03.066
Sudeva said.
The king of Vidarbha, the righteous Bhīma of great prowess, had a daughter, the auspicious Damayantī, who was well-known. (03-66-1)
But the king named Niṣadha, Nala, who is Vīrasena's son, has this auspicious wife, the wise and virtuous one. (03-66-2)
That king, whose kingdom was taken and who was defeated in the dice-game by his brother, having gone together with Damayantī, was never known (where he was). (03-66-3)
We are those who have been wandering this earth for Damayantī. This girl has been found in the house of your son. (03-66-4)
There is no human woman here comparable to her in form. And between her eyebrows, there is naturally an excellent mole. On the dark-complexioned one a lotus-like mark, I have observed, hidden, by me. (03-66-5)
Just as the Moon is covered by a slender cloud, her body is covered with dirt; this mark has been created by the Creator for the sake of distinction. (03-66-6)
When the moon is tainted by the impurity of the new moon, its crescent does not shine greatly; yet its form does not disappear, its body is still covered with impurity. Even uncleansed, it still appears manifest, shining like gold. (03-66-7)
O Lady, by this form and also by this fatness, I have noticed, indeed, that you are like fire covered by its own heat. (03-66-8)
Bṛhadaśva said.
O lord of the people, having heard the words of Sudeva, Sunanda cleansed the filth from the covering made of pippala leaves. (03-66-9)
His body, cleansed of dirt, appeared to Damayantī just like the moon in a cloudless sky. (03-66-10)
O Bhārata, seeing Piplū, Sunandā and the queen mother embraced her, and, weeping, stood for a moment. Then, having shed her tears, the queen mother slowly spoke these words. (03-66-11)
You are my daughter by (my) sister, as Pipluna has informed. Both I and your mother belong to the great-hearted kṣatriya line. O beautiful one, in the son of Sudāmā, the ruler of Daśārṇa. (03-66-12)
She was given by King Bhīma to Vīrabāhu. But as for you, I saw you again, born in your father's house in Daśārṇa. (03-66-13)
O beautiful one, just as your father's house is yours, so also is this (house). Just as Damayanti shares in my wealth, so too (is) your share.
O lord of the people, Damayantī, with a joyful mind, having saluted her mother's sister, spoke these words. (03-66-15)
Even without being recognized, I have been happy living here, always well-provided with all my desires and constantly protected by you. (03-66-16)
Certainly, a happier dwelling than before will be found, without any doubt. O mother, since I have been away for long, you ought to permit me. (03-66-17)
The two boys, indeed my sons, have been taken away; while living there, those two children, deprived of their father and afflicted by sorrow, how truly can I support those two? (03-66-18)
If you wish to do something pleasing for me here, order a vehicle for me quickly, for I wish to go to the Vidarbhas. (03-66-19)
The maternal aunt, O king, having gladly said just 'Certainly' to her, then kept her hidden by great force, with her son's consent. (03-66-20)
The queen mother, splendid, set forth in a palanquin borne by men, with food, drink and attendants, O best of the Bharatas. (03-66-21)
Then, without delay, the auspicious lady went to Vidarbha. All her relatives and family members joyfully welcomed and honored her. (03-66-22)
After seeing that all their relatives were safe, the two boys also saw their mother, father, and all their companions. (03-66-23)
The illustrious, auspicious Damayantī honored the gods and Brāhmaṇas by the supreme rite, O lord of the people. (03-66-24)
The king, upon seeing his daughter, was pleased and gratified Sudeva with a thousand cows, as well as a village and wealth. (03-66-25)
After spending the night there in her father's house, the radiant lady, having rested, spoke these words to her mother, O king. (03-66-26)
