस्त्वयारण्ये सङ्गत्येह नलो नृपः ॥०३-६१-२७॥
Afflicted with sorrow for your sake and emaciated by grief, whom indeed can I ask? Have you perhaps seen King Nala here in the forest after meeting him? (03-61-27)
को नु मे कथयेदद्य वनेऽस्मिन्विष्ठितं नलम्। अभिरूपं महात्मानं परव्यूहविनाशनम् ॥०३-६१-२८॥
Who indeed will tell me today of Nala, who is residing in this forest—he who is handsome, great-souled, and a destroyer of enemy forces? (03-61-28)
यमन्वेषसि राजानं नलं पद्मनिभेक्षणम्। अयं स इति कस्याद्य श्रोष्यामि मधुरां गिरम् ॥०३-६१-२९॥
Today, whose sweet speech shall I hear, saying: "This is he, the king Nala with lotus-like eyes, whom you seek?" (03-61-29)
अरण्यराडयं श्रीमांश्चतुर्दंष्ट्रो महाहनुः। शार्दूलोऽभिमुखः प्रैति पृच्छाम्येनमशङ्किता ॥०३-६१-३०॥
This magnificent tiger, lord of the forest with four fangs and great jaws, is coming toward us; I will question him without fear. (03-61-30)
भवान्मृगाणामधिपस्त्वमस्मिन्कानने प्रभुः। विदर्भराजतनयां दमयन्तीति विद्धि माम् ॥०३-६१-३१॥
You are the lord and master of the deer in this forest. Know me as Damayantī, the daughter of the king of Vidarbha. (03-61-31)
निषधाधिपतेर्भार्यां नलस्यामित्रघातिनः। पतिमन्वेषतीमेकां कृपणां शोककर्शिताम् ॥ आश्वासय मृगेन्द्रेह यदि दृष्टस्त्वया नलः ॥०३-६१-३२॥
O lion, if you have seen Nala, the destroyer of enemies and lord of Niṣadha, then comfort his wife, who is alone, poor, emaciated by grief and seeking her husband, here. (03-61-32)
अथ वारण्यनृपते नलं यदि न शंससि। मामदस्व मृगश्रेष्ठ विशोकां कुरु दुःखिताम् ॥०३-६१-३३॥
Then, O king of the forest, if you do not tell me about Nala, devour me, O best of deer, and end the grief of one who is sorrowful. (03-61-33)
श्रुत्वारण्ये विलपितं ममैष मृगराट्स्वयम्। यात्येतां मृष्टसलिलामापगां सागरङ्गमाम् ॥०३-६१-३४॥
Hearing my lament in the forest, this king of deer himself is approaching this clear-watered river which flows into the ocean. (03-61-34)
इमं शिलोच्चयं पुण्यं शृङ्गैर्बहुभिरुच्छ्रितैः। विराजद्भिर्दिवस्पृग्भिर्नैकवर्णैर्मनोरमैः ॥०३-६१-३५॥
Behold this auspicious rocky mass adorned with many lofty peaks, shining, sky-touching, resplendent in many colors and charming. (03-61-35)
नानाधातुसमाकीर्णं विविधोपलभूषितम्। अस्यारण्यस्य महतः केतुभूतमिवोच्छ्रितम् ॥०३-६१-३६॥
Covered with various minerals and adorned with many kinds of stones, it rises like a banner of this great forest. (03-61-36)
सिंहशार्दूलमातङ्गवराहर्क्षमृगायुतम्। पतत्रिभिर्बहुविधैः समन्तादनुनादितम् ॥०३-६१-३७॥
Filled with lions, tigers, elephants, boars, bears, and deer, and resounding on all sides with the calls of many kinds of birds. (03-61-37)
किंशुकाशोकबकुलपुंनागैरुपशोभितम्। सरिद्भिः सविहङ्गाभिः शिखरैश्चोपशोभितम् ॥ गिरिराजमिमं तावत्पृच्छामि नृपतिं प्रति ॥०३-६१-३८॥
Adorned by kimśuka, aśoka, bakula, and puṃnāga trees, graced by rivers together with birds and by peaks, I now ask this mountain-king about the king. (03-61-38)
भगवन्नचलश्रेष्ठ दिव्यदर्शन विश्रुत। शरण्य बहुकल्याण नमस्तेऽस्तु महीधर ॥०३-६१-३९॥
O Lord, best among mountains, with a divine appearance and renowned, giver of refuge and abundant in auspiciousness—salutations to you, O mountain-holder. (03-61-39)
