Mahābhārata · Adhyāya 3.61
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3.61.1
सा निहत्य मृगव्याधं प्रतस्थे कमलेक्षणा ।
वनं प्रतिभयं शून्यं झिल्लिकागणनादितम् ॥ ३.६१.१ ॥
Having slain that hunter, the lotus-eyed woman set out into the forest, fearful and empty, resounding with the hosts of crickets.
3.61.2
सिंहद्वीपिरुरुव्याघ्रवराहर्क्षगणैर्युतम् ।
नानापक्षिगणाकीर्णां म्लेच्छतस्करसेवितम् ॥ ३.६१.२ ॥
Full of herds of lions, leopards, ruru deer, tigers, boars and bears, crowded with many flocks of birds, frequented by barbarians and thieves.
3.61.3
सालवेणुधवाश्वत्थतिन्दुकेङ्गुदिकिंशुकैः ।
अर्जुनारिष्टसंछन्नं स्यन्दनैश्च सशाल्मलैः ॥ ३.६१.३ ॥
Covered with sal, bamboo, dhava, ashvattha, tinduka, ingudi and kimshuka trees, overgrown with arjuna and arishta trees, and with syandana trees along with shalmali trees.
3.61.4
जम्ब्वाम्रलोध्रखदिरशाकवेत्रसमाकुलम् ।
पद्मकामलकप्लक्षकदम्बोदुम्बरावृतम् ॥ ३.६१.४ ॥
Crowded with jambu, mango, lodhra, khadira, teak and rattan trees, surrounded by padmaka, amalaka, plaksha, kadamba and udumbara trees.
3.61.5
बदरीबिल्वसंछन्नं न्यग्रोधैश्च समाकुलम् ।
प्रियालतालखर्जूरहरीतकिबिभीतकैः ॥ ३.६१.५ ॥
Covered with badari and bilva trees, crowded with banyan trees, and with priyala, palm, date palm, harītaki and bibhītaka trees.
3.61.6
नानाधातुशतैर्नद्धान्विविधानपि चाचलान् ।
निकुञ्जान्पक्षिसंघुष्टान्दरीश्चाद्भुतदर्शनाः ॥ ३.६१.६ ॥
Various mountains bound with hundreds of kinds of minerals, thickets resounding with birds, and caves wondrous to behold.
3.61.7
नदी सरांसि वापीश्च विविधांश्चरतो द्विजान् ।
सा बहून्भीमरूपांश्च पिशाचोरगराक्षसान् ॥ ३.६१.७ ॥
Seeing in rivers, lakes and ponds the various birds wandering about, she also saw many terrible-looking piśācas, serpents and rākṣasas.
3.61.8
पल्वलानि तटाकानि गिरिकूटानि सर्वशः ।
सरित्सरांसि च तदा ददर्शाद्भुतदर्शनाम् ॥ ३.६१.८ ॥
Small pools, reservoirs, mountain peaks, rivers and lakes—everywhere, she then saw those places of wondrous appearance.
3.61.9
यूथशो ददृशे चात्र विदर्भाधिपनन्दिनी ।
महिषान्वराहान्गोमायूनृक्षवानरपन्नगान् ॥ ३.६१.९ ॥
Here the daughter of the lord of Vidarbha saw herds of buffaloes, boars, jackals, bears, monkeys and serpents.
3.61.10
तेजसा यशसा लक्ष्म्या स्थित्या च परया युता ।
वैर्दभी विचचारैका नलमन्वेषती तदा ॥ ३.६१.१० ॥
Endowed with splendor, fame, beauty and supreme bearing, the princess of Vidarbha wandered alone, searching for Nala.
3.61.11
नाबिभ्यत्सा नृपसुता भैमी तत्राथ कस्यचित् ।
दारुणामटवीं प्राप्य भर्तृव्यसनकर्शिता ॥ ३.६१.११ ॥
The king's daughter Bhaimī feared nothing there; weakened by her husband's misfortune, she had reached a dreadful forest.
3.61.12
विदर्भतनया राजन्विललाप सुदुःखिता ।
भर्तृशोकपरीताङ्गी शिलातलमथाश्रिता ॥ ३.६१.१२ ॥
O king, the daughter of Vidarbha, deeply sorrowful, lamented; her body overcome by grief for her husband, she sat down on a rock surface.
3.61.13
सिह्योरस्क महाबाहो निषधानां जनाधिप ।
क्वनु राजन्गतोसि त्वं त्यक्त्वा मां विजने वने ॥ ३.६१.१३ ॥
O lion-chested, mighty-armed lord of the Niṣadhas, O king, where have you gone, having abandoned me in this solitary forest?
3.61.14
अश्वमेधादिभिर्वीर क्रतुभिश्चाप्तदक्षिणैः ।
कथमिष्ट्वा नरव्याघ्र मयि मिथ्या प्रवर्तसे ॥ ३.६१.१४ ॥
O hero, having performed the horse-sacrifice and other rites with abundant fees to the priests, how is it, O tiger among men, that you behave falsely toward me?
3.61.15
यत्त्वयोक्तं नरश्रेष्ठ मत्समक्षं महाद्युते ।
कर्तुमर्हसि कल्याण तदृतं पार्थिवर्षभ ॥ ३.६१.१५ ॥
O best of men, O greatly radiant one, you ought to do what you said in my presence, O auspicious one; let that be the truth, O bull among kings.
3.61.16
यच्चोक्तं विहगैर्हंसैः समीपे तव भूमिप ।
मत्सकाशे च तैरुक्तं तदवेक्षितुमर्हसि ॥ ३.६१.१६ ॥
O lord of the earth, what was said by the birds and swans near you, and what they said to me, you should consider.
