A Story of Dvapara Yuga in Prose
by Lokanath Mishra
Mahabharata in Prose – Part 59 (continued)
The royal city of Vidarbha had never before witnessed such magnificence.
From every direction, kings, princes, and renowned warriors had gathered for the Swayamvara of Princess Damayanti. The streets were adorned with colorful banners, fragrant garlands, and rows of lamps. Citizens lined the roads, eager to catch a glimpse of the great rulers who had come from distant lands.
The palace echoed with the sounds of conch shells, Vedic hymns, and melodious music. Yet amidst all the grandeur, the heart of one maiden remained calm and resolute.
Princess Damayanti had already made her choice.
She prayed silently:
“O Supreme Lord, if my love has been founded upon truth and dharma, grant me the wisdom to recognize King Nala, even if the whole world seeks to deceive me.”
The Swayamvara Begins
At the appointed hour, the royal priests completed the sacred rituals.
King Bhima of Vidarbha entered the great assembly and welcomed the gathered monarchs.
“Noble kings,” he proclaimed, “today my daughter shall choose her husband according to the ancient custom of the Swayamvara. May righteousness guide her decision.”
A respectful silence filled the hall.
Then the doors of the inner palace slowly opened.
Princess Damayanti entered.
She wore garments of white silk embroidered with gold. Around her neck hung a garland of fresh lotus flowers, the symbol of her choice.
Her beauty illuminated the assembly, yet her face reflected modesty rather than pride.
Every king fixed his eyes upon her.
Some prayed silently that fortune would favor them.
Others admired her grace, knowing that only one among them could be chosen.
Holding the marriage garland in her hands, Damayanti slowly walked through the assembly.
The Five Nalas
As she approached the central hall, Damayanti suddenly stopped.
Before her sat not one Nala—
But five.
Each possessed the same handsome face.
The same royal attire.
The same noble bearing.
No ordinary eye could distinguish one from another.
The four devas—Indra, Agni, Varuna, and Yama—had assumed Nala’s exact appearance.
A murmur spread through the assembly.
Even the greatest kings looked at one another in astonishment.
Damayanti herself stood motionless.
For the first time since entering the hall, uncertainty touched her heart.
A Prayer from the Heart
Closing her eyes, Damayanti folded her hands in silent prayer.
“O guardians of the universe,” she whispered inwardly, “I have always honored you with devotion. If my love for Nala is pure and righteous, I pray that you reveal the truth. I seek neither heaven nor glory. I seek only the husband whom my heart accepted in accordance with dharma.”
For several moments, she remained perfectly still.
Then, by the grace of the gods themselves, subtle differences became visible.
She observed carefully.
Four of the Nalas cast no shadow upon the floor.
Their garlands remained perfectly fresh, untouched by time.
Not a trace of dust clung to their feet.
Their eyes never blinked.
Their bodies showed neither perspiration nor fatigue.
But the fifth…
His feet bore the dust of the road.
His garland had begun to fade.
Tiny drops of perspiration rested upon his forehead.
His chest rose gently with each breath.
He was unmistakably human.
Damayanti smiled.
Her heart had found the truth.
The Choice
Without hesitation, she walked toward the true Nala.
The entire assembly held its breath.
Standing before him, she gently placed the marriage garland around his neck.
“I choose King Nala of Nishadha,” she declared in a clear voice.
“He alone is the lord of my heart.”
For a moment, complete silence filled the hall.
Then something extraordinary occurred.
The four identical forms surrounding Nala disappeared.
In their place stood the radiant devas in their divine splendor.
The entire assembly immediately rose to its feet.
Kings and sages bowed in reverence.
⸻
The Blessings of the Gods
Indra smiled warmly at Damayanti.
“Daughter,” he said, “your devotion has pleased us. Though we came to test your heart, you have remained steadfast in truth.”
Agni added,
“Your purity has conquered even the desires of heaven.”
Varuna blessed the couple.
“May harmony and prosperity always dwell in your home.”
Yama spoke solemnly.
“May righteousness guide your lives through both happiness and sorrow.”
Then each deity granted a special boon.
Indra declared,
“Whenever King Nala performs a sacrifice with sincere devotion, I shall personally accept his offerings.”
Agni said,
“Whenever you invoke me with faith, I shall appear and protect you.”
Varuna blessed them with abundance and purity.
Yama granted Nala unwavering discernment in matters of righteousness.
Having bestowed their blessings, the devas ascended once more toward the heavens.
The assembly watched in silent wonder until they vanished from sight.
⸻
The Wedding of Nala and Damayanti
The marriage ceremonies were performed according to the sacred Vedic traditions.
Holy fires were kindled.
Priests chanted ancient mantras.
Nala and Damayanti walked seven sacred steps around the fire, each step symbolizing a lifelong vow of companionship, trust, prosperity, strength, and mutual devotion.
The gathered kings, though disappointed, honored the decision with dignity.
Many congratulated Nala personally.
King Bhima embraced his new son-in-law with affection.
“My daughter could have chosen no worthier husband.”
The citizens of Vidarbha rejoiced.
For several days the kingdom celebrated with music, charity, feasting, and prayers.
Soon afterward, Nala and Damayanti returned to Nishadha.
Their arrival was welcomed with immense joy.
The people decorated the streets with flowers and lamps.
Children sang songs in praise of their beloved king and queen.
Under their united rule, Nishadha entered an age of peace and prosperity greater than ever before.
⸻
The Shadow That Watched
Yet while the world celebrated their happiness, unseen eyes observed from a distance.
Two dark beings had also desired Damayanti.
They were Kali, the spirit who personified discord and unrighteousness, and his companion Dvapara.
When they learned that Damayanti had chosen Nala, Kali’s face darkened with rage.
“I shall never forgive this insult,” he said bitterly.
Dvapara replied,
“The marriage has already taken place. What can be done now?”
Kali answered with cold determination,
“No man is entirely free from fault. I shall wait patiently. Someday Nala will make a mistake, however small. When that moment comes, I shall enter his heart and destroy everything he holds dear.”
Years, if necessary, he was prepared to wait.
Hatred is patient.
And revenge often sleeps long before it awakens.
⸻
Back in the forest, Sage Brihadashva paused.
The Pandavas sat in thoughtful silence.
Yudhishthira understood the lesson already unfolding.
“Even after righteousness triumphs,” he said softly, “adversity does not cease.”
The sage nodded.
“That is the nature of life, O King. Victory is not always the end of one’s trials. Sometimes it is only the beginning of greater tests.”
The sacred fire crackled gently beneath the evening sky.
The story of Nala had only just begun.
For unseen forces were already preparing to challenge a king whose only weakness had yet to reveal itself.
Thus ended the joyous chapter of Nala and Damayanti’s union. But while virtue had won the day, the shadow of Kali had begun to follow their footsteps. Patience, righteousness, and love would soon face their greatest trial.
(Continued in Part 60…)