प्रणमे त्वाभिगम्याहं राजपुत्रीं निबोध माम्। राज्ञः स्नुषां राजभार्यां दमयन्तीति विश्रुताम् ॥०३-६१-४०॥
I bow to you after coming near; know me to be the princess, the king's daughter-in-law, the royal consort, who is renowned as Damayantī. (03-61-40)
राजा विदर्भाधिपतिः पिता मम महारथः। भीमो नाम क्षितिपतिश्चातुर्वर्ण्यस्य रक्षिता ॥०३-६१-४१॥
My father, the king, lord of Vidarbha, is a great warrior. Bhīma by name, lord of the earth, and also the protector of the four social classes. (03-61-41)
राजसूयाश्वमेधानां क्रतूनां दक्षिणावताम्। आहर्ता पार्थिवश्रेष्ठः पृथुचार्वञ्चितेक्षणः ॥०३-६१-४२॥
He, the best of kings, performer of rājasūya and aśvamedha sacrifices with lavish offerings, and one with wide, beautiful eyes. (03-61-42)
ब्रह्मण्यः साधुवृत्तश्च सत्यवागनसूयकः। शीलवान्सुसमाचारः पृथुश्रीर्धर्मविच्छुचिः ॥०३-६१-४३॥
He is devoted to Brahman, has virtuous conduct, speaks the truth, is not envious, is of good character, well-behaved, possesses great glory, knows dharma, and is pure. (03-61-43)
सम्यग्गोप्ता विदर्भाणां निर्जितारिगणः प्रभुः। तस्य मां विद्धि तनयां भगवंस्त्वामुपस्थिताम् ॥०३-६१-४४॥
"Know me as the daughter of the lord who is the true protector of the Vidarbhas, who has conquered groups of enemies, O revered one— I am present before you." (03-61-44)
निषधेषु महाशैल श्वशुरो मे नृपोत्तमः। सुगृहीतनामा विख्यातो वीरसेन इति स्म ह ॥०३-६१-४५॥
O great mountain, in the land of Niṣadha, my father-in-law, the illustrious king well-known as Vīrasena and named Sugṛhīta, was indeed the best among kings. (03-61-45)
तस्य राज्ञः सुतो वीरः श्रीमान्सत्यपराक्रमः। क्रमप्राप्तं पितुः स्वं यो राज्यं समनुशास्ति ह ॥०३-६१-४६॥
He, the king's son—heroic, illustrious and truly valiant—who indeed governs his own kingdom inherited in order from his father. (03-61-46)
नलो नामारिदमनः पुण्यश्लोक इति श्रुतः। ब्रह्मण्यो वेदविद्वाग्मी पुण्यकृत्सोमपोऽग्निचित् ॥०३-६१-४७॥
Nala, known as the subduer of enemies and famed for his virtues, is described as devoted to Brahmins, learned in the Vedas, eloquent, performer of virtuous deeds, one who offers Soma, and one who tends the sacred fire. (03-61-47)
यष्टा दाता च योद्धा च सम्यक्चैव प्रशासिता। तस्य मामचलश्रेष्ठ विद्धि भार्यामिहागताम् ॥०३-६१-४८॥
O best of mountains, know me who has come here as the wife of him, who is a sacrificer, a giver, a warrior, and indeed a proper ruler. (03-61-48)
त्यक्तश्रियं भर्तृहीनामनाथां व्यसनान्विताम्। अन्वेषमाणां भर्तारं तं वै नरवरोत्तमम् ॥०३-६१-४९॥
Deprived of splendour, bereft of her husband, unprotected, afflicted by suffering, she was searching for her husband—him, indeed, the best among men. (03-61-49)
खमुल्लिखद्भिरेतैर्हि त्वया शृङ्गशतैर्नृपः। कच्चिद्दृष्टोऽचलश्रेष्ठ वनेऽस्मिन्दारुणे नलः ॥०३-६१-५०॥
O best of mountains, have you by chance seen King Nala here in this terrible forest, among these creatures that scratch the sky with their hundreds of horns? (03-61-50)
गजेन्द्रविक्रमो धीमान्दीर्घबाहुरमर्षणः। विक्रान्तः सत्यवाग्धीरो भर्ता मम महायशाः ॥ निषधानामधिपतिः कच्चिद्दृष्टस्त्वया नलः ॥०३-६१-५१॥