3.61.17
चत्वार एकतो वेदाः साङ्गोपाङ्गाः सविस्तराः ।
स्वधीता मनुजव्याघ्र सत्यमेकं किलैकतः ॥ ३.६१.१७ ॥
On one side are the four Vedas, with their limbs and sub-limbs, elaborately and well studied, O tiger among men; on the other side, truth alone.
3.61.18
तस्मादर्हसि शत्रुघ्न सत्यं कर्तुं नरेश्वर ।
उक्तवानसि यद्वीर मत्सकाशे पुरा वचः ॥ ३.६१.१८ ॥
Therefore, O slayer of enemies, O lord of men, you ought to act in truth; O hero, fulfil the word you spoke formerly in my presence.
3.61.19
हा वीर ननुनामाहमिष्टा किल तवानघ ।
अस्यामटव्यां घोरायां किं मां न प्रतिभाषसे ॥ ३.६१.१९ ॥
Alas, hero! Faultless one, am I not your beloved? Why do you not answer me in this terrible forest?
3.61.20
भर्त्सयत्येष मां रौद्रो व्यात्तास्यो दारुणाकृतिः ।
अरण्यराट् क्षुधाविष्टः किं मां न त्रातुमर्हसि ॥ ३.६१.२० ॥
This fierce one, with gaping mouth and dreadful form, the king of the forest seized by hunger, threatens me. Why should you not protect me?
3.61.21
न मे त्वदन्या काचिद्धि प्रियाऽस्तीत्यब्रवीस्तदा ।
तामृतां कुरु कल्याण पुरोक्तां भारतीं नृप ॥ ३.६१.२१ ॥
You said then, 'No other is dear to me but you.' O auspicious one, O king, make true that word which you spoke before.
3.61.22
उन्मत्तां विलपन्तीं मां भार्यामिष्टां नराधिप ।
ईप्सितामीप्सितोसि त्वं किं मां न प्रतिभाषसे ॥ ३.६१.२२ ॥
O lord of men, I, your beloved wife, lamenting like one distraught, am desired by you, and you are desired by me. Why do you not answer me?
3.61.23
कृशां दीनां विवर्णां च मलिनां वसुधाधिप ।
वस्त्रार्धप्रावृतामेकां विलपन्तीमनाथवत् ॥ ३.६१.२३ ॥
O lord of the earth, me, emaciated, wretched, pale and soiled, clad in half a cloth, alone, lamenting like one without a protector…
3.61.24
यूथभ्रष्टामिवैकां मां हरिणीं पृथुलोचन ।
न मानयसि मामार्य रुदन्तीमरिकर्शन ॥ ३.६१.२४ ॥
Like a doe strayed from the herd, I am alone. O wide-eyed one, O noble one, you do not honor me as I weep, O tormentor of foes!
3.61.25
महाराज महारण्ये मामिहैकाकिनीं सतीम् ।
आभाषमाणां स्वां पत्नीं किं मां न प्रतिभाषसे ॥ ३.६१.२५ ॥
Great king, in this great forest I, your own wife, faithful, alone here, am speaking to you. Why do you not answer me?
3.61.26
कुलशीलोपसंपन्नां चारुसर्वाङ्गशोभनाम् ।
अनुव्रतां महाराज किं मां न प्रतिभाषसे ॥ ३.६१.२६ ॥
Great king, endowed with noble family and character, lovely in all my graceful limbs, devoted to you, why do you not answer me?
3.61.27
नाद्यत्वां प्रतिपश्यामि गिरावस्मिन्नरोत्तम ।
वने चास्मिन्महाधोरे सिंहव्याघ्रनिषेविते ॥ ३.६१.२७ ॥
Best of men, today I do not see you on this mountain, nor in this very dreadful forest frequented by lions and tigers.
3.61.28
शयानमुपविष्टं वा स्थितं वा निषधाधिप ।
प्रस्थितं वा नरश्रेष्ठ मम शोकनिबर्हण ॥ ३.६१.२८ ॥
Lord of the Niṣadhas, whether lying, sitting, standing, or departing — best of men, destroyer of my sorrow!
3.61.29
कं नु पृच्छामि दुःखार्ता त्वदर्थे शोककर्शिता ।
कच्चिद्दृष्टस्त्वयाऽरण्ये संगत्येति नलो नृपः ॥ ३.६१.२९ ॥
Afflicted with grief, wasted with sorrow for your sake, whom shall I ask? Have you seen King Nala in the forest, meeting him?
3.61.30
को नु मे कथयेदद्य वनेऽस्मिन्विष्ठितं नृपम् ।
अभिरूपं महात्मानं परव्यूहविनाशनम् ॥ ३.६१.३० ॥
Who will tell me today about that king dwelling in this forest, handsome, great-souled, destroyer of enemy formations?
3.61.31
यमन्वेपसि राजानं नलं पद्मनिभेक्षणम् ।
अयंस इति कस्याद्य श्रोष्यामि मधुरां गिरम् ॥ ३.६१.३१ ॥
Whose sweet words will I hear today saying 'here is he' — the king Nala, lotus-eyed, whom you seek, O bull?
3.61.32
अरण्यराडयं श्रीमांश्चतुर्दंष्ट्रो महाहनुः ।
शार्दूलोऽभिमुखोऽभ्येति पृच्छाम्येनमशङ्किता ॥ ३.६१.३२ ॥
This majestic king of the forest, four-tusked and great-jawed, the tiger, comes face to face with me; without fear I ask him.
3.61.33
भवान्मृगाणामधिपस्त्वमस्मिन्कानने प्रभुः ।
विदर्भराजतनयां दमयन्तीति विद्धि माम् ॥ ३.६१.३३ ॥
You are the lord and master of the beasts in this forest; know me as Damayantī, daughter of the king of Vidarbha.
