03.062
Bṛhadaśva said.
She, the flawless-limbed woman, having heard the caravan leader's words, then went together with him, longing to see her husband. (03-62-1)
Then, when many auspicious days had passed, in that great, terrible forest, there was a vast and entirely auspicious lake filled with fragrant lotuses. (03-62-2)
The merchants saw a beautiful place, rich with pasture and firewood, full of many roots and fruits, and teeming with various flocks of birds. (03-62-3)
Seeing that pure, pleasant, and delightful-water, those whose vehicles were very weary set their minds on encamping there. (3-62-4)
With the consent of the caravan leader, they entered the excellent forest. The great caravan halted upon reaching evening in the west. (03-62-5)
Then, at midnight, when it was silent and still, as the caravan slept, exhausted, a herd of elephants arrived at the mountain river, seeking water, its waters made turbid by the flowing rut of the elephants. (03-62-6)
Having blocked the path, (it) suddenly crushed the excellent merchant caravan of the lotus-lake while they were all sound asleep, and even those struggling on the ground.
Emitting cries of lamentation, caravan leaders and those seeking refuge ran toward the forest thickets, blinded by sleep and out of great fear. Some men were killed by teeth, others by hands, and some by feet. (03-62-8)
Then, that army, rich in cows, camels, and horses and crowded with foot soldiers, afflicted by fear, was fleeing and in their panic were striking each other. (03-62-9)
With dreadful cries, they fell upon the ground; some, after crashing into trees, shattered, fell upon uneven places; thus, all that prosperous caravan circle was completely destroyed. (03-62-10)
Then, O king, on the following day, when morning came, the surviving people came out of the forest thickets and, mourning the massacre that had taken place, lamented their brothers, fathers, sons, and friends. (03-62-11)
There, the princess of Vidarbha lamented: "What wrong have I done? Who else has come to me in this lonely forest— this great mass of people? This one has been killed by a troop of elephants, truly on account of my own misfortune." (03-62-12)
I certainly, without doubt, must endure long suffering; it is heard as the instruction of elders that one does not die before his destined time. (03-62-13)
Because I was today crushed and afflicted by an elephant herd, (it shows that) for men here there is indeed nothing that does not arise from fate. (3-62-14)
And not even in my childhood did I commit any wrong by action, mind, or speech, by which this suffering has come. (03-62-15)
I think the guardians of the world assembled for my svayaṃvara, but I rejected the deities there for the sake of Nala. Surely, by their power, I have now experienced this separation. (03-62-16)
Having thus lamented her various sufferings, the noble lady, accompanied by the surviving Brāhmaṇas versed in the Vedas, then departed, O tiger among kings, immersed in grief and sorrow. (03-62-17)
She, going for a long time, reached the great city of the king of Cedi, Subāhu, the speaker of truth, in the evening; clothed with half a garment, she entered the excellent city. (03-62-18)
The city-dwellers saw her—discolored, emaciated, distressed, with loosened hair, unclean, going as if mad. (03-62-19)
But when they saw her entering the city of the king of Cedi, the boys, the village children, followed her out of curiosity. (03-62-20)
She, surrounded by them, went near the royal palace. The queen mother, having entered the palace, saw her surrounded by people. (03-62-21)
She sent away the people, led him up to the highest palace terrace, and, astonished, O King, questioned Damayanti. (03-62-22)
Still, though stricken by sorrow, you possess a radiant appearance. You shine among the clouds like lightning. Tell me—who are you, and whose (daughter or wife) are you? (03-62-23)
Truly, your human form is not lacking in ornaments. You are without help from men and do not feel fear, O lord of immortals. (3-62-24)
Having heard her words, the daughter of Bhīma spoke: "Know me to be a human woman, devoted to my husband." (03-62-25)
A female attendant possessing nobility, to be enjoyed as a wife, living as she wishes, subsisting on fruits and roots, alone, taking shelter wherever evening falls. (03-62-26)
My husband, of innumerable virtues, always faithfully devoted to me; I, even to that heroic husband, am always inseparable, like a shadow. (03-62-27)
By fate, he became excessively involved in gambling. Defeated at dice, he indeed went alone to the forest. (03-62-28)
I, comforting my husband, who was a hero dressed in a single garment, distraught and distressed like one mad, followed him into the forest. (03-62-29)
He, the hero, once in the forest, for some other reason, though overcome by hunger and of steady mind, gave up even that one. (03-62-30)
Always, distressed and following him—who is naked, insane, having lost his senses and wearing only one garment—I never sleep at nights. (03-62-31)
Then, after many days had passed, he left me as I slept, at some point, having divided half of the garment, and abandoned me—though I was innocent. (03-62-32)
While searching for him, my husband, I am being consumed day and night, and I do not find my beloved, who is equal to the immortals, the lord of the treasure of my life. (03-62-33)
Seeing Draupadi, whose eyes were filled with tears and who was lamenting greatly, the queen mother, herself even more afflicted, spoke to her in her distress. (03-62-34)
O auspicious lady, dwell with me; my love abides in you. Men, O noble one, will search for your husband, who is mine. (03-62-35)
Or perhaps he might come here on his own, wandering about; by staying here itself, O gentle lady, you will find your husband. (03-62-36)
Having heard the queen mother's words, Damayanti said: "I will be able to stay with you in due time, O mother of heroes." (03-62-37)
I would never eat leftover food, nor perform feet-washing; nor would I ever converse with other men in any way. (03-62-38)
If anyone requests me, he, your man, should be punished; but for the sake of searching for my husband, I myself will see the Brahmins. (03-62-39)
If such is the duty here, then I shall undoubtedly reside. Otherwise, my residence finds no place in my heart anywhere. (03-62-40)
The queen-mother, her mind gladdened, said this: "By good fortune, I shall perform all this; such is your vow." (03-62-41)
O Bhārata, thus, after having spoken, the queen mother then said this to her daughter named Sunandā, O lord of the people. (03-62-42)
O Sunandā, recognize Sairandhrī, who is divine in form. Together with her, rejoice yourself, keeping your mind untroubled. (03-62-43)