Has Nala, the lord of the Niṣadhas, my husband who is as valorous as an elephant-king, intelligent, long-armed, unenduring of insult, valiant, truthful, steadfast, and highly renowned, been seen by you? (03-61-51)
किं मां विलपतीमेकां पर्वतश्रेष्ठ दुःखिताम्। गिरा नाश्वासयस्यद्य स्वां सुतामिव दुःखिताम् ॥०३-६१-५२॥
O best of mountains, why do you not comfort me, who am lamenting alone and distressed, with your words today, as you would your own unhappy daughter? (03-61-52)
वीर विक्रान्त धर्मज्ञ सत्यसन्ध महीपते। यद्यस्यस्मिन्वने राजन्दर्शयात्मानमात्मना ॥०३-६१-५३॥
O hero, brave and knowledgeable of dharma, steadfast in truth, lord of the earth! If you are in this forest, O king, reveal yourself by your own power. (03-61-53)
कदा नु स्निग्धगम्भीरां जीमूतस्वनसंनिभाम्। श्रोष्यामि नैषधस्याहं वाचं ताममृतोपमाम् ॥०३-६१-५४॥
When indeed will I hear the gentle and deep speech of Nala, resembling the sound of clouds, that (speech) which is like nectar? (03-61-54)
वैदर्भीत्येव कथितां शुभां राज्ञो महात्मनः। आम्नायसारिणीमृद्धां मम शोकनिबर्हिणीम् ॥०३-६१-५५॥
The prosperous, auspicious stream of tradition spoken by the noble lady of Vidarbha about the great-souled king, removes my sorrow. (03-61-55)
इति सा तं गिरिश्रेष्ठमुक्त्वा पार्थिवनन्दिनी। दमयन्ती ततो भूयो जगाम दिशमुत्तराम् ॥०३-६१-५६॥
Thus, having addressed the best of mountains, Damayantī, the king's daughter, again proceeded to the northern direction. (03-61-56)
सा गत्वा त्रीनहोरात्रान्ददर्श परमाङ्गना। तापसारण्यमतुलं दिव्यकाननदर्शनम् ॥०३-६१-५७॥
After traveling for three days and nights, the excellent lady saw the ascetics' forest, remarkable and with the appearance of a divine grove. (03-61-57)
वसिष्ठभृग्वत्रिसमैस्तापसैरुपशोभितम्। नियतैः संयताहारैर्दमशौचसमन्वितैः ॥०३-६१-५८॥
It was adorned by ascetics like Vasiṣṭha, Bhṛgu, and Atri—who were endowed with self-restraint, a controlled diet, discipline, and purity. (03-61-58)
अڀक्षैर्वायुभक्षैश्च पत्राहारैस्तथैव च। जितेन्द्रियैर्महाभागैः स्वर्गमार्गदिदृक्षुभिः ॥०३-६१-५९॥
Those who live on water, those who live on air, and those who subsist on leaves in the same way—greatly fortunate ones who have mastered their senses—desiring to see the path to heaven. (03-61-59)
वल्कलाजिनसंवीतैर्मुनिभिः संयतेन्द्रियैः। तापसाध्युषितं रम्यं ददर्शाश्रममण्डलम् ॥०३-६१-६०॥
He saw the beautiful hermitage circle, inhabited by ascetics and sages with controlled senses, who were clad in bark and deerskin. (03-61-60)
सा दृष्ट्वैवाश्रमपदं नानामृगनिषेवितम्। शाखामृगगणैश्चैव तापसैश्च समन्वितम् ॥०३-६१-६१॥
She, having just seen the hermitage, which was frequented by various animals and filled with troops of monkeys and ascetics, (stood there). (03-61-61)
सुभ्रूः सुकेशी सुश्रोणी सुकुचा सुद्विजानना। वर्चस्विनी सुप्रतिष्ठा स्वञ्चितोद्यतगामिनी ॥०३-६१-६२॥
She has beautiful eyebrows, lovely hair, shapely hips, beautiful breasts, splendid teeth, is radiant, firmly established, and moves with gracefully raised steps. (03-61-62)
सा विवेशाश्रमपदं वीरसेनसुतप्रिया। योषिद्रत्नं महाभागा दमयन्ती मनस्विनी ॥०३-६१-६३॥
She, Damayantī, the strong-minded, greatly fortunate jewel among women and beloved of the son of Vīrasena, entered the hermitage. (03-61-63)
