03.061
bṛhadaśva uvāca॥
Bṛhadaśva said.
sā nihatya mṛgavyādhaṃ pratasthē kamalēkṣaṇā। vanaṃ pratibhayaṃ śūnyaṃ jhillikāgaṇanāditam ॥03-61-1॥
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)
siṃha-vyāghra-varāha-ṛkṣa-ruru-dvīpi-niṣevitam। nānā-pakṣi-gaṇa-ākīrṇam mleccha-taskara-sevitam॥03-61-2॥
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)
śālaveṇudhavāśvatthatindukēṅgudakiṁśukaiḥ। arjunāriṣṭasañchannaṁ candanaiśca saśālmalaiḥ॥03-61-3॥
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)
jambvāmrālodhrakhadirashākavetrasamākulam। kāśmaryāmalakaplakṣakadambodumbarāvṛtam ॥03-61-4॥
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)
badarī-bilva-sañchannaṃ nyagrodhaiś ca samākulam। priyāla-tāla-kharjūra-harītaka-bibhītakaiḥ॥03-61-5॥
(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)
nānādhātuśatairnaddhān vividhān api cācalān। nikuñjān pakṣi-saṅghuṣṭān darīś ca adbhuta-darśanāḥ॥ nadīḥ sarāṃsi vāpīś ca vividhānś ca mṛga-dvijān॥03-61-6॥
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)
sā bahūn bhīmarūpāṁś ca piśācoragarākṣasān. palvalāni taḍāgāni girikūṭāni sarvaśaḥ ॥ saritaḥ sāgarāṁś caiva dadarśādbhutadarśanān ॥03-61-7॥
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)
yūthaśo dadṛśe cātra vidarbhādhipanandinī। mahiṣān varāhān gomāyūn ṛkṣa-vānara-pannagān॥03-61-8॥
Here, the daughter of the king of Vidarbha saw, in groups, buffaloes, boars, jackals, bears, monkeys, and serpents. (03-61-8)
tejasā yaśasā sthityā śriyā ca parayā yutā। vaidarbhī vicaratyekā nalam-anveṣatī tadā॥03-61-9॥
Then, endowed with brilliance, fame, steadfastness, and supreme beauty, the princess of Vidarbha wandered alone in search of Nala. (03-61-9)
nābhibhyatsā nṛpasutā bhaimī tatrātha kasyacit. dāruṇāmaṭavīṃ prāpya bhartṛvyasana-karśitā ॥03-61-10॥
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)
vidarbhatanayā rājan vilalāpa suduḥkhitā। bhartṛśokaparītāṅgī śilātalasamāśritā ॥03-61-11॥
O King, the daughter of Vidarbha, overwhelmed with grief for her husband, sat on the surface of a rock and lamented. (03-61-11)
damayanty-uvāca॥
Damayantī said.
siṃhoraska mahābāho niṣadhānāṃ janādhipa। kva nu rājan gato'sīha tyaktvā māṃ nirjane vane॥03-61-12॥
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)
aśvamedhādibhir vīra kratubhiḥ svāpta-dakṣiṇaiḥ। katham iṣṭvā naravyāghra mayi mithyā pravartase ॥03-61-13॥
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)
yat tvayoktaṃ naravyāghra matsamakṣaṃ mahādyute। kartum arhasi kalyāṇa tad ṛtaṃ pārthivarṣabha ॥03-61-14॥
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)
yathoktaṁ vihagair haṁsaiḥ samīpe tava bhūmipa। matsakāśe ca tair uktaṁ tad avekṣitum arhasi॥03-61-15॥
O king, you ought to examine that which was said by the birds, the swans, near you and in my presence. (03-61-15)
catvāra ekato vedāḥ sāṅgopāṅgāḥ savistarāḥ। svadhītā mānavaśreṣṭha satyamekaṃ kilaikataḥ॥03-61-16॥
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)
tasmād arhasi śatrughna satyaṃ kartuṃ nareśvara। uktavān asi yad vīra matsakāśe purā vacaḥ॥03-61-17॥
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)
hā vīra nanu nāmāham iṣṭā kila tavānagha। asyām aṭavyāṃ ghorāyāṃ kiṃ māṃ na pratibhāṣase॥03-61-18॥
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)
bhartsayatyeṣa māṃ raudro vyāttāsyo dāruṇākṛtiḥ। araṇyaraṭkṣudhāviṣṭaḥ kiṃ māṃ na trātumarhasi॥03-61-19॥
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)
na me tvadanyā subhage priyā ityabravīstadā। tāmṛtāṃ kuru kalyāṇa puroktāṃ bhāratīṃ nṛpa ॥03-61-20॥
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.