3.61.34
निषधाधिपतेर्भार्यां नलस्यामित्रघातिनः ।
पतिमन्वेषतीमेकां कृपणां शोककर्शिताम् ॥ ३.६१.३४ ॥
I am the wife of Nala, lord of Niṣadha, slayer of foes, seeking my husband, alone, wretched, worn down by grief.
3.61.35
आश्वासय मृगेन्द्रेह यदि दृष्टस्त्वया नलः ।
सिंहस्कन्धो महाबाहुः पद्मपत्रनिभेक्षणः ॥ ३.६१.३५ ॥
O lord of beasts, if you have seen Nala here, console me — Nala with lion's shoulders, mighty-armed, lotus-petal-eyed.
3.61.36
अथवाऽरण्यनृपते नलं यदि न शंससि ।
मां खादय मृगश्रेष्ठ दुःखादस्माद्विमोचय ॥ ३.६१.३६ ॥
Or else, O king of the forest, if you do not tell of Nala, best of beasts, devour me and free me from this sorrow.
3.61.37
श्रुत्वाऽरण्ये विलपितं ममैष मृगराट् स्वयम् ।
यात्येष मृष्टसलिलामापगां सागरोपमाम् ॥ ३.६१.३७ ॥
Hearing my lament in the forest, this king of beasts himself is going toward a river of sweet waters, vast as the ocean.
3.61.38
इमं शिलोच्चयं पृच्छे शृङ्गैर्बहुभिरुच्छितैः ।
विराजितं दिवस्पृग्भिर्नैकवर्णैर्मनोरमैः ॥ ३.६१.३८ ॥
I ask this heap of rocks, radiant with its many lofty peaks touching the sky, lovely in their many colours.
3.61.39
नानाधातुसमाकीर्णं विविधोपलभूषितम् ।
आस्यारण्यस्य महतः केतुभूतमिवोच्छितम् ॥ ३.६१.३९ ॥
Filled with many kinds of ore and adorned with various stones, this mountain rises like a banner on the face of the great forest.
3.61.40
सिंहशार्दूलमातङ्गवराहर्क्षमृगायुतम् ।
पतत्रिभिर्बहुविधैः समन्तादनुनादितम् ॥ ३.६१.४० ॥
Teeming with lions, tigers, elephants, boars, bears and deer, resounding on every side with birds of many kinds.
3.61.41
किंशुकाशोकबकुलपुन्नागैरुपशोभितम् ।
कर्णिकारधवप्लक्षैः सुपुष्पैरुपशोभितम् ॥ ३.६१.४१ ॥
Adorned with kiṃśuka, aśoka, bakula and punnāga trees, and graced with the fine flowers of karṇikāra, dhava and plakṣa.
3.61.42
सरिद्भिः सविहङ्गाभिः शिखरैश्च समाकुलम् ।
पृथिव्या रुचिराकारं चूडामणिमिव स्थितम्।
निरिराजमिमं तावत्पृच्छामि नृपतिं प्रति ॥ ३.६१.४२ ॥
To this king of mountains, full of rivers, birds and peaks, lovely in form, standing like the crest-jewel of the earth — O king, I now ask.
3.61.43
भगवन्नचलश्रेष्ठ दिव्यद्रशन विश्रुत ।
शरण्य बहुकल्याण नमस्तेऽस्तु महीधर ॥ ३.६१.४३ ॥
O revered one, best of immovable mountains, of divine appearance, renowned, refuge-giving, abounding in blessings, bearer of the earth: salutation to you.
3.61.44
प्रणमे त्वाऽभिगम्याहं राजपुत्रीं निबोध माम् ।
राजस्नुषां राजभार्यां दमयन्तीति विश्रुताम् ॥ ३.६१.४४ ॥
Having come near you, I bow. Know me as the king's daughter, the king's daughter-in-law and queen, renowned as Damayantī.
3.61.45
राजा विदर्भाधिपतिः पिता मम महारथः ।
भीमो नाम क्षितिपतिश्चातुर्वर्ण्यस्य रक्षिता ॥ ३.६१.४५ ॥
The king, lord of Vidarbha, my father, the great charioteer named Bhīma, lord of the earth, protector of the four varṇas.
3.61.46
राजसूयाश्वमेधानां क्रतूनां दक्षिणावताम् ।
आहर्ता पार्थिवश्रेष्ठः पृथुचार्वञ्चितेक्षणः ॥ ३.६१.४६ ॥
The best of kings, who performed the Rājasūya and Aśvamedha sacrifices rich in gifts, with broad, lovely, long eyes.
3.61.47
ब्रह्मण्यः साधुवृत्तश्च सत्यवागनसूयकः ।
शीलवान्वीर्यसंपन्नः पृथुश्रीर्धर्मविच्छुचिः ॥ ३.६१.४७ ॥
Devoted to Brahmins, of good conduct, truthful, free from envy, of good character, endowed with valour, of great glory, knower of dharma, and pure.
3.61.48
सम्यग्गोप्ता विदर्भाणां निर्जितारिगणः प्रभुः ।
तस्य मां विद्धि तनयां भगवंस्त्वामुपस्थिताम् ॥ ३.६१.४८ ॥
The lord who rightly protects the Vidarbhas and has conquered the hosts of his enemies: know me as his daughter, O revered one, who have come before you.
3.61.49
निषधेषु महाराजः श्वशुरो मे नरोत्तमः ।
गृहीतनामा विख्यातो वीरसेन इति स्म ह ॥ ३.६१.४९ ॥
In the land of the Niṣadhas, the great king, my father-in-law, the best of men, was known by the name Vīrasena and was renowned.
3.61.50
तस्य राज्ञः सुतो वीरः श्रीमान्सत्यपराक्रमः ।
क्रमप्राप्तं पितुः स्वं यो राज्यं समनुशास्ति ह ॥ ३.६१.५० ॥
His son, the heroic, glorious one of true valour, governs the kingdom that came to him in due order from his father.
