Section LIV - Damayanti's Swayamvara: Nala, Kings, and Celestial Rishis
Book index: Mahabharata (English)
This page contains a summary of the Mahabharata Section LIV 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:
Damayanti, the daughter of King Bhima, became pale and melancholy due to her love for Nala, who was missing. Concerned for her well-being, King Bhima decided to hold a Swayamvara for Damayanti, inviting all the kings of the earth to participate. Meanwhile, celestial Rishis Narada and Parvata visited lord Indra and informed him about the upcoming Swayamvara, causing the Lokapalas and other gods to decide to attend the event. Nala, also longing for Damayanti, set out for the Swayamvara, impressing the gods with his beauty as he walked on earth. The gods then asked Nala to be their messenger at the Swayamvara.
Damayanti, filled with love and longing for Nala, grew sicker as the Swayamvara approached, while King Bhima prepared for the grand event. Narada informed Indra about the gathering of kings for Damayanti's Swayamvara, prompting the gods to decide to attend the event. Nala, radiant and resplendent, caught the attention of the gods as he made his way to the Swayamvara, leaving them in awe of his beauty. The gods then requested that Nala act as their messenger at the event.
Amidst the preparations for Damayanti's Swayamvara, her love for Nala continued to grow, leading to her declining health. King Bhima, concerned for his daughter's well-being, decided to hold the Swayamvara. Narada and Parvata visited Indra and informed him about the event, prompting the gods to plan their attendance. Nala, deeply in love with Damayanti, set out for the Swayamvara, stunning the gods with his beauty as he walked on earth. The gods then asked Nala to be their messenger at the Swayamvara.
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 LIV - Damayanti's Swayamvara: Nala, Kings, and Celestial Rishis, have a look at the following articles:
Section LIV, online text
English translation by Kisari Mohan Ganguli.
Read this and other chapters online.
Mahabharata (English Summary)
by Kisari Mohan Ganguli | ISBN-10: 8121505933
Buy the latest edition:
FAQ of Mahabharata, Section LIV:
What was the reason for Damayanti's illness?
Damayanti's illness was caused by her love and anxiety for Nala.
Why did King Bhima decide to hold Damayanti's Swayamvara?
King Bhima decided to hold Damayanti's Swayamvara due to her illness and reaching puberty.
Why did the gods ask Nala for help?
The gods were astonished by Nala's beauty and asked for his assistance as a messenger.
Daily life: Damayanti's Swayamvara: Nala, Kings, and Celestial Rishis:
In the tale shared, Damayanti experiences intense emotions upon hearing about Nala, which dramatically affects her well-being. This illustrates the profound impact our emotions and desires can have on us, often leading to distress if not managed properly. Similarly, the story also highlights the significance of communication, as Damayanti's handmaids convey her state through indirect hints, showing how important it is to share our feelings and seek support.
From these observations, we can learn to be more mindful of our emotions and the effect they have on our lives. It’s crucial to find healthy ways to express feelings and not let them govern us entirely. Additionally, the story underscores the importance of support systems and the role they play in helping us through challenging times. By being open about our struggles and allowing those around us to help, we can navigate through life's ups and downs more smoothly.
Furthermore, when the celestial beings request Nala's assistance, it emphasizes the value of helping others, even when we might be dealing with our challenges. By aiding those in need, we not only fulfill a noble cause but also might find a sense of purpose and fulfillment in our actions. The tale, thus, invites us to be empathetic and supportive towards others, creating a positive impact in our communities and personal lives.