Section LXXVI [summary]
Book index: Mahabharata (English)
This page contains a summary of the Mahabharata Section LXXVI 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, suspecting that Vahuka might be her lost husband Nala, sends her maid Kesini to test him. After confirming her suspicions, Damayanti requests her parents' permission to see Nala. Bhima gives his consent, and Damayanti is finally reunited with Nala, who is overwhelmed with grief and sorrow upon seeing her. Nala explains that his actions were influenced by the evil spirit Kali, who had possessed him because of Damayanti's curse. Damayanti, convinced of Nala's innocence, vows her loyalty to him and expresses her joy at their reunion.
Damayanti recalls how she had sent Brahmanas to find Nala and recover him from Rituparna's palace in Kosala. The Wind-god and other gods confirm Damayanti's righteousness, stating that she has done no wrong. Nala, touched by Damayanti's unwavering love and devotion, sheds his doubts and regains his true form. Embracing each other, Nala and Damayanti weep tears of joy, finally reunited after years of separation. The queen-mother informs Bhima of the reconciliation, and he agrees to meet Nala and Damayanti the next day.
Nala and Damayanti spend the night reminiscing about their past struggles and experiences in the forest. The next day, they meet with Bhima, who welcomes Nala back into the kingdom with Damayanti by his side. Nala and Damayanti cherish their reunion, enjoying each other's company and finding happiness in their restored relationship. After four years of separation, Nala and Damayanti are finally reunited, their love and trust in each other stronger than ever. Damayanti rejoices in regaining her husband, feeling as if she has received a shower of blessings after a long period of hardship.
Full English translation:
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Section LXXVI, 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 LXXVI:
What did Damayanti do to try and confirm if Vahuka was Nala?
She sent a message through Kesini to her mother to arrange a meeting. Damayanti eventually met Vahuka and expressed her doubts, leading to a heartfelt reunion.
What caused Nala to leave Damayanti and lose his kingdom?
Kali, the evil spirit, possessed Nala due to a curse from Damayanti. Nala's actions were not of his own will, but influenced by Kali's malevolent presence.
How did Damayanti prove her loyalty to Nala?
Damayanti swore an oath by the gods that she never committed any sin. The Wind-god and other celestial beings testified to Damayanti's innocence and loyalty to Nala.
How did Nala and Damayanti reunite and restore their happiness?
After a message from the Wind-god and witnessing celestial signs, Nala revealed his true form. Nala and Damayanti embraced, shedding tears of joy, and were happily reunited with their children.
Mahabharata Section LXXVI in daily life:
In our daily lives, it’s essential to learn from the steadfast devotion and trust exhibited by Damayanti towards her husband, Nala, even during the gravest of misunderstandings and separations. At times, we might find ourselves in situations riddled with miscommunication or doubts within our personal relationships. Like Damayanti, who utilized every means at her disposal to seek the truth and reunite with Nala, we should strive to understand the true intentions of others, rather than jumping to conclusions or harboring unwarranted suspicions.
The tale also teaches us the virtues of patience and faithfulness. Damayanti’s unwavering fidelity, even in the face of societal pressures to move on, highlights the strength found in steadfast loyalty. Likewise, we should remain true to our commitments, believing in the potential for reconciliation and healing, even when the circumstances seem dire.
Nala's struggles, compounded by external forces beyond his control, remind us that often, our actions and decisions are influenced by aspects we might not be fully aware of. Thus, it's crucial to show compassion and forgiveness, both to ourselves and others, recognizing that we all have our battles, sometimes invisible to others. Just as Nala and Damayanti found their way back to each other through understanding and forgiveness, we too can mend ruptures in our relationships with empathy and open-heartedness.
In essence, this story encourages us to cultivate perseverance, loyalty, and forgiveness in our daily interactions. By embodying these values, we can navigate the complexities of human relationships with grace and compassion, fostering deeper connections and understanding.