3.61.51
नलो नामारिहा श्यामः पुण्यल्को इति श्रुतः ।
ब्रह्मण्यो वेदविद्वाग्मी पुण्यकृत्सोमपोऽग्निचित् ॥ ३.६१.५१ ॥
Known as Nala, slayer of foes, dark-complexioned, of holy renown: devoted to Brahmins, knower of the Vedas, eloquent, doer of meritorious deeds, drinker of soma, and builder of fire altars.
3.61.52
यष्टा दाता च योद्धा च सम्यक्चैव प्रशासिता ।
तस्य मामचलश्रेष्ठ विद्धि भार्यामिहागताम् ॥ ३.६१.५२ ॥
He is a sacrificer, giver, warrior, and a ruler in every good way. O best of mountains, know me, who have come here, to be his wife.
3.61.53
त्यक्तश्रियं भर्तृहीनामनाथां व्यसनान्विताम् ।
अन्वेषमाणां भर्तारं नलं नरवरोत्तमम् ॥ ३.६१.५३ ॥
Forsaken of fortune, bereft of husband, without protector, afflicted with misfortune, I am seeking my husband Nala, the best of the best of men.
3.61.54
खमुल्लिखद्भिरेतैर्हि त्वया शृङ्गशतैर्नृपः ।
कच्चिद्दृष्टोऽचलश्रेष्ठ वनेऽस्मिन्दारुणे नलः ॥ ३.६१.५४ ॥
O best of mountains, you who scrape the sky with these hundreds of peaks, have you perhaps seen King Nala in this dreadful forest?
3.61.55
विक्रान्तः सत्त्ववान्वीरो भर्ता मम महायशाः ।
निषधानामधिपतिः कच्चिद्दृष्टस्त्वया नलः ॥ ३.६१.५५ ॥
My valiant, strong and heroic husband, the glorious lord of the Niṣadhas, Nala — have you seen him?
3.61.56
कं मीं विलपतीमेकां पर्वतश्रेष्ठ विह्वलाम् ।
गिरा नाश्वासयस्यद्यस्वां सुतामिव दुखितां ॥ ३.६१.५६ ॥
O best of mountains, why do you not today console me with words, alone and lamenting, distraught as I am, as if I were your own grieving daughter?
3.61.57
वीर विक्रान्त धर्मज्ञ सत्यसंध महीपते ।
यद्यस्यस्मिन्वने राजन्दर्शयात्मानमात्मना ॥ ३.६१.५७ ॥
O hero, valiant one, knower of dharma, true to your vows, lord of the earth! If you are in this forest, O king, reveal yourself by yourself.
3.61.58
कदा सुस्निग्गम्भीरां जीमूतस्वनसन्निभाम् ।
श्रोष्यामि नैषधस्याहं वाचं ताममृतोपमाम् ॥ ३.६१.५८ ॥
When shall I hear that very soft and deep voice of Nala the Niṣadha, like the thunder of a cloud, like nectar?
3.61.59
वैदर्भ्येहीति विस्पष्टां शुभां राज्ञो महात्मनः ।
आत्माभिधायिनीमृद्धां मम शोकविनाशिनीं ॥ ३.६१.५९ ॥
'Come, Vaidarbhī' — that clear, auspicious voice of the great-souled king, declaring himself, full and rich, destroying my sorrow.
3.61.60
इतिसा तं गिरिश्रेष्ठमुक्त्वा पार्थिवनन्दिनी ।
दमयन्ती ततो भूयो जगाम दिशमुत्तराम् ॥ ३.६१.६० ॥
Having spoken thus to that best of mountains, the king's daughter Damayantī then went again toward the northern direction.
3.61.61
सा गत्वा त्रीनहोरात्रान्ददर्श परमाङ्गना ।
तापसारण्यमतुलं दिव्यकाननशोभितम् ॥ ३.६१.६१ ॥
Having gone for three days and nights, that supremely graceful woman saw the incomparable forest of ascetics, adorned with divine groves.
3.61.62
वसिष्ठभृग्वत्रिसमैस्तापसैरुपशोभितम् ।
नियतैः संयताहारैर्दमशौचसमन्वितैः ॥ ३.६१.६२ ॥
Adorned with ascetics equal to Vasiṣṭha, Bhṛgu and Atri, self-restrained, of controlled diet, endowed with self-mastery and purity.
3.61.63
अब्भक्षैर्वायुभक्षैश्च पत्राहारैस्तथैव च ।
जितेन्द्रियैर्महाभागैः स्वर्गमार्गदिदृक्षुभिः ॥ ३.६१.६३ ॥
By those who drink only water, who live on air, and who eat only leaves; by those with senses conquered, greatly fortunate, desiring to behold the path to heaven.
3.61.64
वल्कलाजिनसंवीतैर्मुनिभिः संयतेन्द्रियैः ।
तापसाध्युषितं रम्यं ददर्शाश्रममण्डलम् ॥ ३.६१.६४ ॥
She saw the delightful circle of hermitages, inhabited by ascetics clad in bark and deerskin, sages with restrained senses.
3.61.65
नानामृगगणैर्जुष्टं शाखामृगगणायुतम् ।
तापसैः समुपेतं च सा दृष्ट्वैव समाश्वसत् ॥ ३.६१.६५ ॥
Filled with many herds of deer and troops of monkeys, frequented by ascetics — at the mere sight of it she took comfort.
3.61.66
सुभ्रूः सुकेशी सुश्रोणी सुकुचा सुद्विजानना ।
वर्चस्विनी सुप्रतिष्ठा स्वसितायतलोचना ॥ ३.६१.६६ ॥
Fair-browed, fair-haired, fair-hipped, fair-breasted, with fair teeth and face, radiant, of steady bearing, with white and long-spreading eyes.
