The tale of Nala and Damayanti(Nalopakayanam)

The tale of Nala and Damayanti is one of the most celebrated love stories in Indian mythology, filled with romance, loyalty, trials, and redemption. Nala, the king of Nishadha, and Damayanti, the beautiful princess of Vidarbha, shared a love that was pure and devoted. Despite facing numerous obstacles, including the wrath of the gods, betrayal, and separation, their love endured, symbolizing the power of faith, perseverance, and forgiveness.

The Meeting of Nala and Damayanti

Nala, the handsome and skilled king of Nishadha, was known for his generosity, strength, and expertise in horsemanship and dice. Meanwhile, Damayanti, the princess of Vidarbha, was famed for her beauty, grace, and intelligence. She was admired throughout the land and had many suitors, including gods who were captivated by her charm.

One day, Nala happened upon a golden swan. As he admired its beauty, the swan began to speak, praising the virtues of the princess Damayanti. Intrigued by her qualities, Nala expressed his admiration, and in return, the swan promised to help him win Damayanti’s heart. The swan flew to Vidarbha and spoke of Nala’s virtues to Damayanti, describing his strength, kindness, and beauty. Hearing these praises, Damayanti felt an instant connection to Nala and longed to meet him.

When Damayanti’s swayamvara (a ceremony where a princess chooses her husband from among assembled suitors) was announced, Nala eagerly made his way to Vidarbha to be present among her suitors.

The Gods’ Interest in Damayanti and Nala’s Love

News of Damayanti’s beauty had reached the heavens, and four gods—Indra (god of the sky), Agni (god of fire), Varuna (god of water), and Yama (god of death)—decided to attend the swayamvara to seek her hand in marriage. However, when they arrived in Vidarbha, they learned that Damayanti’s heart already belonged to Nala. The gods realized that their divine powers might be insufficient to win her love, given her devotion to Nala.

The gods approached Nala on his way to the swayamvara and revealed their desire to marry Damayanti. Knowing Nala’s reputation as a man of honor, they requested that he act as a messenger and convince Damayanti to choose one of them instead. Bound by dharma and duty, Nala agreed to convey their message, even though it pained him deeply.

When Nala met Damayanti, he conveyed the gods’ proposal, though his heart was heavy. Damayanti, however, remained steadfast in her love for Nala. She assured him that her choice was clear and that no one could change her mind. Grateful for Nala’s honesty and loyalty, she promised that she would choose him, even if he had to stand among the gods.

The Swayamvara and Damayanti’s Choice

At the swayamvara, Damayanti saw Nala standing among the four gods, but the gods, knowing her intentions, took on Nala’s form to confuse her. However, Damayanti’s devotion allowed her to see through the illusion. She noticed the subtle human traits in Nala—the faint shadows on his feet, the beads of sweat on his brow, and his blinking eyes—distinguishing him from the gods, who lacked such human imperfections.

Confident in her choice, Damayanti walked up to Nala, placed the garland around his neck, and declared him her husband. The gods, though disappointed, respected Damayanti’s choice and blessed the couple, acknowledging the depth of her love and devotion. Indra, Agni, Varuna, and Yama offered their blessings and promised Nala protection.

The Curse of Kali and Nala’s Downfall

Their happiness, however, attracted the jealousy of Kali, the spirit of discord and misfortune. Infuriated that Damayanti had chosen a mortal over him, Kali vowed to destroy Nala’s happiness. Over time, he waited patiently for an opportunity to enter Nala’s mind and sow discord.

One day, when Nala failed to perform his morning rituals properly, Kali saw his chance and entered his mind, influencing him with negative thoughts. Under Kali’s influence, Nala developed a sudden compulsion to play dice. His brother Pushkara, aware of his weakness, challenged him to a game of dice, and Nala, blinded by the influence of Kali, accepted.

In the ensuing game, Nala lost everything he owned, including his kingdom. Despite Damayanti’s pleas to stop, Nala continued to play, ultimately losing all his wealth and power to Pushkara. As a result, he and Damayanti were forced into exile, living as wanderers in the forest.

The Separation of Nala and Damayanti

In the forest, Nala became deeply troubled by the misfortune he had brought upon Damayanti. Guilt and shame weighed heavily on him, and under Kali’s influence, he believed that Damayanti would be better off without him. One night, while Damayanti slept, Nala left her alone in the forest, hoping she would find a better life without him.

Heartbroken and alone, Damayanti wandered through the forest, searching for Nala, while Nala continued his journey, encountering various hardships. He eventually came across a group of sages who freed him from Kali’s influence, realizing that his misfortune had been due to the spirit of discord. Freed from Kali’s control, Nala sought a way to reunite with Damayanti.

Nala’s Transformation and Damayanti’s Search

During his journey, Nala encountered a serpent king named Karkotaka, who was trapped in a fire. Nala rescued the serpent, who in turn offered to help him. Karkotaka bit Nala, transforming his appearance so that he could travel unrecognized and gain employment as a charioteer. This disguise allowed Nala to serve as King Rituparna’s charioteer, mastering the art of handling horses and waiting for an opportunity to reclaim his life.

Meanwhile, Damayanti returned to her father’s kingdom of Vidarbha, still hopeful of finding Nala. Determined to locate her husband, she devised a plan. She sent word throughout the kingdoms that she would hold a second swayamvara, inviting kings to gather with the hope that Nala would hear of it and come.

Nala’s Return and Reuniting with Damayanti

Hearing of the swayamvara, King Rituparna, Nala’s employer, decided to attend. Unaware that his charioteer was Nala, he asked him to drive his chariot to Vidarbha swiftly. Nala, whose skill in handling horses had only improved under Rituparna’s guidance, drove the chariot at incredible speed.

Upon arriving in Vidarbha, Damayanti recognized Nala’s unique skills as a charioteer and suspected he might be her husband in disguise. She devised a test to confirm his identity. Nala, overwhelmed by the memory of his love for Damayanti, finally revealed himself to her, shedding his disguise.

The couple, reunited at last, embraced each other, their love stronger than ever. The hardships they had endured only deepened their bond, and Damayanti forgave Nala for abandoning her, recognizing the suffering he had endured under Kali’s influence.

Regaining the Kingdom and the Curse’s End

With Damayanti’s support, Nala returned to Nishadha, where he challenged Pushkara once again to a game of dice. This time, free from Kali’s influence and armed with the lessons he had learned, Nala played skillfully, defeating Pushkara and reclaiming his kingdom. Pushkara, humbled and forgiven, was spared by Nala, who had learned the value of compassion and forgiveness through his own trials.