Critical Edition
बृहदश्व उवाच सा निहत्य मृगव्याधं प्रतस्थे कमलेक्षणा वनं प्रतिभयं शून्यं झिल्लिकागणनादितम्
M. N. Dutt: Brihadashva said: Thus having slain the huntsman she, of eyes resembling lotus leaves, entered deeper and deeper into that desolate and dreadful forest, echoing with the jingling of crickets.
सिंहव्याघ्रवराहर्क्षरुरुद्वीपिनिषेवितम् नानापक्षिगणाकीर्णं म्लेच्छतस्करसेवितम्
M. N. Dutt: That forest full of lions, leopards, Rurus tigers, buffaloes, bear and deer; swarming with various kinds of birds; inhabited by robbers and low hybrid tribes.
शालवेणुधवाश्वत्थतिन्दुकेङ्गुदकिंशुकैः अर्जुनारिष्टसंछन्नं चन्दनैश्च सशाल्मलैः
AI Translation: With śāla, bamboo, dhava, aśvattha, tiṇduka, kiṃśuka, Covered with arjuna and ariṣṭa, with sandal and śalmali trees,
जम्ब्वाम्रलोध्रखदिरशाकवेत्रसमाकुलम् काश्मर्यामलकप्लक्षकदम्बोदुम्बरावृतम्
AI Translation: Filled with jambū, mango, lodhra, khadira, vegetables, and bamboo, Surrounded by kaśmarī, amalaka, plum, kadamba, and udumbara trees,
बदरीबिल्वसंछन्नं न्यग्रोधैश्च समाकुलम् प्रियालतालखर्जूरहरीतकबिभीतकैः
AI Translation: Covered with badari and bilva trees, and crowded with banyan trees, With priyala, tala, kharjūra, haritaka and bibhītaka trees,
नानाधातुशतैर्नद्धान्विविधानपि चाचलान् निकुञ्जान्पक्षिसंघुष्टान्दरीश्चाद्भुतदर्शनाः नदीः सरांसि वापीश्च विविधांश्च मृगद्विजान्
M. N. Dutt: She (Damayanti) saw, many mountains containing mines of different kinds of metals, groves singing with the notes of birds; many valleys of beautiful sight.
सा बहून्भीमरूपांश्च पिशाचोरगराक्षसान् पल्वलानि तडागानि गिरिकूटानि सर्वशः सरितः सागरांश्चैव ददर्शाद्भुतदर्शनान्
M. N. Dutt: Many rivers, lakes, expanses of water and various kinds of birds and beasts; large number of serpents, Rakshasas and goblins of frightful figures; and pools, tanks, mountain-peaks on all sides; and streams and cataracts of picturesque appearance.
यूथशो ददृशे चात्र विदर्भाधिपनन्दिनी महिषान्वराहान्गोमायूनृक्षवानरपन्नगान्
AI Translation: And there she saw the herd of elephants, the delight of the lord of Vidarbha, elephants, boars, buffaloes, bears, monkeys, snakes,
तेजसा यशसा स्थित्या श्रिया च परया युता वैदर्भी विचरत्येका नलमन्वेषती तदा
AI Translation: Endowed with splendor, fame, stability, and supreme glory, The daughter of Vidarbha roamed alone, seeking Nala at that time.
Supplementary Passages:
3.61.9 After 9, B4 ins.: *257 अतिभीमे वने तत्र यूथभ्रष्टा मृगी यथा
नाबिभ्यत्सा नृपसुता भैमी तत्राथ कस्यचित् दारुणामटवीं प्राप्य भर्तृव्यसनकर्शिता
M. N. Dutt: Afflicted at her husband's calamity and having entered into that fearful forest, that princess, the daughter of Bhima, was not afraid of anything.
विदर्भतनया राजन्विललाप सुदुःखिता भर्तृशोकपरीताङ्गी शिलातलसमाश्रिता
M. N. Dutt: O King! the royal daughter of the king of the Vidharbhas, seating herself down on the surface of a stone, greatly aggrieved and with her limbs trembling with sorrow for her husband, thus lamented.
दमयन्त्युवाच सिंहोरस्क महाबाहो निषधानां जनाधिप क्व नु राजन्गतोऽसीह त्यक्त्वा मां निर्जने वने
AI Translation: Damayanti said: O lion-chested one, O mighty one, O lord of the people of Nishadha, O king, where have you gone, leaving me in this desolate forest?