unmattāṃ vilapantīṃ māṃ bhāryāmiṣṭāṃ narādhipa। īpsitām īpsito nātha kiṃ māṃ na pratibhāṣase॥03-61-21॥
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)
kṛśāṃ dīnāṃ vivarṇāṃ ca malināṃ vasudhādhipa। vastrārdhaprāvṛtāmekāṃ vilapantīmanāthavat॥03-61-22॥
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)
yūthabhraṣṭām ivaikāṃ māṃ hariṇīṃ pṛthulocana। na mānayasi mānārha rudatīm arikarṣaṇa ॥03-61-23॥
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)
mahārāja mahāraṇye mām ihai-kākinīṁ satīm। ābhāṣamāṇāṁ svāṁ patnīṁ kiṁ māṁ na pratibhāṣase ॥03-61-24॥
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)
kulashīlopasampannaṃ cārusarvāṅgaśobhanam। nādya tvāmanupaśyāmi girāvasminnarottama॥ vane cāsminmahāghore siṃhavyāghraniṣevi te॥03-61-25॥
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)
śayānam upaviṣṭaṃ vā sthitaṃ vā niṣadhādhipa। prasthitaṃ vā naraśreṣṭha mama śoka-vivardhana ॥03-61-26॥
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)
kaṃ nu pṛcchāmi duḥkhārtā tvad-arthe śoka-karśitā। kaccid dṛṣṭas tvayā araṇye saṅgatya iha nalo nṛpaḥ॥03-61-27॥
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)
ko nu me kathayed adya vane 'smin viṣṭhitaṃ nalam। abhirūpaṃ mahātmānaṃ paravyūhavināśanam ॥03-61-28॥
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)
yamanveṣasi rājānaṃ nalaṃ padmanibhekṣaṇam। ayaṃ sa iti kasyādya śroṣyāmi madhurāṃ giram॥03-61-29॥
Today, whose sweet speech shall I hear, saying: "This is he, the king Nala with lotus-like eyes, whom you seek?" (03-61-29)
araṇyarāḍ ayaṃ śrīmāṃś caturdaṃṣṭro mahāhanuḥ। śārdūlo 'bhimukhaḥ praiti pṛcchāmy enam aśaṅkitā ॥03-61-30॥
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)
bhavān mṛgāṇām-adhipas tvam asmin kānane prabhuḥ। vidarbha-rāja-tanayāṃ damayantī iti viddhi mām ॥03-61-31॥
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)
niṣadhādhipaterbhāryāṁ nalasyāmitraghātinaḥ। patimanveṣatīmekāṁ kṛpaṇāṁ śokakarśitām॥ āśvāsaya mṛgendreha yadi dṛṣṭastvayā nalaḥ॥03-61-32॥
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)
atha vāraṇya-nṛpate nalaṁ yadi na śaṁsasi। mām adasva mṛga-śreṣṭha viśokāṁ kuru duḥkhitām॥03-61-33॥
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)
śrutvāraṇye vilapitaṃ mama eṣa mṛgarāṭ svayam। yāty etāṃ mṛṣṭa-salilām āpagāṃ sāgara-aṅgamām ॥03-61-34॥
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)
imaṁ śilocchayaṁ puṇyaṁ śṛṅgair bahubhir ucchritaiḥ। virājadbhir divaspṛgbhir naika-varṇair manoramaiḥ ॥03-61-35॥
Behold this auspicious rocky mass adorned with many lofty peaks, shining, sky-touching, resplendent in many colors and charming. (03-61-35)
nānā-dhātu-samākīrṇaṁ vividhopala-bhūṣitam। asyāraṇyasya mahataḥ ketu-bhūtam-iva-ucchritam ॥03-61-36॥
Covered with various minerals and adorned with many kinds of stones, it rises like a banner of this great forest. (03-61-36)
siṃha-śārdūla-mātaṅga-varāha-ṛkṣa-mṛga-ayutam। patatribhiḥ bahu-vidhaiḥ samantāt anunāditam ॥03-61-37॥
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)
kiṃśukāśokabakulapuṃnāgair upaśobhitam। saridbhiḥ savihaṅgābhiḥ śikharaiś copaśobhitam ॥ girirājam imaṃ tāvat pṛcchāmi nṛpatiṃ prati ॥03-61-38॥
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)