3.61.67
सा विवेशाश्रमपदं वीरसेनसुतप्रिया ।
योषिद्रत्नं महाभागा दमयन्ती तपस्विनी ॥ ३.६१.६७ ॥
She, beloved of the son of Vīrasena, the jewel among women, greatly blessed Damayantī, entered the precinct of the hermitage as an ascetic.
3.61.68
साऽभिवाद्य तपोवृद्धान्विनयावनता स्थिता ।
स्वागतं त इतिप्रोक्ता तैः सर्वैस्तापसोत्तमैः ॥ ३.६१.६८ ॥
Having greeted the elders in asceticism, she stood bowed down in humility; and all those best of ascetics said to her, "Welcome to you."
3.61.69
पूजां चास्या यथान्यायं कृत्वा तत्रतपोधनाः ।
आस्यतामित्यथोचुस्ते ब्रूहि किं करवामहे ॥ ३.६१.६९ ॥
And those wealthy-in-asceticism, having duly paid her honor, said, "Let her be seated"; then they said, "Tell us, what shall we do?"
3.61.70
तानुवाच वरारोहा कच्चिद्भगवतामिह ।
तपःस्वग्निषु धर्मेषु मृगपक्षिषु चानघाः ॥ ३.६१.७० ॥
The fair-hipped woman said to them, "Sinless holy ones, are your austerities, your sacred fires, your dharma, and the deer and birds here well?"
3.61.71
कुशलं वो महाभागाः स्वधर्माचरणेषु च ।
तैरुक्ता कुशलं भद्रे सर्वत्रेति यशस्विनी ॥ ३.६१.७१ ॥
"Are you well, O greatly blessed ones, in the practice of your own dharma?" They answered the glorious woman, "All is well everywhere, O auspicious one."
3.61.72
ब्रूहि सर्वानवद्याङ्गि का त्वं किंच चिकीर्षसि ।
दृष्ट्वैव ते परंरूपं द्युतिं च परमामिह ॥ ३.६१.७२ ॥
"Tell us, O faultless-limbed one, who are you and what do you wish to do here? Seeing your supreme beauty and your surpassing radiance indeed" (we ask).
3.61.73
विस्मयो नः समुत्पन्नः समाश्वसिहि मा शुचः ।
अस्यारण्यस्य देवी त्वमुताहोऽस्य महीभृतः।
अस्याश्च नद्याः कल्याणि वद सत्यमनिन्दिते ॥ ३.६१.७३ ॥
We are astonished. Take heart, do not grieve. Are you the goddess of this forest, or of this mountain, or of this river? Tell the truth, O auspicious and blameless one.
3.61.74
साऽब्रवीत्तानृपीन्नाहमरण्यस्यास्य देवता ।
न चाप्यस्य गिरर्विप्रा नैव नद्याश्च देवता ॥ ३.६१.७४ ॥
She said to those sages: I am not the goddess of this forest, nor of this mountain, O brahmins, nor indeed the goddess of this river.
3.61.75
मानुषीं मां विजानीत यूयं सर्वेतपोधनाः ।
विस्तरेणाभिधास्यामि तन्मे शृणुत सर्वशः ॥ ३.६१.७५ ॥
O treasures of austerity, know me to be a mortal woman. I will tell you everything in detail; listen to it all from me.
3.61.76
विदर्भेपु महीपालो भीमो नाम महीपतिः ।
तस्य मां तनयां सर्वे जानीत द्विजसत्तमाः ॥ ३.६१.७६ ॥
In Vidarbha there is a king named Bhīma, lord of the earth. O best of the twice-born, know that I am his daughter.
3.61.77
निपधाधिपतिर्धीमान्नलो नाम महायशाः ।
वीरः संग्रामजिद्विद्वान्मम भर्ता विशांपतिः ॥ ३.६१.७७ ॥
Nala by name, lord of the Niṣadhas, wise and of great fame, a hero, victor in battle, learned, lord of men, is my husband.
3.61.78
देवताभ्यर्चनपरो द्विजातिजनवत्सलः ।
गोप्ता निपधवंशस्य महातेजा महाबलः ॥ ३.६१.७८ ॥
Devoted to the worship of the gods, fond of the twice-born, the protector of the Niṣadha line, of great splendor and great might.
3.61.79
सत्यवान्धर्मवित्प्राज्ञः सत्यसंधोऽरिमर्दनः ।
ब्रह्मण्यो दैवतपरः श्रीमान्परपुरंजयः ॥ ३.६१.७९ ॥
He is truthful, knowing dharma, wise, true to his vows, crusher of enemies, devoted to the brahmins, devoted to the gods, glorious, and a conqueror of enemy cities.
3.61.80
नलो नाम नृपश्रेष्ठो देवराजसमद्युतिः ।
मम भर्ता विशालाक्षः पूर्णेन्दुवदनोऽरिहा ॥ ३.६१.८० ॥
King Nala, best of kings, radiant as the lord of the gods, my husband, broad-eyed, moon-faced, slayer of enemies.
3.61.81
आहर्ता क्रतुमुख्यानां वेदवेदाङ्गपारगः ।
सपत्नानां मृधे हन्ता रविसोमसमप्रभः ॥ ३.६१.८१ ॥
He performs the chief sacrifices, is versed in the Vedas and their limbs, slays rivals in battle, and shines with the splendour of sun and moon.
3.61.82
स कैश्चिन्निकृतिप्रज्ञैरनार्यैरकृतात्मभिः ।
आहृय पृथिवीपालः सत्यधर्मपरायणः।
देवनेकुशलैर्जिह्मैर्जितो राज्यं वसूनि च ॥ ३.६१.८२ ॥
That protector of the earth, intent on truth and dharma, was summoned by certain deceitful, ignoble, unrestrained men, crooked and skilled at dice, and was defeated, losing his kingdom and wealth.