Supplementary Passages:
3.61.12 After the ref., B4 ins.: *258 यथोक्तं च त्वया कान्त मत्समक्षं च मत्प्रियम् स्मर्तुमर्हसि कल्याण वचः पार्थिवनन्दन
अश्वमेधादिभिर्वीर क्रतुभिः स्वाप्तदक्षिणैः कथमिष्ट्वा नरव्याघ्र मयि मिथ्या प्रवर्तसे
AI Translation: O hero, having performed the horse sacrifice and other sacrifices with ample sacrificial fees, O tiger among men, having worshipped in this way, why do you act falsely towards me?
यत्त्वयोक्तं नरव्याघ्र मत्समक्षं महाद्युते कर्तुमर्हसि कल्याण तदृतं पार्थिवर्षभ
M. N. Dutt: O foremost of men! O auspicious one! O your of blazing lustre! O excellent of kings! you ought to remember the words you did utter in my presence.
यथोक्तं विहगैर्हंसैः समीपे तव भूमिप मत्सकाशे च तैरुक्तं तदवेक्षितुमर्हसि
M. N. Dutt: O ruler of earth! you ought also to remember what the sky-ranging swans said before you and also what they declared before me.
चत्वार एकतो वेदाः साङ्गोपाङ्गाः सविस्तराः स्वधीता मानवश्रेष्ठ सत्यमेकं किलैकतः
M. N. Dutt: O foremost of men! surely the performance of one single promise on one side, weighs equal with the study of the four Vedas in all their extent and the Angas and Upangas taken together, on the other.
Supplementary Passages:
3.61.16 After 16, B4 ins.: *259 अश्वमेधसहस्रं च सत्यं च तुलया धृतम् अश्वमेधसहस्रात्तु सत्यमेवातिरिच्यते
तस्मादर्हसि शत्रुघ्न सत्यं कर्तुं नरेश्वर उक्तवानसि यद्वीर मत्सकाशे पुरा वचः
M. N. Dutt: "Therefore, O slayer of your adversaries! O lord of men! O brave one! you ought to fulfill your promise, that you did make before, in my presence.
हा वीर ननु नामाहमिष्टा किल तवानघ अस्यामटव्यां घोरायां किं मां न प्रतिभाषसे
M. N. Dutt: Alas O hero! O Nala! verily am I done for in this wood, although I belong to you. O sinless one! wherefore do you not answer me lost in this dreary forest?
भर्त्सयत्येष मां रौद्रो व्यात्तास्यो दारुणाकृतिः अरण्यराट्क्षुधाविष्टः किं मां न त्रातुमर्हसि
M. N. Dutt: This fearful sylvan sovereign, of expanded jaws and frightful figure and oppressed with hunger, is distressing me. Do it not befit you to save me?
न मे त्वदन्या सुभगे प्रिया इत्यब्रवीस्तदा तामृतां कुरु कल्याण पुरोक्तां भारतीं नृप
M. N. Dutt: You did always use to say, 'Except yourself, there is none dear unto me' O auspicious one! O king! prove the truth of that assertion you did make previously.
उन्मत्तां विलपन्तीं मां भार्यामिष्टां नराधिप ईप्सितामीप्सितो नाथ किं मां न प्रतिभाषसे
M. N. Dutt: O ruler of men! wherefore do you not answer me, your dear wife, raft of reason and bewailing you, although you love her and are loved in return?
कृशां दीनां विवर्णां च मलिनां वसुधाधिप वस्त्रार्धप्रावृतामेकां विलपन्तीमनाथवत्
AI Translation: O king, she was emaciated, miserable, pale, and dirty. She was covered with half a garment and was crying like an orphan.
यूथभ्रष्टामिवैकां मां हरिणीं पृथुलोचन न मानयसि मानार्ह रुदतीमरिकर्शन
AI Translation: O you of large eyes, you do not honour me, who am like a deer separated from the herd, who am weeping, though worthy of honour, O destroyer of enemies.
महाराज महारण्ये मामिहैकाकिनीं सतीम् आभाषमाणां स्वां पत्नीं किं मां न प्रतिभाषसे
M. N. Dutt: O mighty monarch! in this vast wilderness I, your best-loved Damayanti, now forlorn and forsaken, am calling out your name; why do you not answer me?