साभिवाद्य तपोवृद्धान्विनयावनता स्थिता। स्वागतं त इति प्रोक्ता तैः सर्वैस्तापसैश्च सा ॥०३-६१-६४॥
She, having respectfully greeted the elders devoted to austerities and standing there humbly, was addressed by all the ascetics, "Welcome to you!" (03-61-64)
पूजां चास्या यथान्यायं कृत्वा तत्र तपोधनाः। आस्यतामित्यथोचुस्ते ब्रूहि किं करवामहे ॥०३-६१-६५॥
Having performed the worship of him as was proper, the ascetics there said, "Be seated"; then they said, "Tell us, what shall we do?" (03-61-65)
तानुवाच वरारोहा कच्चिद्भगवतामिह। तपस्यग्निषु धर्मेषु मृगपक्षिषु चानघाः ॥ कुशलं वो महाभागाः स्वधर्मचरणेषु च ॥०३-६१-६६॥
She (the noble lady) said: O most blessed ones, is everything well with you—here among the venerable sages, with the sacrificial fires, in your duties, among animals and birds, and in the observance of your own prescribed duties? (03-61-66)
तैरुक्ता कुशलं भद्रे सर्वत्रेति यशस्विनी। ब्रूहि सर्वानवद्याङ्गि का त्वं किं च चिकीर्षसि ॥०३-६१-६७॥
Addressed by them, the illustrious lady was asked: "Are you well everywhere, O auspicious one?" Speak to all, O faultless-limbed lady—who are you and what do you intend to do? (03-61-67)
दृष्ट्वैव ते परं रूपं द्युतिं च परमामिह। विस्मयो नः समुत्पन्नः समाश्वसिहि मा शुचः ॥०३-६१-६८॥
Just after seeing your supreme form and splendor here, we became astonished; take heart—do not grieve. (03-61-68)
अस्यारण्यस्य महती देवता वा महीभृतः। अस्या नु नद्याः कल्याणि वद सत्यमनिन्दिते ॥०३-६१-६९॥
O auspicious and blameless one, is there a great deity of this forest or the mountains? Or is it of this river? Tell the truth. (03-61-69)
साब्रवीत्तानृषीन्नाहमरण्यस्यास्य देवता। न चाप्यस्य गिरेर्विप्रा न नद्या देवताप्यहम् ॥०३-६१-७०॥
She said to those sages: "I am not the goddess of this forest, O brahmins, nor am I of this mountain, nor of the river." (03-61-70)
मानुषीं मां विजानीत यूयं सर्वे तपोधनाः। विस्तरेणाभिधास्यामि तन्मे शृणुत सर्वशः ॥०३-६१-७१॥
You ascetics, all of you, should know me as human. I shall tell you that in detail, so listen to me completely. (03-61-71)
विदर्भेषु महीपालो भीमो नाम महाद्युतिः। तस्य मां तनयां सर्वे जानीत द्विजसत्तमाः ॥०३-६१-७२॥
O best of the twice-born, know me to be the daughter of king Bhima of great splendor in Vidarbha. (03-61-72)
निषधाधिपतिर्धीमान्नलो नाम महायशाः। वीरः सङ्ग्रामजिद्विद्वान्मम भर्ता विशां पतिः ॥०३-६१-७३॥
My husband, Nala, the wise and learned lord of Niṣadha, famed as a hero and conqueror in battle, is the lord of peoples. (03-61-73)
देवताभ्यर्चनपरो द्विजातिजनवत्सलः। गोप्ता निषधवंशस्य महाभागो महाद्युतिः ॥०३-६१-७४॥
He was devoted to worshipping the gods, affectionate to Brāhmins, the protector of the Niṣadha dynasty, highly fortunate, and endowed with great splendor. (03-61-74)
सत्यवाग्धर्मवित्प्राज्ञः सत्यसन्धोऽरिमर्दनः। ब्रह्मण्यो दैवतपरः श्रीमान्परपुरञ्जयः ॥०३-६१-७५॥
He speaks the truth, knows dharma, is wise, remains steadfast in truth, destroys his enemies, is devoted to spiritual ideals and the gods, is prosperous, and conquers enemy cities. (03-61-75)
