03.065
Bṛhadaśva said.
After Nala, with his wife, had departed into servitude upon losing his kingdom, Bhima sent brahmins in search of Nala out of his longing to see him. (03-65-1)
Bhīma commanded them, and, having given them abundant wealth, said, "Go search for Nala and Damayantī, my daughter." (03-65-2)
After this task is accomplished and the lord of Niṣadha is identified, I will give a thousand cows to whoever brings the object. I will also give an agrahāra — a village equivalent to a city. (03-65-3)
Nor can Damayantī or even Nala be separated merely by wishing; as soon as it is discovered, I shall give a thousand cows as wealth. (03-65-4)
Thus addressed, the joyful Brāhmaṇas went in all directions, searching the cities and kingdoms for Nala, along with his wife. (03-65-5)
Then, Sudeva, the twice-born named, searching, saw the beautiful city of Cedi, where the princess of Vidarbha was standing in the king's palace together with Sunanda at the auspicious proclamation of the king. (03-65-6)
She, whose peerless form appeared dim, was enwrapped in a veil of smoke, like the radiance of fire (hidden within smoke). (03-65-7)
Having observed her—large-eyed, exceedingly dirty and emaciated—he reasoned, "She is the daughter of the earth," supporting this by logical reasons. (03-65-8)
Sudeva said.
Just as I saw this woman of such a form before, today I am fulfilled, having seen her, who is like Lakṣmī, the delight of the world. (03-65-9)
The goddess, full-moon-faced, dark-complexioned, and beautifully endowed, made all directions free from darkness by her radiance. (03-65-10)
With beautiful eyes like lotus-palāśa petals, like Rati the consort of Manmatha; beloved by all the world, like the radiance of the full moon. (03-65-11)
Just as a lotus stem, lifted out of the Vidarbha lake by misfortune and heavily smeared with mud and dirt, so too was she greatly affected. (03-65-12)
She was like the full-moon night whose moon is eclipsed by Rāhu, like a river with its stream dried up, overcome with grief for her husband and distressed. (03-65-13)
Like a disturbed lotus pond—its petals and lotuses torn, its birds scattered in fear, trampled by the elephant's trunk—distressed. (03-65-14)
A very delicate maiden, with gracefully formed limbs, suited to a palace adorned with jewels, was being scorched by the heat, like a lotus-stalk freshly plucked from water. (03-65-15)
Possessing the qualities of beauty and nobility, fit for ornamentation though unadorned, she was like a new crescent moon in the sky veiled by dark clouds. (03-65-16)
Deprived of sensual pleasures and beloved company, without the support of relatives, she maintained her body in misery, yearning for the sight of her husband. (03-65-17)
The husband is truly the greatest ornament of a woman; without him, however adorned with other ornaments, even a beautiful woman does not appear radiant. (03-65-18)
Nala, who has been deprived by her, accomplishes what is most difficult—he preserves his own life and does not succumb to sorrow. (03-65-19)
On seeing this woman, with dark hair at the end and eyes like lotus petals, who deserves happiness but is suffering, even my mind is distressed. (03-65-20)
When indeed will this virtuous lady reach the end of her suffering, as the virtuous Rohiṇī does upon reunion with her husband, the Moon? (03-65-21)
Surely, by regaining her, Niṣadha (Nala) will attain joy, just as a king who, having been deprived of his kingdom, rejoices upon recovering his land. (03-65-22)
She, who is endowed with similar character, age, and noble lineage, is worthy of the king of Nishadha; and he, in turn, is worthy of the dark-eyed princess of Vidarbha. (03-65-23)
It is proper for me, who belong to him of immeasurable might and strength, to comfort his wife, who is longing to see her husband. (03-65-24)
I am consoling her—she whose face resembles the full moon, who has never before been seen, who is stricken by sorrow and devoted to meditation. (03-65-25)
Bṛhadaśva said.
Thus, after considering her in various respects, Sudeva the Brāhmaṇa approached Bhīma's daughter and spoke. (03-65-26)
I am Sudeva of Vidarbha, your brother’s beloved friend. By the command of Bhīma, the king, I have come here to search for you. (03-65-27)
Your father is well, O queen, as are your mother and brothers. Your two sons residing there are also well and long-lived. But for your sake, your relatives remain as if bereft of spirit. (03-65-28)
O Yudhiṣṭhira, having recognized Sudeva, Damayantī then asked all her friends, one after another. (03-65-29)
O king, the princess of Vidarbha, emaciated by grief, wept bitterly when she suddenly saw Sudeva, the dear and best of the twice-born, cherished by her brother. (03-65-30)
Then, O Bharata, Sunanda, seeing her weeping and consumed by grief, with Sudeva, together in private, while she was also speaking, (acted thus). (03-65-31)
Sairandhri, weeping greatly, sent (word) to the mother. If you think the Brāhmaṇa will know her by meeting her. (03-65-32)
Then, the mother of the king of Cedi and the king, from the inner palace at that time, went to where that maiden was together with the brāhmaṇa. (03-65-33)
Then, after bringing Sudēva, the queen mother, O lord of men, asked: 'Whose wife is this radiant woman, or whose daughter is she?' (03-65-34)
O lovely-eyed one, how did you become lost from your relatives or your husband, and how did you come to be known by you, O Brahmin, in this way, O chaste woman? (03-65-35)
I desire to know all this completely from you. Truly, tell me everything, for I, appearing in a divine form, am asking. (03-65-36)
O king, when thus addressed by her, Sudeva, the foremost of Brāhmaṇas, comfortably seated, told Damayantī everything as it was. (03-65-37)