कुलशीलोपसंपन्नं चारुसर्वाङ्गशोभनम् नाद्य त्वामनुपश्यामि गिरावस्मिन्नरोत्तम वने चास्मिन्महाघोरे सिंहव्याघ्रनिषेविते
AI Translation: One who is endowed with good family and character, beautiful in all limbs, I do not see you today on this earth, O best of men. In this great and terrible forest, frequented by lions and tigers,
Supplementary Passages:
3.61.25 After 25ab, T2 G2-4 M2 ins.: *260 अनुव्रतां महाराज किं मां न प्रतिभाषसे
शयानमुपविष्टं वा स्थितं वा निषधाधिप प्रस्थितं वा नरश्रेष्ठ मम शोकविवर्धन
AI Translation: O lord of the Nishādas, whether you are lying down, sitting, or standing, or whether you are setting out, O best of men, you are an increase of my sorrow.
कं नु पृच्छामि दुःखार्ता त्वदर्थे शोककर्शिता कच्चिद्दृष्टस्त्वयारण्ये संगत्येह नलो नृपः
AI Translation: Who should I ask, who is afflicted with grief for your sake, who is tormented by sorrow? Have you seen the king Nala, who has come here after meeting you in the forest?
को नु मे कथयेदद्य वनेऽस्मिन्विष्ठितं नलम् अभिरूपं महात्मानं परव्यूहविनाशनम्
AI Translation: Who will tell me today, while I am staying in this forest, about Nala, who is handsome, great-souled, and the destroyer of the enemy's array?
यमन्वेषसि राजानं नलं पद्मनिभेक्षणम् अयं स इति कस्याद्य श्रोष्यामि मधुरां गिरम्
M. N. Dutt: From whose lips shall I this day hear these honeyed words viz. 'That graceful and highsouled king Nala of eyes resembling lotus leaves, the slayer of hostile troops, in quest of whom you are wandering in this forest, is staying even here.'
अरण्यराडयं श्रीमांश्चतुर्दंष्ट्रो महाहनुः शार्दूलोऽभिमुखः प्रैति पृच्छाम्येनमशङ्किता
M. N. Dutt: Yonder come the handsome sovereign of the forests, the tiger having four teeth and protruding jaws. Even unto him shall I repair fearlessly. You are the lord of beasts. You are the king of this forest.
Supplementary Passages:
3.61.30 After 30, B4 ins.: *261 इति भ्रमन्ती ददर्श शार्दूलं च महाहनुम् तमुवाच रुदन्ती तु त्वमेवात्र नराधिपः
भवान्मृगाणामधिपस्त्वमस्मिन्कानने प्रभुः विदर्भराजतनयां दमयन्तीति विद्धि माम्
AI Translation: You are the lord of the deer in this forest. Know me as Damayanti, the daughter of the king of Vidarbha.
निषधाधिपतेर्भार्यां नलस्यामित्रघातिनः पतिमन्वेषतीमेकां कृपणां शोककर्शिताम् आश्वासय मृगेन्द्रेह यदि दृष्टस्त्वया नलः
M. N. Dutt: O lord of animals! console me-who am, alone seeking my husband, distressed and woestricken-with the news of Nala if you have at all seen him.
Supplementary Passages:
3.61.32 After 32, S (except M2; G1 missing) ins.: *262 सिंहस्कन्धो महाबाहुः पद्मपत्रनिभेक्षणः
अथ वारण्यनृपते नलं यदि न शंससि मामदस्व मृगश्रेष्ठ विशोकां कुरु दुःखिताम्
AI Translation: If you, king of the forest, do not tell me about Nala, then kill me, best of deer, and make me free from sorrow, afflicted as I am.
श्रुत्वारण्ये विलपितं ममैष मृगराट्स्वयम् यात्येतां मृष्टसलिलामापगां सागरंगमाम्
M. N. Dutt: Hearing me bewailing in this wilderness, this forest king himself, is wending towards the rivulet containing tasteful water that is rolling towards the sea.
इमं शिलोच्चयं पुण्यं शृङ्गैर्बहुभिरुच्छ्रितैः विराजद्भिर्दिवस्पृग्भिर्नैकवर्णैर्मनोरमैः
M. N. Dutt: I shall now for the tidings of the kings, ask yonder king of mountains, adorned with various beautiful and many hued peaks reaching the skies.
नानाधातुसमाकीर्णं विविधोपलभूषितम् अस्यारण्यस्य महतः केतुभूतमिवोच्छ्रितम्
M. N. Dutt: Containing heaps of sacred rocks; replete with many kinds of metals; decked with diverse pieces of stones; flowing like streamer over this wide wilderness.