नलो नाम नृपश्रेष्ठो देवराजसमद्युतिः। मम भर्ता विशालाक्षः पूर्णेन्दुवदनोऽरिहा ॥०३-६१-७६॥
Nala is his name, the foremost among kings, who has a radiance like Indra; my husband, large-eyed, with a face like the full moon, destroyer of enemies. (03-61-76)
आहर्ता क्रतुमुख्यानां वेदवेदाङ्गपारगः। सपत्नानां मृधे हन्ता रविसोमसमप्रभः ॥०३-६१-७७॥
He is the performer of the principal sacrifices, the master of the Vedas and Vedāṅgas, the slayer of his enemies in battle, and is resplendent like the Sun and the Moon. (03-61-77)
स कैश्चिन्निकृतिप्रज्ञैरकल्याणैर्नराधमैः। आहूय पृथिवीपालः सत्यधर्मपरायणः ॥ देवने कुशलैर्जिह्मैर्जितो राज्यं वसूनि च ॥०३-६१-७८॥
He, the king dedicated to truth and righteousness, was summoned by certain malevolent, deceitful, and base men and, in a game played by cunning and treacherous people, lost his kingdom and treasures. (03-61-78)
तस्य मामवगच्छध्वं भार्यां राजर्षभस्य वै। दमयन्तीति विख्यातां भर्तृदर्शनलालसाम् ॥०३-६१-७९॥
Understand me to be the wife of that best of kings—well known as Damayanti—famous and longing to behold her husband. (03-61-79)
सा वनानि गिरींश्चैव सरांसि सरितस्तथा। पल्वलानि च रम्याणि तथारण्यानि सर्वशः ॥०३-६१-८०॥
She wandered through forests, mountains, lakes, rivers, and also ponds, as well as all beautiful and wild regions everywhere. (03-61-80)
अन्वेषमाणा भर्तारं नलं रणविशारदम्। महात्मानं कृतास्त्रं च विचरामीह दुःखिता ॥०३-६१-८१॥
I wander here, afflicted, searching for my husband Nala, who is skilled in battle, high-souled, and a master of weapons. (03-61-81)
कच्चिद्भगवतां पुण्यं तपोवनमिदं नृपः। भवेत्प्राप्तो नलो नाम निषधानां जनाधिपः ॥०३-६१-८२॥
Perhaps the king named Nala, lord of the Niṣadhas, has arrived at this sacred hermitage of the blessed. (03-61-82)
यत्कृतेऽहमिदं विप्राः प्रपन्ना भृशदारुणम्। वनं प्रतिभयं घोरं शार्दूलमृगसेवितम् ॥०३-६१-८३॥
O Brāhmaṇas, for whose sake I have come to this extremely dreadful and dangerous forest frequented by tigers and deer. (03-61-83)
यदि कैश्चिदहोरात्रैर्न द्रक्ष्यामि नलं नृपम्। आत्मानं श्रेयसा योक्ष्ये देहस्यास्य विमोचनात् ॥०३-६१-८४॥
If, within a few days and nights, I do not see King Nala, I shall seek a better state by ending this body. (03-61-84)
को नु मे जीवितेनार्थस्तमृते पुरुषर्षभम्। कथं भविष्याम्यद्याहं भर्तृशोकाभिपीडिता ॥०३-६१-८५॥
What purpose indeed does life have for me without the best of men? How shall I exist today, afflicted by the grief for my husband? (03-61-85)
एवं विलपतीमेकामरण्ये भीमनन्दिनीम्। दमयन्तीमथोचुस्ते तापसाः सत्यवादिनः ॥०३-६१-८६॥
While Damayanti, Bhima's daughter, was lamenting alone in the forest, the truth-speaking ascetics then addressed her. (03-61-86)
उदर्कस्तव कल्याणि कल्याणो भविता शुभे। वयं पश्याम तपसा क्षिप्रं द्रक्ष्यसि नैषधम् ॥०३-६१-८७॥
O auspicious one, your result will be auspicious, O blessed lady. We see that by your penance, you will soon see Nala. (03-61-87)
निषधानामधिपतिं नलं रिपुनिघातिनम्। भैमि धर्मभृतां श्रेष्ठं द्रक्ष्यसे विगतज्वरम् ॥०३-६१-८८॥
O daughter of Bhīma, you will see Nala, the lord of the Niṣadhas, the destroyer of enemies, and the best among the upholders of dharma, free from distress. (03-61-88)