3.61.83
तस्य मामवगच्छध्वं भार्यां राजर्पभस्य वै ।
दमयन्तीति विख्यातां भर्तुर्दर्शनलालसाम् ॥ ३.६१.८३ ॥
Know me to be the wife of that bull among kings, renowned as Damayantī, longing for the sight of my husband.
3.61.84
सा वनानि गिरींश्चैव सरांसि सरितस्तथा ।
पल्वलानि च सर्वाणि तथाऽरण्यानि सर्वशः ॥ ३.६१.८४ ॥
She wandered through forests and mountains, lakes and rivers, small pools and every wilderness, everywhere.
3.61.85
अन्वेपमाणआ भर्तारं नलं रणविशारदम् ।
महात्मानं कृतास्त्रं च विचरामीह दुःखिता ॥ ३.६१.८५ ॥
Searching for my husband Nala, skilled in battle, great-souled and accomplished in weapons, I wander here, sorrowful.
3.61.86
कच्चिद्भगवतां रम्यं तपोवनमिदं नृपः ।
भवेत्प्राप्तो नलो नाम निपधानां जनाधिपः ॥ ३.६१.८६ ॥
Perhaps the king named Nala, lord of the Niṣadhas, has come to this lovely penance-grove of the venerable ones?
3.61.87
यत्कृतेऽहमिदं दुःखं प्रपन्ना भृशदारुणम् ।
वनं प्रतियं धोरं शार्दूलमृगसेवितम् ॥ ३.६१.८७ ॥
For whose sake I have fallen into this most dreadful suffering, and have come to this fearful, dreadful forest frequented by tigers and deer,
3.61.88
यदि कैश्चिदहोरात्रैर्न द्रक्ष्यामि नलं नृपम् ।
आत्मानं श्रेयसा योक्ष्ये देहस्यास्य विमोक्षणात् ॥ ३.६१.८८ ॥
If in some days and nights I do not see the king Nala, I shall release this body and join myself to what is good.
3.61.89
कोनु मे जीवितेनार्थस्तमृते पुरुषर्षभम् ।
कथं भविष्याम्यद्याहं भर्तृशोकाभिपीडिता ॥ ३.६१.८९ ॥
What purpose has my life without him, that bull among men? How shall I live today, afflicted by grief for my husband?
3.61.90
तथा विलपतीमेकामरण्ये भीमनन्दिनीम् ।
दमयन्तीमथोचुस्ते तापसाः सत्यवादिनः ॥ ३.६१.९० ॥
Thus lamenting alone in the forest, to Damayantī, daughter of Bhīma, the truthful ascetics then spoke.
3.61.91
उदर्कस्तव कल्याणि कल्याणो भविता शुभे ।
वयं पश्याम तपसा क्षिप्रं द्रक्ष्यसि नैषधम् ॥ ३.६१.९१ ॥
O auspicious and gracious lady, your outcome will be fortunate. By the power of our asceticism we foresee that soon you will see the Niṣadha king.
3.61.92
निपधानामधिपतिं नलं रिपुनिपातिनम् ।
भैमि धर्मभृतां श्रेष्ठं द्रक्ष्यसे विगतज्वरम् ॥ ३.६१.९२ ॥
O daughter of Bhīma, you will see Nala, lord of the Niṣadhas, slayer of foes, the best of those who uphold dharma, free from fever of grief.
3.61.93
विमुक्तं सर्वपापेभ्यः सर्वरत्नसमन्वितम् ।
तदेव नगरं श्रेष्ठं प्रशासतमरिन्दमम् ॥ ३.६१.९३ ॥
That excellent city, freed from all sins and endowed with all jewels, is being ruled by the subduer of enemies.
3.61.94
द्विपतां भयकर्तारं सुहृदां शोकनाशनम् ।
पतिमेष्यसि कल्याणि कल्याणाभिजनं नृपम् ॥ ३.६१.९४ ॥
O auspicious lady, you will obtain as husband the king who causes fear to enemies, destroys the sorrow of friends, and is of auspicious lineage.
3.61.95
एवमुक्त्वा नलस्येष्टां महिषीं पार्थिवात्मजाम् ।
अन्तर्हितास्तापसास्ते साग्निहोत्राश्रमास्तथा ॥ ३.६१.९५ ॥
Having thus spoken to that princess, the beloved chief queen of Nala, those ascetics vanished together with their fire-sacrifice hermitages.
3.61.96
सा दृष्ट्वा महदाश्चर्यं विस्मिता ह्यभवत्तदा ।
दमयन्त्यनवद्याङ्गी वीरसेननृपस्नुषा ॥ ३.६१.९६ ॥
Seeing that great wonder, she was indeed astonished. Damayantī, of faultless limbs, daughter-in-law of King Vīrasena, was then truly amazed.
3.61.97
चिन्तयामास वैदर्भी किमेतद्दृष्टवत्यहम् ॥ ३.६१.९७ ॥
The princess of Vidarbha pondered: "What is this that I have seen?"
3.61.98
किंनु स्वप्नो मया दृष्टः कोऽयंविधिरिहाभवत् ।
क्वनु ते तापसाः सर्वे क्व तदाश्रममण्डलम् ॥ ३.६१.९८ ॥
"Was this perhaps a dream I had? What fate has befallen here? Where are all those ascetics? Where is that circle of hermitages?"
3.61.99
क्व सा पुण्यजला रम्या नदी द्विजनिषेविता ।
क्वनु ते ह नगा हृद्याः फलपुष्पोपशोभिताः ॥ ३.६१.९९ ॥
"Where is that river of holy waters, pleasant and frequented by brahmins? Where, indeed, are those lovely trees adorned with fruit and flowers?"