सिंहशार्दूलमातङ्गवराहर्क्षमृगायुतम् पतत्रिभिर्बहुविधैः समन्तादनुनादितम्
M. N. Dutt: Haunted by lions, tigers, elephants, boars, bears and deers; ringing on all sides with the notes of various kinds of birds.
किंशुकाशोकबकुलपुंनागैरुपशोभितम् सरिद्भिः सविहंगाभिः शिखरैश्चोपशोभितम् गिरिराजमिमं तावत्पृच्छामि नृपतिं प्रति
M. N. Dutt: The mountain abounding in rivers infested by water fowls; and decorated with crested summits. Now I ask about king Nala from the king of mountain.
Supplementary Passages:
3.61.38 After 38ab, K2 B (except B1) Dc Dn D4.6 ins.: *263 कर्णिकारधवप्लक्षैः सुपुष्पैरुपशोभितम् After 38cd, T2 G2-4 M1 ins.: *264 पृथिव्या रुचिराकारं चूडामणिमिव स्थितम्
भगवन्नचलश्रेष्ठ दिव्यदर्शन विश्रुत शरण्य बहुकल्याण नमस्तेऽस्तु महीधर
M. N. Dutt: Damayanti said : O mighty and foremost of mountains! O you of picturesque appearance! O highly famous hill! O you shelter (of the distressed)! O highly blessed hill! O you pillar of the Earth! I salute you.
प्रणमे त्वाभिगम्याहं राजपुत्रीं निबोध माम् राज्ञः स्नुषां राजभार्यां दमयन्तीति विश्रुताम्
M. N. Dutt: Approaching I bow down unto you. Know me for a kings' daughter, a king's daughter-inlaw, a king's wife and for Damayanti by name.
राजा विदर्भाधिपतिः पिता मम महारथः भीमो नाम क्षितिपतिश्चातुर्वर्ण्यस्य रक्षिता
M. N. Dutt: The royal Bhima, the ruler of the Vidharbhas, the great warrior, the lord of the Earth and the protector of the four different orders, is my sire.
राजसूयाश्वमेधानां क्रतूनां दक्षिणावताम् आहर्ता पार्थिवश्रेष्ठः पृथुचार्वञ्चितेक्षणः
AI Translation: The best of kings, with eyes long and beautiful, was the performer of the sacrifices with gifts, the royal consecration and horse sacrifices.
ब्रह्मण्यः साधुवृत्तश्च सत्यवागनसूयकः शीलवान्सुसमाचारः पृथुश्रीर्धर्मविच्छुचिः
AI Translation: He was devoted to Brahman, of good conduct, truthful in speech, and free from envy. He was of good character, well-behaved, of great glory, righteous, and pure.
सम्यग्गोप्ता विदर्भाणां निर्जितारिगणः प्रभुः तस्य मां विद्धि तनयां भगवंस्त्वामुपस्थिताम्
AI Translation: The protector of Vidarbha, the lord who has conquered the hordes of enemies, Know me to be his daughter, O Blessed One, I have come to you.
निषधेषु महाशैल श्वशुरो मे नृपोत्तमः सुगृहीतनामा विख्यातो वीरसेन इति स्म ह
M. N. Dutt: My father-in-law, the foremost of men, was the illustrious sovereign ruling over the Nishadhas. He was known under the name of Virasena and was of high renown.
तस्य राज्ञः सुतो वीरः श्रीमान्सत्यपराक्रमः क्रमप्राप्तं पितुः स्वं यो राज्यं समनुशास्ति ह
AI Translation: The son of that king, the hero, the glorious one, the one of true valor, he who rules over his father's kingdom, which has come to him in due course,
नलो नामारिदमनः पुण्यश्लोक इति श्रुतः ब्रह्मण्यो वेदविद्वाग्मी पुण्यकृत्सोमपोऽग्निचित्
AI Translation: Nala, the destroyer of enemies, was known as Punyashloka. He was virtuous, learned in the Vedas, eloquent, a performer of meritorious deeds, a drinker of Soma, and a kindler of the sacred fire.
यष्टा दाता च योद्धा च सम्यक्चैव प्रशासिता तस्य मामचलश्रेष्ठ विद्धि भार्यामिहागताम्
AI Translation: The one who worships, gives, fights, and rules properly Know me, O best of the immovable ones, to be his wife who has come here.