विमुक्तं सर्वपापेभ्यः सर्वरत्नसमन्वितम्। तदेव नगरश्रेष्ठं प्रशासन्तमरिंदमम् ॥०३-६१-८९॥
That very foremost city, freed from all sins and endowed with all jewels, was ruled by the subduer of enemies. (03-61-89)
द्विषतां भयकर्तारं सुहृदां शोकनाशनम्। पतिं द्रक्ष्यसि कल्याणि कल्याणाभिजनं नृपम् ॥०३-६१-९०॥
O auspicious lady, you will see your husband, the king of noble birth, who is a cause of fear for his enemies and remover of sorrow for his friends. (03-61-90)
एवमुक्त्वा नलस्येष्टां महिषीं पार्थिवात्मजाम्। अन्तर्हितास्तापसास्ते साग्निहोत्राश्रमास्तदा ॥०३-६१-९१॥
After saying this to Nala’s beloved queen, the princess, those ascetics with their hermitages and sacred fires at that time disappeared from sight. (03-61-91)
सा दृष्ट्वा महदाश्चर्यं विस्मिता अभवत्तदा। दमयन्त्यनवद्याङ्गी वीरसेननृपस्नुषा ॥०३-६१-९२॥
Upon seeing the great wonder, Damayantī, the flawless-limbed daughter-in-law of King Vīrasena, was astonished.
किं नु स्वप्नो मया दृष्टः कोऽयं विधिरिहाभवत्। क्व नु ते तापसाः सर्वे क्व तदाश्रममण्डलम् ॥०३-६१-९३॥
Was it just a dream that I saw? What fate has occurred here? Where have all the ascetics gone? Where is that circle of hermitages? (03-61-93)
क्व सा पुण्यजला रम्या नानाद्विजनिषेविता। नदी ते च नगा हृद्याः फलपुष्पोपशोभिताः ॥०३-६१-९४॥
Where is that beautiful, sacred-watered river attended by many birds? And where are your lovely trees, pleasing and adorned with fruits and flowers? (03-61-94)
ध्यात्वा चिरं भीमसुता दमयन्ती शुचिस्मिता। भर्तृशोकपरा दीना विवर्णवदनाभवत् ॥०३-६१-९५॥
After meditating for a long time, Damayantī, the daughter of Bhīma, whose smile was pure, became pale-faced and miserable, overcome by grief for her husband. (03-61-95)
सा गत्वाथापरां भूमिं बाष्पसंदिग्धया गिरा। विललापाश्रुपूर्णाक्षी दृष्ट्वाशोकतरुं ततः ॥०३-६१-९६॥
Then, having gone to another spot, with voice choked with tears, she lamented, her eyes filled with tears, upon seeing the Aśoka tree. (03-61-96)
उपगम्य तरुश्रेष्ठमशोकं पुष्पितं तदा। पल्लवापीडितं हृद्यं विहङ्गैरनुनादितम् ॥०३-६१-९७॥
He approached the best of trees—the blossoming aśoka—at that time, which was pressed by fresh leaves, delightful, and filled with the sounds of birds. (03-61-97)
अहो बतायमगमः श्रीमानस्मिन्वनान्तरे। आपीडैर्बहुभिर्भाति श्रीमान्द्रमिडराडिव ॥०३-६१-९८॥
Ah, indeed, this splendid tree in the middle of the forest shines forth adorned with many crowns, splendid like the king of the Dravidians. (03-61-98)
विशोकां कुरु मां क्षिप्रमशोक प्रियदर्शन। वीतशोकभयाबाधं कच्चित्त्वं दृष्टवान्नृपम् ॥०३-६१-९९॥
"Make me free from sorrow quickly, O Aśoka, O beloved one with a pleasant face. Surely you have seen the king, who is free from sorrow, fear and affliction?" (03-61-99)
नलं नामारिदमनं दमयन्त्याः प्रियं पतिम्। निषधानामधिपतिं दृष्टवानसि मे प्रियम् ॥०३-६१-१००॥
You have seen Nala, called the subduer of enemies, the dear husband of Damayantī, the lord of the Niṣadhas, my beloved. (03-61-100)
एकवस्त्रार्धसंवीतं सुकुमारतनुत्वचम्। व्यसनेनार्दितं वीरमरण्यमिदमागतम् ॥०३-६१-१०१॥
Clad in a single garment, with his delicate skin half-covered, and suffering from hardship, this heroic one has arrived at the forest. (03-61-101)
