Virdarbha was flooded with handsome Princes from all over the country, accompanied by their retinues. The kingdom was juggling between the chaos and merriment brought about by the Swayamvar of their beloved Princess, Damayanti.
Eminent kings, charming princes and even mighty Gods came to woo the Vaidhatbhi. Gods and humans, alike wanted to win her hand. But little did anyone know that her heart was set upon the virtuous Prince the mystical swan spoke of. The ruler of Nishadha, Nala has already robbed the Princess of her sleep.
The Princess was making a garland of the flowers she had picked that morning, when the swan had arrived outside her window. The swan began to speak,
“O Princess Vaidhatbhi! I wish to tell you about King Nala. He is the bravest of all kings, and the most compassionate. A more handsome man does not exist in the universe! On his insistence, I come here to profess his love for you.”
Damayanti was determined to marry this Prince, for she irrecoverably in love with him. The king of Vidharbha, Bhima sent invites through his messengers to every corner of the country, seeking for prospective suitors.
Hearing about the grandeur of Damayanti’s swayamvara, Indra along with Varun, Vayu and Agni was keen on making the Princess choose one of them and have a moral maiden as their consort. However, they were well aware of the Princess’s special fondness for Nala. Hoping to eliminate competition they approached the young prince,
“O Noble Prince! We are the rulers of celestial regions. I am the King of the Gods, Indra! I am humbly requesting you to be our ambassador and convey our message to the Vaidhatbhi.”
The naïve prince looked at them with bewilderment for further clarification. Taking advantage of his humble nature, the Gods asked him to convince the Princess to marry one them. In spite of being in love with Damayanti, the modest Prince couldn’t refuse the Gods.
In the darkness of night, avoiding the vigilant watch of the guards, Nala entered Damayanti’s chamber. The women of her dreams lay there peacefully, clad in all crimson. She was even more beautiful than he had thought. His heart became heavy at the notion of seeing her married off to one of the Gods. He has spent sleepless night thinking about his future with her. And now with so close to getting what he wanted, he’ll have to lose her to the celestial guardians. As he stepped out of his hiding, the copper vase on the floor tumbled, unable to take his sudden collision with it. The Princess woke up.
“Who is there?” the terrified Princess asked. Her somnolent doe eyes were looking around the room for the source of the noise. As Nala stepped out of darkness, clad in his shining armour, Damayanti knew it was the Prince of her dreams.
The anguished Prince spoke, “I am Prince Nala of Nishadha. I am come on behalf of the Gods, Indra, Varun, Vayu and Agni. Enchanted by your beauty, they eagerly await for you to choose one of them as your husband.”
Damayanti couldn’t believe that the man she loved came asking her to marry another man! At first she was heartbroken, but on seeing his melancholic eyes the Princess knew that it wasn’t his heart that was speaking. Gently holding his hands, the Princess smiled at him,
“But my love, the only man I’d ever want is you! You are who I want to live my life with, share my happiness and your sorrow. I am just a mortal being. I am not meant for Gods or anyone else, but only for you my beloved.”
The Prince’s eyes lit with jouissance, “But what about the Gods?”
“I am sure even my father would agree that as woman I have right to choose my husband.”
The hopeful lovers promised each other that no matter what tomorrow will be the day they get united. As the night drew towards dawn, the restless lovers prepared for the dreadful hour of Swayamvara. Little did they knew that fate at a little humor stored for them.
In the Swayamvara, the four Gods decided to play their final act of winning Damayanti. Guised in the look of Nala himself, the four Gods sat beside the Prince to confuse Damayanti. The five Nalas were supposed to confound the Princess. However, on seeing the real Nala’s blushing cheeks, The Vaidhatbhi knew that it was he. The imperfections of Nala separated him from the Gods.
The hymns and verses echoed in the palace as celebrations of Nala and Damayanti’s marriage continued in Vidarbha.
TRUE FICTIONS 