Supplementary Passages:
3.61.48 After 48ab, T2 G3.4 ins.: *265 पुण्यश्लोक इति ख्यातो ब्रह्मण्यो वेदवित्तमः
त्यक्तश्रियं भर्तृहीनामनाथां व्यसनान्विताम् अन्वेषमाणां भर्तारं तं वै नरवरोत्तमम्
AI Translation: Destitute of glory, bereft of her husband, helpless, afflicted with sorrow, Seeking her husband, the best of men,
खमुल्लिखद्भिरेतैर्हि त्वया शृङ्गशतैर्नृपः कच्चिद्दृष्टोऽचलश्रेष्ठ वनेऽस्मिन्दारुणे नलः
M. N. Dutt: O foremost of mountains! by means of your hundred peaks reaching the skies, have you seen anywhere in this dreary wilderness the royal Nala?
गजेन्द्रविक्रमो धीमान्दीर्घबाहुरमर्षणः विक्रान्तः सत्यवाग्धीरो भर्ता मम महायशाः निषधानामधिपतिः कच्चिद्दृष्टस्त्वया नलः
M. N. Dutt: Have you anywhere seen the heroic and unconquerable Nala, my husband, the ruler of the Nishadhas, with the gait of an elephant of great intelligence, having long arms, of illustrious renown, endued with prowess and possessed of energy? O best of mountains! seeing me desolate and lamenting and fainting (with grief) wherefore do you not console me by speaking to me as your own afflicted daughter.
Supplementary Passages:
3.61.51 D1.3 ins. after 51: D2 subst. for 51ef: *266 यदि दृष्टः क्वचित्ते स नलो राजा मम प्रियः T G2-4 M ins. after 51: *267 महीधरसमो धैर्ये महीधर महीपतिः
किं मां विलपतीमेकां पर्वतश्रेष्ठ दुःखिताम् गिरा नाश्वासयस्यद्य स्वां सुतामिव दुःखिताम्
AI Translation: O best of mountains, why do you not comfort me, your only daughter, who am weeping and miserable, with your words?
वीर विक्रान्त धर्मज्ञ सत्यसंध महीपते यद्यस्यस्मिन्वने राजन्दर्शयात्मानमात्मना
AI Translation: O hero, O valiant one, O knower of dharma, O one who keeps his promises, O lord of the earth, If you, O king, wish to show yourself to yourself in this forest,
कदा नु स्निग्धगम्भीरां जीमूतस्वनसंनिभाम् श्रोष्यामि नैषधस्याहं वाचं ताममृतोपमाम्
AI Translation: When shall I hear the voice of Nala, deep and sweet, like the sound of a cloud, like nectar, the voice of Nala, the son of Niṣadha?
वैदर्भीत्येव कथितां शुभां राज्ञो महात्मनः आम्नायसारिणीमृद्धां मम शोकनिबर्हिणीम्
AI Translation: The auspicious one, called Vaidarbhī, of the great-souled king, The one who is rich in the essence of the Vedas, which removes my sorrow,
Supplementary Passages:
3.61.55 After 55, N (except D1) ins.: *268 भीतामाश्वासय च मां नृपते धर्मवत्सल
इति सा तं गिरिश्रेष्ठमुक्त्वा पार्थिवनन्दिनी दमयन्ती ततो भूयो जगाम दिशमुत्तराम्
M. N. Dutt: Having spoken in the above manner to the foremost of mountains, the princess Damayanti again roamed towards the northern quarters.
सा गत्वा त्रीनहोरात्रान्ददर्श परमाङ्गना तापसारण्यमतुलं दिव्यकाननदर्शनम्
AI Translation: Having gone there for three nights and days, she saw the supreme lady The incomparable forest of penance, with the sight of the divine forest.
वसिष्ठभृग्वत्रिसमैस्तापसैरुपशोभितम् नियतैः संयताहारैर्दमशौचसमन्वितैः
AI Translation: Adorned by ascetics like Vasishtha, Bhrigu, and Atri, By those who are restrained, controlled in diet, endowed with self-control and purity,
अब्भक्षैर्वायुभक्षैश्च पत्राहारैस्तथैव च जितेन्द्रियैर्महाभागैः स्वर्गमार्गदिदृक्षुभिः
AI Translation: Those who subsist on water, air, or leaves, and those who have conquered their senses, the greatly fortunate ones, who seek the path to heaven,
वल्कलाजिनसंवीतैर्मुनिभिः संयतेन्द्रियैः तापसाध्युषितं रम्यं ददर्शाश्रममण्डलम्
AI Translation: He saw a circle of hermitages, inhabited by ascetics, delightful, covered with bark and antelope skin, by sages with controlled senses.