3.61.100
इत्येवं नरशार्दूल विस्मिता कमलेक्षणा ।
ध्यात्वा चिरं भीमसुता दमयन्ती शुचिस्मिता।
भर्तृशोकपरा दीनाविवर्णवदनाऽभवत् ॥ ३.६१.१०० ॥
O tiger among men! Thus astonished, the lotus-eyed Damayantī, daughter of Bhīma, the pure-smiling one, pondered for a long time. Absorbed in grief for her husband, she became wretched, her face pale.
3.61.101
सा गत्वाऽथापरां भूमिं बाष्पसंदिग्धया गिरा ।
विललापाश्रुपूर्णाक्षी दृष्ट्वाऽशोकतरुं ततः ॥ ३.६१.१०१ ॥
Then she went to another place, and with a voice choked by tears, her eyes full of tears, she lamented upon seeing the aśoka tree.
3.61.102
उपगम्य तरुश्रेष्ठमशोकं पुष्पितं वने ।
पल्लवापीडितं हृद्यं विहङ्गैरनुनादितम् ॥ ३.६१.१०२ ॥
Approaching the finest of trees, the aśoka in blossom in the forest, crowded with shoots, lovely, resounding with the calls of birds—
3.61.103
अहो बतायमगमः श्रीमानस्मिन्वनान्तरे ।
आपीडैर्बहुभिर्भाति श्रीमान्पर्वतराडिव ॥ ३.६१.१०३ ॥
Ah! This splendid tree, in the midst of the forest, shines with many clusters of blossoms, like the king of mountains.
3.61.104
विशोकां कुरु मां क्षिप्रमशोक प्रियदर्शन ।
वीतशोकभयाबाधं कच्चित्त्वं दृष्टवान्नृपम् ॥ ३.६१.१०४ ॥
O Aśoka, pleasant to behold, quickly make me free from sorrow. Have you seen the king, free from grief, fear and affliction?
3.61.105
नलं नामारिदमनं नमयन्त्याः प्रियं पतिम् ।
निमधानामधिपतिं दृष्टवानसि मे प्रियम् ॥ ३.६१.१०५ ॥
Have you seen Nala, the beloved husband of Namayantī, subduer of enemies, lord of the Niṣadhas? You have seen my beloved.
3.61.106
एकवस्त्रार्धसंवीतं सुकुमारतनुत्वचम् ।
व्यसनेनार्दितं वीरमरण्यमिदमागतम् ॥ ३.६१.१०६ ॥
Clad in half a single garment, with a delicate body and skin, afflicted by misfortune, that hero has come to this forest.
3.61.107
यथा विशोका गच्छेयमशोकनग तत्कुरु ।
सत्यनामा भवाशोक मम शोकविनाशनात् ॥ ३.६१.१०७ ॥
O Aśoka tree, do this, so that I may go free from sorrow. You are true to your name, Aśoka, the sorrowless, for you destroy my sorrow.
3.61.108
एवंसाऽशोकवृत्तं तमार्ता वै परिगम्य ह ।
जगाम दारुणतरं देशं भैमी वराङ्गना ॥ ३.६१.१०८ ॥
Thus afflicted, that excellent woman, Bhaimī (Damayantī), having circumambulated that Aśoka tree, went toward a far more dreadful region.
3.61.109
सा ददर्श नगान्नैकान्नैकाश्च सरितस्तथा ।
नैकांश्च पर्वतान्रम्यान्नैकांश्च मृगपक्षिणः ॥ ३.६१.१०९ ॥
She saw many mountains and many rivers, many lovely peaks, and many deer and birds.
3.61.110
कन्दरांश्च नितम्बांश्च नदीश्चाद्भुतदर्शनाः ।
ददर्श तान्भीमसुता पतिमन्वेषती तदा ॥ ३.६१.११० ॥
Searching for her husband, the daughter of Bhīma then saw the caves, the slopes, and the rivers of wondrous appearance.
3.61.111
गत्वा प्रकृष्टमध्वानं दमयन्ती शुचिस्मिता ।
ददर्शाथ महासार्थं हस्त्यश्वरथसंकुलम् ॥ ३.६१.१११ ॥
Having gone a long way, Damayantī of the pure smile then saw a great caravan crowded with elephants, horses and chariots.
3.61.112
उत्तरन्तं नदीं रम्यां प्रसन्नसलिलां शुभाम् ।
सुशीततोयां विस्तीर्णां ह्रदिनीं वेतसैर्वृताम् ॥ ३.६१.११२ ॥
crossing that lovely river with clear, fair, very cool waters, wide and surrounded by reeds.
3.61.113
प्रोद्धुष्टां क्रौञ्चकुररैश्चक्रबाकोपकूजिताम् ।
कूर्मग्राहझवाकीर्णां विपुलद्वीपशोभिताम् ॥ ३.६१.११३ ॥
resounding with the cries of cranes and ospreys, filled with the calls of ruddy geese, strewn with tortoises, crocodiles and fish, adorned with broad islands.
3.61.114
सा दृष्ट्वैव महासार्थं नलपत्नी यशस्विनी ।
उपसर्प्य वरारोहा जनमध्यं विवेश ह ॥ ३.६१.११४ ॥
As soon as she saw the great caravan, the glorious wife of Nala, fair-hipped, drew near and entered into the midst of the people.
3.61.115
उन्मत्तरूपा शोकार्ता तथा वस्त्रार्धसंवृता ।
कृशा विवर्णा मलिना पांसुध्वस्तशिरोरुहा ॥ ३.६१.११५ ॥
Afflicted with grief, wild in appearance, covered with half a garment, thin, pale, soiled, her hair disheveled with dust.