bhagavan-nacalaśreṣṭha divyadarśana viśruta। śaraṇya bahukalyāṇa namaste'stu mahīdhara ॥03-61-39॥
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)
praṇame tvābhigamyāhaṃ rājaputrīṃ nibodha mām। rājñaḥ snuṣāṃ rājabhāryāṃ damayantīti viśrutām॥03-61-40॥
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)
rājā vidarbhādhipatiḥ pitā mama mahārathaḥ। bhīmo nāma kṣitipatiś cāturvarṇyasya rakṣitā॥03-61-41॥
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)
rājasūyāśvamedhānāṃ kratūnāṃ dakṣiṇāvatām। āhartā pārthivaśreṣṭhaḥ pṛthucārvañcitekṣaṇaḥ ॥03-61-42॥
He, the best of kings, performer of rājasūya and aśvamedha sacrifices with lavish offerings, and one with wide, beautiful eyes. (03-61-42)
brahmaṇyaḥ sādhuvṛttaś ca satyavāg anasūyakaḥ। śīlavān susamācāraḥ pṛthuśrīr dharmavit śuciḥ ॥03-61-43॥
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)
samyaggoptā vidarbhāṇāṃ nirjitārigaṇaḥ prabhuḥ। tasya māṃ viddhi tanayāṃ bhagavaṃstvāmupasthitām ॥03-61-44॥
"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)
niṣadheṣu mahāśaila śvaśuro me nṛpottamaḥ। sugṛhītanāmā vikhyāto vīrasena iti sma ha ॥03-61-45॥
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)
tasya rājñaḥ suto vīraḥ śrīmān satyaparākramaḥ। kramaprāptaṃ pituḥ svaṃ yo rājyaṃ samanuśāsti ha ॥03-61-46॥
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)
nalo nāmāridamanaḥ puṇyaśloka iti śrutaḥ। brahmaṇyo vedavidvāgmī puṇyakṛtsomapoa'gnicit ॥03-61-47॥
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)
yaṣṭā dātā ca yoddhā ca samyakcaiva praśāsitā। tasya mām acalaśreṣṭha viddhi bhāryām ihāgatām॥03-61-48॥
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)
tyaktaśriyaṃ bhartṛhīnām anāthāṃ vyasanānvitām। anveṣamāṇāṃ bhartāraṃ taṃ vai naravarottamam ॥03-61-49॥
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)
khamullikhadbhiretair hi tvayā śṛṅgaśatair nṛpaḥ। kacciddṛṣṭo'calaśreṣṭha vane'smindāruṇe nalaḥ ॥03-61-50॥
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)
gajendravaikramo dhīmāndīrghabāhur amarṣaṇaḥ। vikrāntaḥ satyavāgdhīro bhartā mama mahāyaśāḥ॥ niṣadhānām-adhipatiḥ kaccid dṛṣṭas tvayā nalaḥ॥03-61-51॥
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)
kiṁ māṁ vilapatīm ekāṁ parvataśreṣṭha duḥkhitām। girā nāśvāsayasy adya svāṁ sutām iva duḥkhitām॥03-61-52॥
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)
vīra vikrānta dharmajña satyasaṅdha mahīpate। yady asmin vane rājan darśaya ātmānam ātmanā॥03-61-53॥
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)
kadā nu snigdhagambhīrāṃ jīmūtasvana-saṃnibhām। śroṣyāmi naiṣadhasya ahaṃ vācaṃ tām amṛtopamām॥03-61-54॥
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)
vaidarbhyety eva kathitāṁ śubhāṁ rājño mahātmanaḥ। āmnāyasāriṇīm ṛddhāṁ mama śoka-nibarhiṇīm॥03-61-55॥
The prosperous, auspicious stream of tradition spoken by the noble lady of Vidarbha about the great-souled king, removes my sorrow. (03-61-55)
iti sā taṃ giriśreṣṭham uktvā pārthivanandinī। damayantī tato bhūyo jagāma diśam uttarām ॥03-61-56॥
Thus, having addressed the best of mountains, Damayantī, the king's daughter, again proceeded to the northern direction. (03-61-56)
sā gatvā trīn ahorātrān dadarśa paramāṅganā। tāpasāraṇyam atulaṃ divya-kānana-darśanam ॥03-61-57॥
