Section LXII [summary]
Book index: Mahabharata (English)
This page contains a summary of the Mahabharata Section LXII including examples of moral lessons in daily life. The Maha-Bharata is one of the largest epics ever written containing roughly 100,000 Sanskrit verses. It deals with the legendary history of ancient India and contains a large number of interwoven tales.
Short summary of the chapter:
The story of Nala and Damayanti revolves around the hardships they face after losing their kingdom due to Kali's curse. Despite their extreme poverty and distress, Nala refuses to return to his father's kingdom for fear of increasing his wife's grief. Struggling with hunger and fatigue, they eventually find shelter, where Nala decides to abandon Damayanti in her sleep in an attempt to spare her further suffering. Consumed by Kali's influence, Nala cuts off half of Damayanti's clothing and leaves her behind, torn between his love for his wife and the desperation of his situation.
Nala's internal conflict intensifies as he rationalizes the decision to desert Damayanti for her own good, convinced that she will find happiness elsewhere without him. Despite his guilt and sorrow, Nala ultimately succumbs to Kali's influence and decides to leave his wife alone in the forest while she sleeps. Overwhelmed with emotion, Nala is torn between his love for Damayanti and the belief that abandoning her is the best course of action in their dire circumstances.
As Nala departs, he reflects on the heartbreaking reality of leaving Damayanti behind, knowing she will awaken to find herself alone and vulnerable in the treacherous forest. Despite his inner turmoil and overwhelming love for his wife, Nala is unable to resist the pull of Kali's influence and ultimately makes the heartbreaking decision to abandon Damayanti in her time of need. The story encapsulates the tragic consequences of Kali's curse on Nala and Damayanti's once harmonious relationship, leading to a heartbreaking separation in the face of adversity.
Driven by a mix of despair and misguided judgment, Nala is unable to resist the compulsion to desert Damayanti, believing it to be the only solution to their plight. Despite his love for his wife and the pain of leaving her behind, Nala's actions are driven by a sense of sacrifice and duty, even as he grapples with the heart-wrenching consequences of his decision. The story of Nala and Damayanti serves as a poignant tale of love, sacrifice, and the destructive power of external influences on intimate relationships.
Full English translation:
This page is merely a summary which is automatically generated. If you are looking for authentic sources such as the Sanskrit text or the Full English translation of Mahabharata Section LXII, have a look at the following articles:
Section LXII, online text
English translation by Kisari Mohan Ganguli.
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Mahabharata (English Summary)
by Kisari Mohan Ganguli | ISBN-10: 8121505933
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FAQ of Section LXII:
What was Nala's internal struggle when deciding to desert Damayanti?
Nala debated between deserting Damayanti for her sake or staying together in misery. He ultimately decided to leave her to protect her.
Why did Nala decide to cut off one half of Damayanti's attire?
Nala, influenced by Kali, intended to desert Damayanti and sought to divide their shared garment without her noticing.
What emotions did Nala experience when abandoning Damayanti?
Nala felt torn between leaving and staying with Damayanti, expressing deep sorrow and regret. Their separation was heartbreaking for him.
Mahabharata Section LXII in daily life:
The story of Nala and Damayanti reflects on the themes of sacrifice, loyalty, and the daunting challenges of life. In daily life, it's crucial to recognize the importance of standing by your loved ones during hardships. Just like Damayanti's unwavering devotion to Nala despite their dire circumstances, we should exhibit the same loyalty and love towards our partners or family members when facing adversities.
Nala's internal struggle with the decision to leave Damayanti for her supposed well-being underlines the complexity of making choices that affect those we love. Life often puts us in situations where the right decision isn't clear-cut, teaching us the value of thoughtful consideration and the consequences our actions have on others. In contemporary life, it's important to communicate openly and honestly with our loved ones, especially in times of distress, instead of making unilateral decisions that could potentially harm our relationships.
Lastly, the story serves as a reminder of the unpredictability of life and the resilience needed to navigate through it. Like Nala and Damayanti, embracing change and overcoming obstacles together can strengthen bonds. It teaches us that while we may not control every aspect of our lives, the support we give and receive plays a vital role in weathering life's storms.