3.61.116
तां दृष्ट्वा तत्रमनुजाः केचिद्भीताः प्रदुद्रुवुः ।
केचिच्चिन्तापरास्तस्थुः केचित्तत्रविचुक्रुशुः ॥ ३.६१.११६ ॥
Seeing her, some of the people there fled in fear, some stood absorbed in thought, and some cried out right there.
3.61.117
प्रहसन्ति स्म तां केचिदभ्यसूयन्ति चापरे ।
कुर्वन्त्यस्यांदयांकेचित्पप्रच्छुश्चापि भारत ॥ ३.६१.११७ ॥
Some laughed at her, others reviled her, some showed her compassion, and some, O Bhārata, even asked her questions.
3.61.118
काऽसि कस्यासि कल्याणि किं वा मृगयसे वने ।
त्वां दृष्ट्वा व्यथिताः स्मेह कच्चित्त्वमसिं मानुषी ॥ ३.६१.११८ ॥
Who are you, whose are you, O auspicious one? What are you seeking in the forest? Having seen you, we are distressed here. Perhaps you are a human woman?
3.61.119
वद सत्यं वनस्यास्य पर्वतस्याथवा दिशः ।
देवता त्वं हि कल्याणि त्वां वयं शरणं गताः ॥ ३.६१.११९ ॥
Speak the truth: are you a deity of this forest, this mountain, or of some quarter? O auspicious one, surely you are a goddess; we have come to you for refuge.
3.61.120
यक्षी वा राक्षसी वा त्वमुताहोसि सुराङ्गना ।
सर्वथाकुरु नः स्वस्ति रक्ष चास्माननिन्दिते ॥ ३.६१.१२० ॥
Are you a yakṣī, a rākṣasī, or a celestial nymph? In every way, grant us well-being and protect us, O blameless one.
3.61.121
यथाऽयंसर्वथा सार्थः क्षेमी शीघ्रमितो व्रजेत् ।
तथा विधत्स्व कल्याणि यथा श्रेयो हि नो भवेत् ॥ ३.६१.१२१ ॥
Just as this caravan may go safely and swiftly from here in every way, so arrange it, O auspicious one, that welfare may come to us.
3.61.122
तथोक्ता तेन सार्थेन दमयन्ती नृपात्मजा ।
प्रत्युवाच ततः साध्वी भर्तृव्यसनपीडिता ॥ ३.६१.१२२ ॥
Thus addressed by that caravan, Damayantī, the king's daughter, the virtuous one afflicted by her husband's misfortune, then answered.
3.61.123
सार्तवाहं च सार्थं च जना ये चात्र केचन ।
युवस्थविरबालाश् सार्थस्य च पुरोगमाः ॥ ३.६१.१२३ ॥
The caravan leader and the caravan, and whatever people are here—young, old and children, and those who go before the caravan.
3.61.124
मानुषीं मां विजानीत मनुजाधिपतेः सुताम् ।
नृपस्नुषां राजभार्यां भर्तृदर्शनलालसाम् ॥ ३.६१.१२४ ॥
Know me as a human woman, daughter of the lord of men, daughter-in-law of a king, wife of a king, longing to see my husband.
3.61.125
विदर्भराण्मम पिता भर्ता राजा च नैषधः ।
नलोनाम महाभागस्तं मार्गाम्यपराजितम् ॥ ३.६१.१२५ ॥
The king of Vidarbha is my father, and King Nala of Niṣadha is my husband—greatly fortunate, unconquered. I seek him.
3.61.126
यदि जानीत नृपतिं क्षिप्रं शंसत मे प्रियम् ।
नलं पुरुषशार्दूलममित्रगणसूदनम् ॥ ३.६१.१२६ ॥
If you know the king, quickly tell me welcome news of Nala, tiger among men, destroyer of hosts of enemies.
3.61.127
तामुवाचानवद्याङ्गीं सार्थस्य महतः प्रभुः ।
सार्थवाहः शुचिर्नाम शृणु कल्याणि मद्वचः ॥ ३.६१.१२७ ॥
To her, faultless of limb, the master of a great caravan, the caravan-leader named Śuci, said: Listen to my words, O auspicious one.
3.61.128
अहं सार्थस्य नेता वै सार्थवाहः शुचिस्मिते ।
मनुष्यं नलनामानं न पश्यामि यशस्विनि ॥ ३.६१.१२८ ॥
I am the leader of this caravan, its caravan-master. O pure-smiling, glorious one, I see no man named Nala.
3.61.129
कुञ्जरद्वीपिमहिषशार्दूलर्क्षमृगानपि ।
पश्याम्यस्मिन्वने कृत्स्ने ह्यमनुष्यनिषेविते ॥ ३.६१.१२९ ॥
In this entire forest, which is frequented by no humans, I see elephants, tigers, buffaloes, lions, bears and deer.
3.61.130
ऋते त्वां मानुषीं मर्त्यं न पश्यामि महावने ।
तथा नो यक्षराडद्य मणिभद्रः प्रसीदतु ॥ ३.६१.१३० ॥
In this great forest I see no mortal human but you. So may Maṇibhadra, lord of the yakṣas, be gracious to us today.
3.61.131
साऽब्रवीद्वणिजः सर्वान्सार्थवाहं च तं ततः ।
क्वनु यास्यति सार्थोऽयमेतदाख्यातुमर्हसि ॥ ३.६१.१३१ ॥
Then she said to all the merchants and to that caravan-leader: Where is this caravan going? You should tell me this.
3.61.132
सार्थोऽयं चेदिराजस्य सुबाहोः सत्यदर्शिनः ।
क्षिप्रं जनपदं गन्ता लाभाय मनुजात्मजे ॥ ३.६१.१३२ ॥
This caravan will quickly go to the realm of Subāhu, king of Cedi, a truth-seer, for profit, O daughter of man.