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)
vasiṣṭhabhṛgvatrisamaistāpasairupaśobhitam। niyataiḥ saṁyatāhārairdamaśaucasamanvitaiḥ ॥03-61-58॥
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)
abbhakṣair vāyu-bhakṣaiś ca patrāhārais tathā eva ca। jitendriyaiḥ mahābhāgaiḥ svarga-mārga-didṛkṣubhiḥ ॥03-61-59॥
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)
valkalājinasaṃvītair munibhiḥ saṃyatendriyaiḥ। tāpasādhyuṣitaṃ ramyaṃ dadarśāśramamaṇḍalam ॥03-61-60॥
He saw the beautiful hermitage circle, inhabited by ascetics and sages with controlled senses, who were clad in bark and deerskin. (03-61-60)
sā dṛṣṭvaiva āśrama-padaṃ nānā-mṛga-niṣevitam। śākhāmṛga-gaṇaiś caiva tāpasaiś ca samanvitam ॥03-61-61॥
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)
subhrūḥ sukeśī suśroṇī sukucā sudvijānanā। varcasvinī supratiṣṭhā svañcitodyatagāminī॥03-61-62॥
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)
sā viveśāśramapadaṃ vīrasenasutapriyā। yoṣidratnaṃ mahābhāgā damayantī manasvinī ॥03-61-63॥
She, Damayantī, the strong-minded, greatly fortunate jewel among women and beloved of the son of Vīrasena, entered the hermitage. (03-61-63)
sābhivādya tapovṛddhān vinayāvanatā sthitā। svāgataṃ te iti proktā taiḥ sarvaiḥ tāpasaiś ca sā ॥03-61-64॥
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)
pūjāṁ cāsya yathā-nyāyaṁ kṛtvā tatra tapo-dhanāḥ। āsyatām ity athọcus te brūhi kiṁ karavāmahe॥03-61-65॥
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)
tānuvāca varārohā kaccidbhagavatāmiha। tapasyagniṣu dharmeṣu mṛgapakṣiṣu cānaghāḥ॥ kuśalaṃ vo mahābhāgāḥ svadharmacaraṇeṣu ca॥03-61-66॥
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)
tairuktā kuśalaṃ bhadre sarvatreti yaśasvinī। brūhi sarvānavadyāṅgi kā tvaṃ kiṃ ca cikīrṣasi॥03-61-67॥
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)
dṛṣṭvaiva te paraṃ rūpaṃ dyutiṃ ca paramām iha. vismayo naḥ samutpannaḥ samāśvasihi mā śucaḥ ॥03-61-68॥
Just after seeing your supreme form and splendor here, we became astonished; take heart—do not grieve. (03-61-68)
asyāraṇyasya mahatī devatā vā mahībhṛtaḥ। asyā nu nadyāḥ kalyāṇi vada satyamanindite॥03-61-69॥
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)
sābravīttān ṛṣīn nāham araṇyasya asya devatā। na ca api asya gireḥ viprā na nadyā devatā api aham ॥03-61-70॥
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)
mānuṣīṃ māṃ vijānīta yūyaṃ sarve tapodhanāḥ। vistareṇābhidhāsyāmi tanme śṛṇuta sarvaśaḥ॥03-61-71॥
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)
vidarbheṣu mahīpālo bhīmo nāma mahādyutiḥ। tasya māṁ tanayāṁ sarve jānīta dvijasattamāḥ॥03-61-72॥
O best of the twice-born, know me to be the daughter of king Bhima of great splendor in Vidarbha. (03-61-72)
niṣadhādhipatirdhīmān nalo nāma mahāyaśāḥ। vīraḥ saṅgrāmajidvidvān mama bhartā viśāṃ patiḥ ॥03-61-73॥
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)
devatābhy arcanaparo dvijātijanavatsalaḥ। goptā niṣadhavaṃśasya mahābhāgo mahādyutiḥ ॥03-61-74॥
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)
satyavāg dharmavit prājñaḥ satyasandho'rimardanaḥ। brahmaṇyo daivataparaḥ śrīmān parapurañjayaḥ॥03-61-75॥
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)
