03.063
Bṛhadaśva said.
But having abandoned Damayantī, Nala the king, O lord of people, saw a great forest fire burning in the dense woods. (03-63-1)
There, in the midst of the fire, he heard the sound of some being, calling out loudly and repeatedly: "Run, Nala! O virtuous one!" (03-63-2)
After saying "Do not fear," Nala, having entered the middle fire, saw the king of serpents lying coiled. (03-63-3)
That serpent, trembling, with folded hands, then said to Nala: "Know me, O King, I am the serpent Karkotaka, O ruler." (03-63-4)
O ruler of men, I insulted the Brāhmaṇa sage, who was blameless and possessed of great penance. Because he was overcome by anger, I am cursed by him. (03-63-5)
Because of his curse, I am not able to move a single step from this position. I shall instruct you (about) what is good, as you deserve to protect me. (03-63-6)
I will become your friend, and there is no serpent equal to me. I will also become light for you; take me quickly and go. (03-63-7)
After saying this, the king of serpents became as small as a thumb. Taking him, Nala went to a place that was free from fire. (03-63-8)
Having reached the sky-region, once he was released from the black path and wished to let go, the serpent Karṭoṭaka spoke again. (03-63-9)
O Naiṣadha, count your steps and proceed a little further. There, O great king, I will grant you the greatest good, which is supreme. (03-63-10)
Then, when counting had begun, he bit the tenth (person) in his place. The form of the one who was bitten quickly disappeared. (03-63-11)
Upon seeing himself transformed, Nala stood astonished; and the king saw the serpent assuming his own form. (03-63-12)
Then Karkaṭaka the nāga soothed him and said, "Enough. I have hidden your form; people will not recognize you." (03-63-13)
O Nala, for whose sake you are afflicted by great sorrow, by my own poison, that sorrow will reside upon you. (03-63-14)
O great king, so long as his limbs, filled with poison, do not release you, that suffering will surely remain with you. (03-63-15)
O king, you, being unworthy, were affronted by one who was not guilty; having envied him out of anger, you have granted me protection. (03-63-16)
O king, by my favor, there will be no fear for you from fanged beings, from enemies, or even from knowers of Brahman. (03-63-17)
O king, there will not be pain for you arising from poison. And in battles, O chief of kings, you will always gain victory. (03-63-18)
Go, O king, with the charioteer Bāhuka who will claim, 'I am Bāhuka,' and speaking thus, proceed near Ṛtuparṇa, for he indeed knows the skill of dice. O lord of Niṣadha, go to the beautiful city of Ayodhyā today itself. (03-63-19)
He, the prosperous prince born in the Ikṣvāku dynasty, who gives you the heart of dice with a royal horse's spirit, will truly become your friend. (03-63-20)
You will become (prosperous); when you are wise, you will enjoy prosperity; then you will be reunited with your wives. Do not let your mind dwell in grief. Along with the kingdom and your two sons as well—this is truth, I tell you. (03-63-21)
O king, when you wish to see my true form, then you must remember me and cause this dwelling to abide. (03-63-22)
"Covered with this garment, you will regain your true form." Saying thus, he then gave him the divine pair of garments. (03-63-23)
Thus, having properly instructed Nala and given him garments, the king of the nāgas then disappeared right there, O Kaurava. (03-63-24)