यथा विशोका गच्छेयमशोकनग तत्कुरु। सत्यनामा भवाशोक मम शोकविनाशनात् ॥०३-६१-१०२॥
O Aśoka tree, so that I may go free from sorrow, do that. O Aśoka, be truly named, for you destroy my sorrow. (03-61-102)
एवं साशोकवृक्षं तमार्ता त्रिः परिगम्य ह। जगाम दारुणतरं देशं भैमी वराङ्गना ॥०३-६१-१०३॥
Thus, the noble lady, daughter of Bhīma, afflicted, after circumambulating the Ashoka tree three times, went to a more dreadful place. (03-61-103)
सा ददर्श नगान्नैकान्नैकाश्च सरितस्तथा। नैकांश्च पर्वतान्रम्यान्नैकांश्च मृगपक्षिणः ॥०३-६१-१०४॥
She saw many mountains, many rivers, many delightful hills, and many kinds of animals and birds. (03-61-104)
कन्दरांश्च नितम्बांश्च नदांश्चाद्भुतदर्शनान्। ददर्श सा भीमसुता पतिमन्वेषती तदा ॥०३-६१-१०५॥
Then, as she searched for her husband, the daughter of Bhīma saw caverns, mountain-slopes, and rivers of wondrous appearance. (03-61-105)
गत्वा प्रकृष्टमध्वानं दमयन्ती शुचिस्मिता। ददर्शाथ महासार्थं हस्त्यश्वरथसङ्कुलम् ॥०३-६१-१०६॥
After traveling along the excellent road, Damayanti, with her pure smile, then saw the great caravan filled with elephants, horses, and chariots. (03-61-106)
उत्तरन्तं नदीं रम्यां प्रसन्नसलिलां शुभाम्। सुशीततोयां विस्तीर्णां ह्रदिनीं वेतसैर्वृताम् ॥०३-६१-१०७॥
They crossed the charming, auspicious river with clear, very cool waters, broad and full of pools, surrounded by bamboos. (03-61-107)
प्रोद्घुष्टां क्रौञ्चकुररैश्चक्रवाकोपकूजिताम्। कूर्मग्राहझषाकीर्णां पुलिनद्वीपशोभिताम् ॥०३-६१-१०८॥
It was resounding with the calls of cranes and curlews, filled with the melodious sounds of cakravāka birds, scattered with turtles, crocodiles, and fishes, and beautified by sandy banks and islands. (03-61-108)
सा दृष्ट्वैव महासार्थं नलपत्नी यशस्विनी। उपसर्प्य वरारोहा जनमध्यं विवेश ह ॥०३-६१-१०९॥
Seeing the great caravan, the illustrious wife of Nala, of excellent form, approached and entered among the people. (03-61-109)
उन्मत्तरूपा शोकार्ता तथा वस्त्रार्धसंवृता। कृशा विवर्णा मलिना पांसुध्वस्तशिरोरुहा ॥०३-६१-११०॥
She looked like one insane, stricken by grief, with only half her garment covering her, emaciated, discolored, dirty, with her hair all disheveled and covered in dust. (03-61-110)
तां दृष्ट्वा तत्र मनुजाः केचिद्भीताः प्रदुद्रुवुः। केचिच्चिन्तापरास्तस्थुः केचित्तत्र विचुक्रुशुः ॥०३-६१-१११॥
Seeing her there, some of the humans, terrified, ran away; some, absorbed in worry, stood still; some cried out there. (03-61-111)
प्रहसन्ति स्म तां केचिदभ्यसूयन्त चापरे। चक्रुस्तस्यां दयां केचित्पप्रच्छुश्चापि भारत ॥०३-६१-११२॥
Some laughed at her, others criticized her; some felt compassion towards her, and some even questioned her, O Bhārata. (03-61-112)
कासि कस्यासि कल्याणि किं वा मृगयसे वने। त्वां दृष्ट्वा व्यथिताः स्मेह कच्चित्त्वमसि मानुषी ॥०३-६१-११३॥
Who are you, O auspicious lady, and whose are you? What are you searching for in the forest? Having seen you, we have become disturbed here; are you truly a human woman? (03-61-113)
वद सत्यं वनस्यास्य पर्वतस्याथ वा दिशः। देवता त्वं हि कल्याणि त्वां वयं शरणं गताः ॥०३-६१-११४॥
