The story of Nala-Damayanti is described in the Vana Parva of the Mahabharata. This story inspires love, trust, and to make life successful by facing difficulties.
Introduction of Nala and Damayanti
Nala was the king of Nishadh country. He was brave, valiant and religious. Also, he was skilled in horse riding and cooking. Damayanti was the daughter of King Bhima of Vidarbha country. Her beauty and qualities were praised all over the world.Love of Nala and Damayanti
One day Nala found two swans in the forest. The swans told him that Vidarbha's princess Damayanti admires his qualities and wants to marry him. Nala sent the swans to Damayanti with his message. Through the swans, Damayanti also accepted her love for Nala.Damayanti's Swayamvara
King Bhima organized a Swayamvara for Damayanti. Many kings and gods came to attend the Swayamvara. Lord Indra, Varuna, Agni, and Yamaraja also attended the Swayamvara. Damayanti listened to her heart and garlanded Nala. The gods accepted their devotion and love and blessed them.Kali's curse and Nala's exile
Damayanti and Nala had a happy married life. But unfortunately, an asura named Kali cursed Nala. Nala got addicted to gambling, and he lost all his kingdom. He was expelled from his kingdom. Damayanti did not leave her husband and went to live with him in the forest.Kali's curse and Nala's exile
Damayanti and Nala had a happy married life. But unfortunately, an asura named Kali cursed Nala. Nala got addicted to gambling, and he lost all his kingdom. He was expelled from his kingdom. Damayanti did not leave her husband and went to live with him in the forest.Separation of Nala and Damayanti
During the exile, Nala left Damayanti thinking that her staying with him would be painful for her. Damayanti returned to Vidarbha to find her husband. She searched for Nala by various means.Reunion and recovery of the kingdom
Damayanti used her intelligence to locate Nala. Nala reformed himself by performing his duty. Nala won back his kingdom by once again showing skill in gambling. Nala and Damayanti ruled happily thereafter.Lessons from the story
- True love: The love between Nala and Damyanti remained unbroken in every situation.
- Patience and faith: Both did not lose patience even in difficult situations.
- Self improvement: Nala recognized his faults and tried to improve them.