nalo nāma nṛpaśreṣṭho devarājasamadyutiḥ। mama bhartā viśālākṣaḥ pūrṇenduvadanorihā ॥03-61-76॥
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)
āhartā kratumukhyānāṃ vedavedāṅgapāragḥ। sapatnānāṃ mṛdhe hantā ravisomasamaprabhaḥ ॥03-61-77॥
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)
sa kaiścin-nikṛti-prajñair-akalyāṇair-narādhamaiḥ। āhūya pṛthivīpālaḥ satyadharma-parāyaṇaḥ॥ devane kuśalaiḥ jihmaiḥ jito rājyaṃ vasūni ca॥03-61-78॥
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)
tasya māmavagacchadhvaṃ bhāryāṃ rājarṣabhasya vai। damayantīti vikhyātāṃ bhartṛdarśanalālasām ॥03-61-79॥
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)
sā vanāni girīṁś caiva sarāṁsi saritas tathā। palvalāni ca ramyāṇi tathāraṇyāni sarvaśaḥ॥03-61-80॥
She wandered through forests, mountains, lakes, rivers, and also ponds, as well as all beautiful and wild regions everywhere. (03-61-80)
anveṣamāṇā bhartāraṃ nalaṃ raṇaviśāradam। mahātmānaṃ kṛtāstraṃ ca vicarāmīha duḥkhitā ॥03-61-81॥
I wander here, afflicted, searching for my husband Nala, who is skilled in battle, high-souled, and a master of weapons. (03-61-81)
kaccid bhagavatāṁ puṇyaṁ tapovanam idaṁ nṛpaḥ। bhavet prāpto nalo nāma niṣadhānāṁ janādhipaḥ॥03-61-82॥
Perhaps the king named Nala, lord of the Niṣadhas, has arrived at this sacred hermitage of the blessed. (03-61-82)
yat-kṛte’ham idaṃ viprāḥ prapannā bhṛśa-dāruṇam। vanaṃ pratibhayam ghoraṃ śārdūla-mṛga-sevitam ॥03-61-83॥
O Brāhmaṇas, for whose sake I have come to this extremely dreadful and dangerous forest frequented by tigers and deer. (03-61-83)
yadi kaiścidahorātrair na drakṣyāmi nalaṃ nṛpam। ātmānaṃ śreyasā yokṣye dehasyasya vimocanāt ॥03-61-84॥
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)
ko nu me jīvitena-arthas-tam ṛte puruṣarṣabham। kathaṃ bhaviṣyāmy adyāhaṃ bhartṛśokābhipīḍitā॥03-61-85॥
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)
evaṁ vilapatīm ekām araṇye bhīma-nandinīm। damayantīm atha ūcuḥ te tāpasāḥ satya-vā-dinaḥ॥03-61-86॥
While Damayanti, Bhima's daughter, was lamenting alone in the forest, the truth-speaking ascetics then addressed her. (03-61-86)
udarkas tava kalyāṇi kalyāṇo bhavitā śubhe। vayaṃ paśyāma tapasā kṣipraṃ drakṣyasi naiṣadham ॥03-61-87॥
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)
niṣadhānām-adhipatiṃ nalaṃ ripu-nighātinam। bhaimi dharma-bhṛtāṃ śreṣṭhaṃ drakṣyase vigata-jvaram ॥03-61-88॥
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)
vimuktaṁ sarvapāpebhyaḥ sarvaratnasamanvitam। tadeva nagaraśreṣṭhaṁ praśāsantamariṁdamam ॥03-61-89॥
That very foremost city, freed from all sins and endowed with all jewels, was ruled by the subduer of enemies. (03-61-89)
dviṣatāṃ bhayakartāraṃ suhṛdāṃ śokanāśanam। patiṃ drakṣyasi kalyāṇi kalyāṇābhijanaṃ nṛpam॥03-61-90॥
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)
evam-uktvā nalasya iṣṭāṃ mahiṣīṃ pārthivātmajām। antarhitās tāpasās te sāgnihotra-aśramās tadā॥03-61-91॥
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)
sā dṛṣṭvā mahadāścaryaṃ vismitā abhavattadā। damayantyanavadyāṅgī vīrasenanṛpasnuṣā ॥03-61-92॥
Upon seeing the great wonder, Damayantī, the flawless-limbed daughter-in-law of King Vīrasena, was astonished.
