The story of Nala- Damayanti figures in the Hindu epic Mahabharata. Artists have captured the sequences in paintings and illustrations. This story never gets old and is timeless. Nala is the king of the kingdom of Nishada, an expert with horses and culinary matters. He gets married to Princess Damayanti of the kingdom of Vidarbha. She is very beautiful and was in love with Nala because she had heard about his virtues from a golden swan. The same golden swan had been caught by Nala who had released it on hearing about Damayanti‘s exceptional beauty and the swan having promised to convey to her Nala’s message of love. The swan was thus a messenger between them.
Nala,illustration, Mahabharata, early 20th century.
By Ramanarayanadatta astri (https://archive.org/details/mahabharata02ramauoft) [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons
Damayanti with swan,painting,1913.
By Mackenzie, Donald Alexander, 1873-1936; Goble, Warwick (http://archive.org/details/indianmythlegend01mack) [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons
A swayamvara, where the bride chooses her husband, was set up for the hand of Damayanti. The Gods Indra, Agni,Varuna and Yama too wanted her hand. Nala had met the Gods on his way way to the event and had been asked by the Gods to be their messenger. They wanted Damayanti to choose one of them. However in spite of wearing a robe which made him invisible to all except Damayanti, she recognised him and selected him as her husband.The Gods even disguised themselves as Nala, but she saw though them and chose Nala in the swayamvara ceremony. The Gods left blessing the couple.
Damayanti choosing a husband,illustration,1913.
By Internet Archive Book Images [No restrictions], via Wikimedia Commons
The demon Kali ( evil spirit of Kaliyuga) also wanted to marry Damayanti. But on hearing of her choice he vows to ruin Nala and decides to separate them and ensure that Nala leaves the path of dharma or righteousness. Damayanti and Nala are happily married and have two children. It takes Kali twelve years to trap Nala. Nala is fond of gambling and under the influence of evil plays a game of dice with his brother Pushkara. He ends up gambling away his kingdom and wealth. Nala-Damayanti have to go to the forest where they live in poverty for three years and even get separated ; Nala starts worrying for Damayanti, and abandons her to protect her from his bad fortune.
Nala leaving Damayanti,painting, 19th century.
Raja Ravi Varma [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons
Nala with Damayanti, depicted cutting of part of her garment,illustration,Mahabharata, early 20th century.
By Ramanarayanadatta astri (https://archive.org/details/mahabharata02ramauoft) [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons
Damayanti,painting,19th century.
Raja Ravi Varma [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons
On his way away from Damayanti, Nala saves a naga, Karkotaka from a fire; the naga bites him and the poison transforms him to a dwarf called Bahuka. The naga also gives him a magic incantation to get back his original form. Nala reaches Ayodhya after wandering around. He becomes a charioteer to King Rituparna.
Nala-Damayanti,illustration,Mahabharata,early 20th century.
By Ramanarayanadatta astri (http://archive.org/details/mahabharata02ramauoft) [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons
References :
- wikipedia.org
- Epics, myths and legends of India/Thomas, P, Bombay : D.B. Taraporevala and Sons.
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Soma Ghosh
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