Section LXVII - Vahuka's Life in Rituparna's City: Nala's Tale
Book index: Mahabharata (English)
This page contains a summary of the Mahabharata Section LXVII 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:
After being defeated by a snake, Nala traveled to the city of Rituparna and introduced himself as Vahuka, boasting of his skills in managing steeds and cooking. Impressed, King Rituparna appointed him as the superintendent of his stables, offering him a handsome pay and the companionship of Varshneya and Jivala. While living in Rituparna's city, Nala, under the guise of Vahuka, continued to yearn for his wife, Princess Damayanti, reciting a lamenting sloka every evening.
When questioned by Jivala about his daily lamentations, Nala revealed the story of a man who had deserted his wife, causing her immense suffering. The man had found refuge in the city of Rituparna, while his wife, vulnerable and alone in the dangerous forest, struggled to survive. Nala's dedication to Damayanti remained unwavering, and he continued to live in secrecy, unknown to all as the true king of the Nishadhas.
Despite his outward appearance as Vahuka, Nala's heart remained loyal to Damayanti, whom he deeply missed and longed to be reunited with. The emotional turmoil of being separated from his wife weighed heavily on Nala, driving him to seek solace in reciting heartfelt verses in her memory. As Nala's days passed in Rituparna's city, his love for Damayanti grew stronger, proving to be a constant source of pain and longing in his heart.
Nala's hidden identity as the king of the Nishadhas added a layer of complexity to his interactions with those around him, as he struggled to conceal his true self while carrying the burden of his love for Damayanti. Despite his outward appearance as Vahuka, Nala's true identity continued to shape his behavior and emotions, keeping alive the flame of his love for his estranged wife. The secrecy and emotional turmoil surrounding Nala's life in Rituparna's city added depth to his character and the complexity of his relationships with those around him.
Full English translation:
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Section LXVII, 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 Mahabharata, Section LXVII:
Who is the character Vahuka and what skills does he possess?
Vahuka is actually Nala in disguise, skilled in managing steeds, cooking, and problem-solving. He serves as a superintendent of stables for King Rituparna.
Why does Nala lament for his wife? Nala laments for his wife, Damayanti, who followed him into the woods after he was separated from her due to his own faults. She now wanders alone, facing hunger and danger.
How does Nala continue to live unknown in Rituparna's abode? Nala, disguised as Vahuka, lives in Rituparna's city, maintaining his skills and loyalty while secretly yearning for his wife, Damayanti. He recites a sloka every night, reflecting on his past life with her.
Daily life: Vahuka's Life in Rituparna's City: Nala's Tale:
The story tells of king Nala, under the pseudonym Vahuka, seeking refuge and work in the city of Rituparna after a series of misfortunes, including being separated from his wife, Damayanti. Despite his circumstances, Nala offers his skills and dedication to King Rituparna, showcasing resilience and the willingness to rebuild his life by working as a superintendent of the stables. His nightly lamentations for his lost wife reveal a deep sense of loyalty and longing. This tale teaches the importance of perseverance, adaptability, and the enduring strength of love through Nala’s character.
In daily life, the narrative encourages us not to succumb to despair during difficult times. Like Nala, facing challenges with resilience allows us to find new opportunities, even in unfamiliar environments. It reminds us that offering our skills and effort, regardless of our situation, can lead to respect and eventual recovery. Additionally, Nala's undying love for Damayanti symbolizes the power of emotional fidelity, urging us to remain true to our connections despite physical distances or circumstances. Adapting to life’s adversities, holding onto hope for reunification, and maintaining integrity in our actions and relationships are crucial lessons from Nala's story that we can implement in our lives.