Section LVI [summary]
Book index: Mahabharata (English)
This page contains a summary of the Mahabharata Section LVI 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 the king of the Vidarbhas, expressed her love for Nala and offered herself to him, along with all her wealth. However, Nala, feeling unworthy in the presence of the gods, advised her to choose one of the celestial beings as her husband. Damayanti tearfully insisted on choosing Nala as her lord, bowing to all the gods, and expressing her heartfelt decision. Nala, as the messenger of the gods, hesitated to act on his own desires but left the decision to Damayanti. Damayanti proposed a solution where Nala could come to the Swayamvara accompanied by the gods, and she would choose him in their presence, absolving him of any blame.
Nala then returned to the gods and informed them of Damayanti's decision and her proposal of choosing him in the presence of the Lokapalas at the Swayamvara. The gods were eager to know the outcome and asked Nala to provide all the details of his meeting with Damayanti. Nala recounted his visit to Damayanti's palace, where she chose him as her spouse and suggested the plan for the Swayamvara. He left the final decision to the gods, acknowledging that everything ultimately rested with them.
The story highlights the love and devotion between Nala and Damayanti, as well as the respect and reverence they both hold for the gods. Damayanti's unwavering commitment to Nala and Nala's humility in the presence of the divine beings underscore the moral values and virtuous character of the characters involved. The gods' involvement in the decision-making process adds a layer of complexity to the narrative, emphasizing the importance of righteousness and adherence to divine laws. The impending Swayamvara ceremony becomes a crucial event where the fate of Nala and Damayanti's relationship will be decided in the presence of the celestial beings.
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 LVI, have a look at the following articles:
Section LVI, 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 LVI:
FAQs about Damayanti and Nala's Love Story
Was Nala hesitant to accept Damayanti's love due to the presence of gods at her Swayamvara? Find out how Nala dealt with this situation. What did Damayanti propose to Nala as a solution to the dilemma created by the gods' presence at her Swayamvara? Discover the solution to this tricky situation. How did Nala respond to Damayanti's choice of him as her husband in the midst of the gods at the Swayamvara? Uncover Nala's reaction and the subsequent events in their love story.
Mahabharata Section LVI in daily life:
The story of Damayanti and Nala teaches us the importance of honesty, integrity, and humility in life. Even when faced with tempting offers from the divine, Nala remains steadfast in his duty and loyal to his commitments. This highlights the virtue of staying true to one's word and the obligations we have towards others, a principle that can be applied in our daily interactions and decisions. It shows us that real strength lies in ethical integrity and in respecting the choices and autonomy of others, as Nala does with Damayanti’s wishes.
Additionally, Damayanti's unwavering choice of Nala over the gods exemplifies the power of love and the importance of following one’s heart. Her actions remind us that choosing what feels right to us, even in the face of societal or external pressures, is critical for our happiness and fulfillment. The story encourages us to listen to our inner voice and to have the courage to stand by our convictions, teaching us that genuine relationships are built on mutual respect, trust, and understanding.
Ultimately, by implementing these values of loyalty, integrity, and love in our daily lives, we foster deeper connections with those around us and lead a life that is rich in character and satisfaction.