Section LVII [summary]
Book index: Mahabharata (English)
This page contains a summary of the Mahabharata Section LVII 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:
King Bhima summoned the kings to the Swayamvara of his daughter, Damayanti, where she was to choose her husband. Upon entering the hall, Damayanti found it difficult to identify her true love, Nala, among the kings present. She prayed to the gods for help, and they revealed Nala by displaying their divine attributes. Damayanti then chose Nala as her husband, to the amazement of the other kings and the applause of the gods and Rishis.
Nala comforted Damayanti and pledged his loyalty to her, while she reciprocated his love and devotion. The Lokapalas bestowed eight blessings upon Nala, including the ability to see the gods in sacrifices and be surrounded by celestial realms. The couple received the blessings with gratitude, and the kings who witnessed their union returned to their kingdoms impressed and happy. Bhima celebrated the wedding of Nala and Damayanti, who then returned to Nala's city to rule wisely and joyfully.
Nala ruled his kingdom with righteousness and happiness, resembling the glory of the sun in its splendor. He performed various sacrifices and provided abundant gifts to Brahmanas, similar to the virtuous deeds of Yayati, the son of Nahusha. Nala and Damayanti enjoyed each other's company in romantic woods and groves, and they were blessed with a son named Indrasena and a daughter named Indrasena. The couple continued to rule harmoniously and bring prosperity to their kingdom, living a life of joy and love.
The story of Nala and Damayanti showcases the power of love and devotion, as well as the importance of faith in the divine. Damayanti's unwavering belief in Nala allowed her to overcome the challenges of the Swayamvara and choose her true love. Nala's righteousness and wisdom enabled him to rule justly and bring prosperity to his kingdom, supported by the blessings of the gods. Their union symbolizes the harmonious balance of love, duty, and faith in achieving happiness and fulfillment in life.
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 LVII, have a look at the following articles:
Section LVII, 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 LVII:
Who was Damayanti's chosen husband at the Swayamvara ceremony?
Damayanti chose King Nala as her husband after the gods revealed his true form.
Which gods bestowed boons upon Nala after he was chosen by Damayanti?
The Lokapalas and other deities bestowed blessings upon Nala, including divine presence and virtues.
What were the gifts that the gods bestowed upon Nala at the ceremony?
The gifts included the ability to behold deities, presence in sacrifices, and divine fragrances.
What children did Nala and Damayanti have after their marriage?
Nala and Damayanti had a son named Indrasena and a daughter named Indrasena.
Mahabharata Section LVII in daily life:
In the story, Damayanti's choice of Nala over celestial gods for her husband teaches us the importance of listening to our hearts and standing firm in our convictions, even when faced with seemingly grander options. Her decision also underscores the power of truth and purity of intent, as she bases her choice not on superficial aspects but on genuine qualities. Thus, the tale encourages us to prioritize inner virtues and integrity in our relationships and choices.
Damayanti sought divine guidance in her moment of confusion, highlighting the value of seeking wisdom beyond ourselves when faced with difficult decisions. Her prayer for truth and fidelity to her choice illustrates that honesty and loyalty are paramount in nurturing meaningful connections. This story serves as a reminder to cherish and uphold these values in our lives, ensuring our actions align with our deepest truths and commitments.
The gods rewarding Nala and Damayanti with blessings after their union shows that true love and righteous actions often lead to positive outcomes. It demonstrates that when individuals come together with pure hearts and intentions, they can create a strong foundation that attracts support and goodwill from the community or higher powers. Therefore, we should strive to build our relationships on the principles of mutual respect, love, and understanding, leading to a fulfilling and harmonious life.
Lastly, Nala’s joy in ruling his kingdom righteously and celebrating life with Damayanti reminds us of the importance of balancing personal happiness with our duties to others. By leading with kindness, fairness, and generosity, we not only enrich our own lives but also contribute to the well-being and prosperity of our community.