O auspicious goddess, speak the truth about this forest, this mountain, or the directions; for we have taken you as our refuge. (03-61-114)
यक्षी वा राक्षसी वा त्वमुताहोऽसि वराङ्गना। सर्वथा कुरु नः स्वस्ति रक्षस्वास्माननिन्दिते ॥०३-६१-११५॥
Whether you are a female yakṣa, a female demon, or a beautiful woman, in any case, do us good and protect us, O blameless one. (03-61-115)
यथायं सर्वथा सार्थः क्षेमी शीघ्रमितो व्रजेत्। तथा विधत्स्व कल्याणि त्वां वयं शरणं गताः ॥०३-६१-११६॥
Just as this caravan might quickly and safely leave from here in every way, so may you arrange it, O blessed one, for we have sought refuge with you. (03-61-116)
तथोक्ता तेन सार्थेन दमयन्ती नृपात्मजा। प्रत्युवाच ततः साध्वी भर्तृव्यसनदुःखिता ॥ सार्थवाहं च सार्थं च जना ये चात्र केचन ॥०३-६१-११७॥
Thus addressed by the caravan leader, Damayanti, the princess, who was suffering due to her husband's misfortune, then replied: 'The caravan leader, the caravan, and all the people who are here, whoever they may be.' (03-61-117)
यूनः स्थविरबालाश्च सार्थस्य च पुरोगमाः। मानुषीं मां विजानीत मनुजाधिपतेः सुताम् ॥ नृपस्नुषां राजभार्यां भर्तृदर्शनलालसाम् ॥०३-६१-११८॥
Young men, old men, children, and the leaders of the caravan, know me to be a human woman—the daughter of the king, his daughter-in-law, the queen, who longs to see her husband. (03-61-118)
विदर्भराण्मम पिता भर्ता राजा च नैषधः। नलो नाम महाभागस्तं मार्गाम्यपराजितम् ॥०३-६१-११९॥
My father, the king of the Vidarbhas, is also my husband, Nala, the most fortunate ruler of Niṣadha; I seek him, the unconquered one. (03-61-119)
यदि जानीत नृपतिं क्षिप्रं शंसत मे प्रियम्। नलं पार्थिवशार्दूलममित्रगणसूदनम् ॥०३-६१-१२०॥
If you know the king, then quickly tell me—my dear Nala, the tiger among kings, destroyer of hosts of enemies. (03-61-120)
तामुवाचानवद्याङ्गीं सार्थस्य महतः प्रभुः। सार्थवाहः शुचिर्नाम शृणु कल्याणि मद्वचः ॥०३-६१-१२१॥
The caravan-leader named Śuci, lord of the great caravan, said to her, who was flawless in form: "Listen, O auspicious one, to my words." (03-61-121)
अहं सार्थस्य नेता वै सार्थवाहः शुचिस्मिते। मनुष्यं नलनामानं न पश्यामि यशस्विनि ॥०३-६१-१२२॥
O pure-smiled and illustrious one, I am the leader of the caravan, the caravan master. I do not see any man named Nala. (03-61-122)
कुञ्जरद्वीपिमहिषशार्दूलर्क्षमृगानपि। पश्याम्यस्मिन्वने कष्टे अमनुष्यनिषेविते ॥ तथा नो यक्षराडद्य मणिभद्रः प्रसीदतु ॥०३-६१-१२३॥
I see elephants, tigers, buffalo, panthers, bears, and deer even in this arduous forest inhabited by non-humans. So today, may Maṇibhadra, lord of the Yakṣas, be gracious to us. (03-61-123)
साब्रवीद्वणिजः सर्वान्सार्थवाहं च तं ततः। क्व नु यास्यसि सार्थोऽयमेतदाख्यातुमर्हथ ॥०३-६१-१२४॥
Then the merchant spoke to all and to the caravan leader: "Where indeed will this caravan go? You ought to tell this." (3-61-124)
सार्थवाह उवाच॥
The caravan leader said;
सार्थोऽयं चेदिराजस्य सुबाहोः सत्यवादिनः। क्षिप्रं जनपदं गन्ता लाभाय मनुजात्मजे ॥०३-६१-१२५॥
O son of Manu, this is the caravan of the truthful Subāhu, king of the Cedis; it will soon proceed to the country for profit. (03-61-125)