kiṁ nu svapno mayā dṛṣṭaḥ ko'yaṁ vidhirihābhavat। kva nu te tāpasāḥ sarve kva tadāśramamaṇḍalam ॥03-61-93॥
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)
kva sā puṇyajalā ramyā nānā-dvija-niṣevitā। nadī te ca nagā hṛdyāḥ phala-puṣpa-upa-śobhitāḥ॥03-61-94॥
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)
dhyātvā ciraṃ bhīmasutā damayantī śucismitā। bhartṛśokaparā dīnā vivarṇavadanābhavat ॥03-61-95॥
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)
sā gatvāthāparāṁ bhūmiṁ bāṣpa-saṁdigdhayā girā। vilalāpāśru-pūrṇākṣī dṛṣṭvāśoka-taruṁ tataḥ॥03-61-96॥
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)
upagamya taruśreṣṭham aśokaṃ puṣpitaṃ tadā। pallavāpīḍitaṃ hṛdyaṃ vihaṅgair anunāditam ॥03-61-97॥
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)
aho batāyamagamaḥ śrīmānasminvanāntare। āpīḍairbahubhirbhāti śrīmāndramiḍarāḍiva ॥03-61-98॥
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)
viśokāṁ kuru māṁ kṣipramaśoka priyadarśana। vītaśokabhayābādhaṁ kaccittvaṁ dṛṣṭavān nṛpam ॥03-61-99॥
"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)
nalaṃ nāmāri-damanaṃ damayantyāḥ priyaṃ patim। niṣadhānām-adhipatiṃ dṛṣṭavān asi me priyam ॥03-61-100॥
You have seen Nala, called the subduer of enemies, the dear husband of Damayantī, the lord of the Niṣadhas, my beloved. (03-61-100)
ekavastrārdhasaṃvītaṃ sukumāratanutvacam। vyasanenārditaṃ vīramaraṇyamidamāgatam ॥03-61-101॥
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)
yathā viśokā gaccheyam aśokanaga tat kuru। satyanāmā bhava aśoka mama śoka-vināśanāt॥03-61-102॥
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)
evaṁ sāśokavṛkṣaṁ tamārtā triḥ parigamya ha। jagāma dāruṇataraṁ deśaṁ bhaimī varāṅganā ॥03-61-103॥
Thus, the noble lady, daughter of Bhīma, afflicted, after circumambulating the Ashoka tree three times, went to a more dreadful place. (03-61-103)
sā dadarśa nagān naikān naikāś ca saritas tathā। naikāṃś ca parvatān ramyān naikāṃś ca mṛgapakṣiṇaḥ॥03-61-104॥
She saw many mountains, many rivers, many delightful hills, and many kinds of animals and birds. (03-61-104)
kandarāṁś ca nitambāṁś ca nadāṁś cādbhutadarśanān। dadarśa sā bhīmasutā patimanveṣatī tadā ॥03-61-105॥
Then, as she searched for her husband, the daughter of Bhīma saw caverns, mountain-slopes, and rivers of wondrous appearance. (03-61-105)
gatvā prakṛṣṭamadhvānaṃ damayantī śucismitā। dadarśātha mahāsārthaṃ hastyaśvarathasaṅkulam ॥03-61-106॥
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)
uttarantaṃ nadīṃ ramyāṃ prasannasalilāṃ śubhām। suśītatoyāṃ vistīrṇāṃ hradinīṃ vetasairvṛtām॥03-61-107॥
They crossed the charming, auspicious river with clear, very cool waters, broad and full of pools, surrounded by bamboos. (03-61-107)
prodghuṣṭāṃ krauñcakuraraiś cakravākopakūjitām। kūrmagrāhajhaṣākīrṇāṃ pulinadvīpaśobhitām ॥03-61-108॥
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)
sā dṛṣṭvaiva mahāsārthaṃ nalapatnī yaśasvinī। upasarpya varārohā janamadhyaṃ viveśa ha ॥03-61-109॥
