03.075
Damayantī said;
You should not, O auspicious one, suspect me of sin. I have indeed chosen you, O lord of Niṣadha, abandoning even the gods. (03-75-1)
But for the purpose of your approach, brāhmaṇas have gone from all sides, singing my verses in songs, into the ten directions. (03-75-2)
Then, O king, a learned brāhmaṇa named Parṇāda approached you in Kosalā, at the abode of Ṛtupārṇa. (03-75-3)
Since both the statement and the counter-statement were properly eliminated in this way, I have found this means for your Naiṣadha-mission. (03-75-4)
O lord of the earth, O lord of men, except for you, truly, no one else in the world is able to travel a hundred yojanas in a single day with horses. (03-75-5)
O king, thus I worship these two feet of yours, so that I may not do anything improperly, even in my mind. (03-75-6)
This being moves in this world as the witness of all creatures, ever moving. Let him take my life if I commit sin. (03-75-7)
Just as the sun always moves through the sky over the world, let him take my life if I commit any evil. (03-75-8)
The moon moves within all beings like a witness; may he release my life if I commit evil. (03-75-9)
These three gods indeed support the entire three worlds. Let them, if they are truthful, declare this as it is, or else let them abandon me. (03-75-10)
After these words were spoken, then Vāyu spoke from the sky: "This woman has not committed any sin, O Nala; I tell you the truth." (03-75-11)
O king, the treasure of virtue flourished, protected by Damayanti. We have been her witnesses and guardians for three years. (03-75-12)
This means has been undertaken for your sake and is unsurpassed by her; for truly, no other man here except you can go a hundred yojanas in a single day. (03-75-13)
O king, Bhaimī has been obtained by you, and you are (reunited) with Bhaimī. You should have no doubt here; unite with your wife. (03-75-14)
As he was speaking thus to Vāyu, a shower of flowers fell; the divine drums resounded, and an auspicious wind blew. (03-75-15)
O Bhārata, then Nala the king, subduer of foes, having seen that most wonderful thing, removed that doubt in Damayantī. (03-75-16)
Then the prince covered the lord of the earth with that cloth. Remembering the king of the nāgas, he then regained his own body. (03-75-17)
But having seen her husband in his original form, Bhīma’s daughter then embraced the illustrious and blameless one, and cried out loudly. (03-75-18)
Nala the king, shining as he once did, embraced Damayantī and also joyfully welcomed his two children as was proper. (03-75-19)
Then, the auspicious-faced woman, placing his face upon her own chest, overcome by that sorrow, with eyes full of sighs, sighed deeply. (03-75-20)
In the same way, with her body smeared with dirt, she embraced him, her face bearing a pure smile, and stood for a long time before the tiger among men, overwhelmed with tears. (03-75-21)
Then, O king, the mother of the princess of Vidarbha affectionately related to Bhīma everything as it had happened concerning Damayantī and Nala. (03-75-22)
Then the great king said, "Having purified myself, I will see Nala, who, together with Damayantī, has approached in the morning, having slept comfortably." (03-75-23)
Then, O king, those two joyfully spent the night together in the forest, recounting all the ancient stories they had experienced. (03-75-24)
Then, in the fourth year, he, having united with his wife, being well-fulfilled in all desires, obtained supreme joy. (03-75-25)
Damayantī too, having regained her husband, was greatly nourished, just as the earth with half-grown crops is, upon receiving water. (03-75-26)
Thus, having drawn near, with her fatigue gone, fever calmed, and exhilarated by joy, the daughter of Bhīma shone, her desires fulfilled, just like the night shines when the moon with cool rays rises. (03-75-27)
