The Five Nalas

Vyasa began the story of Nala and Damayanti.

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Customary for all swayamvaras, royals of surrounding kingdoms received an invitation. Damayanti’s was no different, except that she knew who she would choose. Once the golden Hamsa had visited to tell her of Nala and his kindness she was infatuated with him. The bird delivered messages between the two of them every day. She was in love even before meeting him.

Nala was well-studied in the Vedas, practiced all holy acts, was a skilled warrior, and was always generous and kind to his people. Her father knew she was going to choose the great king Nala so his daughter’s ceremony would not have a competition to prove his worth. He had already deemed Nala worthy of his daughter’s hand and their union pleased him.

While the princess was preparing, King Nala was traveling down the road to Vidarbha to attend the swayamvara of his beloved Damayanti. Excitement filled his body as he anticipated finally meeting Damayanti in person. Since the first time he was told of her beauty and intelligence he knew they were destined to be together, and only a day’s time was separating them.

He was swiftly making his way until thunderous voices called out to him, “Mighty raja, STOP!” He did as they commanded and looked around to see who was interfering with his travels to Damayanti. Much to his surprise, chariots descended from the sky carrying Indra, god of the sky; Agni, lord of fire; Varuna, god of water; and Yama, lord of the dead.

Immediately aware of how blessed this meeting was, “Yes, supreme ones. I am at your service. How may I assist you?” he asked with hands clasped and a bow of his head.

The gods were pleased. “Deliver a message. Damayanti, the fairest of princesses, has her swayamvara tomorrow. We will attend the ceremony. Tell her she must choose one of us and she will always be honored, cherished, and never experience a life of sorrow.”

Their request was devastating. He wondered how he could perform such a task when he desired her hand in marriage also. “Her palace is guarded; I cannot get close enough to speak with her. Your bidding is impossible,” Nala argued in hopes that the gods would see his point. However, the gods were all powerful and transported Nala directly into her palace room.

Damayanti was taken aback by the sudden appearance of a man in her room. He was so handsome that she thought he might be Kamadeva, the god of love. Even so, she did as any princess should when a man enters her room uninvited. “How did you get in here? Why are you here?” rattling him with questions, “Just who are you?” she demanded. She had less than one day until she would be with her Nala and needed no interruptions!

Nala meagerly answered, “The celestials: Indra, Agni, Varuna, and Yama sent me. That is how I got past your guards. I am sorry if I frightened you. They will be at your swayamvara and ask that you choose one of them. They promise a life to be cherished and without sorrow.”

When he spoke, she was mesmerized by his voice; his tone sounded familiar. Slightly blushing she said, “Please tell them I appreciate the offer, but their efforts are in vain. I have already given my heart to another. He is a great king named Nala.”

Although Nala couldn’t be happier, fear was laced in his voice as he said, “Damayanti, I AM Nala! I was on my way when the gods stopped me. I’m afraid our union cannot be. I am here to court you for them, not for myself. If I tell them your heart has chosen me, they will strike me down in spite thinking I did not follow their wishes.”

Confidently Damayanti said, “Do not worry. Tell the gods what I have said. A swayamvara is my choice, and I have no doubt they will understand and respect my decision.”

Joyous inside, he returned to the gods to give them the message from Damayanti. He was surprised when the gods did not react angrily. Instead they wished him safe travels and bid him farewell.

“What is she thinking?” roared Agni.

“How can she desire a mortal king instead of an immortal god?” scoffed Yama.

“This is an outrage,” Varuna shouted.

Indra looked at the other gods and smiled. “I have a plan,” he said calmly. They huddled together to discuss tomorrow’s event.

On the day of her swayamvara, Damayanti couldn’t wait for it to begin. She could hear the commotion of the travelers from neighboring kingdoms and felt sorry for them since they were wasting their time. She wondered to herself if Indra and the other celestials would attend knowing she had already chosen. Either way, she wasn’t worried because not only would his words and voice call to her, now she knew what Nala looked like.

Upon entering the great hall, she was astonished at the number of men there. She scanned the crowd to find Nala but did not see him. As she made her way to the front of the room she found him and four others that looked identical in every way. Damayanti was so surprised she almost fainted.

“I guess they are testing me,” she mumbled under her breath. She had to figure out a way to find her true Nala. In her mind and under her breath she spoke to all the gods, not only those sitting in front of her. “Please, reveal yourselves to me. My heart belongs to Nala. He is my true love. Please show me your true form,” she pleaded.

The gods heard her pleas and lost a little bit of control over their disguises. It was then that she could see the differences in one man alone. Her Nala had beads of sweat on his forehead, blinked when she looked at him, and carried dust on his robe. The other four Nalas did not. It was then that she chose her husband and true love.

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“Draupadi, as you see Damayanti was like you - intelligent and beautiful. She was also steadfast in her beliefs. Those beliefs brought her together with her true love even though there was an obstacle to climb over first. You must do the same. Follow your faith and beliefs, begin praying to the gods again for they will give you strength,” urged Vyasa.

Draupadi looked to Vyasa with a smile on her face. “I can see what you mean and I will try. However, her trouble was not anything like I am having to deal with right now. This is a more precarious situation. Thank you for the story. It was beautiful,” she said.

Vyasa said somberly, “This was only the beginning, dear queen. Trouble can happen at the most unexpected of times, but if you have faith that love will conquer all and truly believe this; it will. Let us continue.”