Seeing the great caravan, the illustrious wife of Nala, of excellent form, approached and entered among the people. (03-61-109)
unmattarūpā śokārtā tathā vastrārdhasaṁvṛtā। kṛśā vivarṇā malinā pāṁsudhvastashiroruhā ॥03-61-110॥
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)
tāṃ dṛṣṭvā tatra manujāḥ kecidbhītāḥ pradudruvuḥ। keciccintāparāstasthuḥ kecittatra vicukruśuḥ॥03-61-111॥
Seeing her there, some of the humans, terrified, ran away; some, absorbed in worry, stood still; some cried out there. (03-61-111)
prahasanti sma tāṁ kecid abhyasūyanta cāpare। cakrus tasyāṁ dayāṁ kecit papracchuś cāpi bhārata॥03-61-112॥
Some laughed at her, others criticized her; some felt compassion towards her, and some even questioned her, O Bhārata. (03-61-112)
kāsi kasyāsi kalyāṇi kiṁ vā mṛgayase vane. tvāṁ dṛṣṭvā vyathitāḥ smeha kaccittvamasi mānuṣī ॥03-61-113॥
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)
vada satyaṁ vanasyāsya parvatasya atha vā diśaḥ। devatā tvaṁ hi kalyāṇi tvāṁ vayaṁ śaraṇaṁ gatāḥ॥03-61-114॥
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)
yakṣī vā rākṣasī vā tvam utāho'si varāṅganā। sarvathā kuru naḥ svasti rakṣasv āsmān anindite ॥03-61-115॥
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)
yathāyaṃ sarvathā sārthaḥ kṣemī śīghramito vrajet। tathā vidhatsva kalyāṇi tvāṃ vayaṃ śaraṇaṃ gatāḥ॥03-61-116॥
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)
tathoktā tena sārthena damayantī nṛpātmajā। pratyuvāca tataḥ sādhvī bhartṛvyasanaduḥkhitā॥ sārthavāhaṃ ca sārthaṃ ca janā ye cātra kecana॥03-61-117॥
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)
yūnaḥ sthavira-bālāś ca sārthasya ca purogamāḥ। mānuṣīṃ māṃ vijānīta manujādhipateḥ sutām॥ nṛpasnuṣāṃ rājabhāryāṃ bhartṛdarśanalālasām॥03-61-118॥
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)
vidarbharāṇ mama pitā bhartā rājā ca naiṣadhaḥ। nalo nāma mahābhāgas taṃ mārgāmy aparājitam ॥03-61-119॥
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)
yadi jānīta nṛpatiṁ kṣipraṁ śaṁsata me priyam। nalaṁ pārthiva-śārdūlam amitra-gaṇa-sūdanam॥03-61-120॥
If you know the king, then quickly tell me—my dear Nala, the tiger among kings, destroyer of hosts of enemies. (03-61-120)
tām uvācānavadyāṅgīṃ sārthasya mahataḥ prabhuḥ। sārthavāhaḥ śucir nāma śṛṇu kalyāṇi mad-vacaḥ॥03-61-121॥
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)
ahaṃ sārthasya netā vai sārthavāhaḥ śucismite। manuṣyaṃ nalanāmānaṃ na paśyāmi yaśasvini ॥03-61-122॥
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)
kuñjaradvīpimahiṣaśārdūlarkṣamṛgān api। paśyāmy asmin vane kaṣṭe amanuṣyaniṣevite॥ tathā no yakṣarāḍ adya maṇibhadraḥ prasīdatū॥03-61-123॥
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)
sābravī́d vaṇijaḥ sarvān sārt havāhaṃ ca taṃ tataḥ। kva nu yāsyasi sārtho' y am etad ākhyātum arhatha ॥03-61-124॥
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)
sārthavāha uvāca॥
The caravan leader said;
sārtho'yaṁ cedirājasya subāhoḥ satyavādinaḥ। kṣipraṁ janapadaṁ gantā lābhāya manujātmaje ॥03-61-125॥
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)