सा दृष्ट्वैवाश्रमपदं नानामृगनिषेवितम् शाखामृगगणैश्चैव तापसैश्च समन्वितम्
AI Translation: Seeing the hermitage, frequented by various animals, and inhabited by herds of deer and ascetics,
Supplementary Passages:
3.61.61 Ś1 K Dn D1-3.5.6 subst. for 61: T1 (om. line 1) ins. after 63: *269 नानामृगगणैर्जुष्टं शाखामृगगणैर्युतम् तापसैः समुपेतं च सा दृष्ट्वैव समाश्वसत् After 61, T2 G (except G1) ins.: *270 सा दृष्ट्वैवाश्रमपदं दमयन्ती समाश्वसत्
सुभ्रूः सुकेशी सुश्रोणी सुकुचा सुद्विजानना वर्चस्विनी सुप्रतिष्ठा स्वञ्चितोद्यतगामिनी
AI Translation: With beautiful eyebrows, beautiful hair, beautiful hips, beautiful breasts, beautiful face, beautiful teeth, Radiant, well-established, walking with a swaying gait,
सा विवेशाश्रमपदं वीरसेनसुतप्रिया योषिद्रत्नं महाभागा दमयन्ती मनस्विनी
AI Translation: The glorious and noble Damayanti, the jewel among women, the beloved of the son of Virāta, entered the hermitage.
Supplementary Passages:
3.61.63 After 63, M2 reads 61cd; while T1 ins. line 2 of 269*. On the other hand, T2 G2-4 ins. after 63: *271 आश्वासिता तदा भैमी तापसैः सह संगता
साभिवाद्य तपोवृद्धान्विनयावनता स्थिता स्वागतं त इति प्रोक्ता तैः सर्वैस्तापसैश्च सा
M. N. Dutt: She, saluting those sages grown old in the practice of austerities, stood in an attitude of humility. In that forest she was offered 'welcome' by those ascetics.
Supplementary Passages:
3.61.64 After 65, T1 M2 ins.: *272 पूजां चक्रे यथान्यायमृषीणां सा मनस्विनी
पूजां चास्या यथान्यायं कृत्वा तत्र तपोधनाः आस्यतामित्यथोचुस्ते ब्रूहि किं करवामहे
M. N. Dutt: Then those ascetics, offering due adoration unto her, said, 'Sit yourself down and speak what shall we do for you?”
तानुवाच वरारोहा कच्चिद्भगवतामिह तपस्यग्निषु धर्मेषु मृगपक्षिषु चानघाः कुशलं वो महाभागाः स्वधर्मचरणेषु च
M. N. Dutt: That damsel of delicate loins replied unto them saying, 'O sinless ones! O you of eminent parts! is everything progressing well regarding your rigid austerities, (sacrificial). Fires, your righteousness, the religious rites of your own sect and the birds and beasts of this herinitage?” And they answered her saying, 'O illustrious lady! O blessed one! prosperity attend us in every respect.
Supplementary Passages:
3.61.66 After 66cd, S ins.: *273 अपि स्वाध्याययोगेषु धर्मदेहेषु वा पुनः
तैरुक्ता कुशलं भद्रे सर्वत्रेति यशस्विनी ब्रूहि सर्वानवद्याङ्गि का त्वं किं च चिकीर्षसि
AI Translation: The glorious one, thus addressed by them, said, "Well, good lady, everywhere." "Tell us, O faultless-limbed one, who are you and what do you desire
दृष्ट्वैव ते परं रूपं द्युतिं च परमामिह विस्मयो नः समुत्पन्नः समाश्वसिहि मा शुचः
AI Translation: Seeing your supreme form and supreme splendor here, we are filled with wonder. Be at ease, do not grieve.
अस्यारण्यस्य महती देवता वा महीभृतः अस्या नु नद्याः कल्याणि वद सत्यमनिन्दिते
AI Translation: "The great deity of this forest, the supporter of the earth, " "Tell me, O beautiful one, the truth, O blameless one, about this river."
साब्रवीत्तानृषीन्नाहमरण्यस्यास्य देवता न चाप्यस्य गिरेर्विप्रा न नद्या देवताप्यहम्
AI Translation: She said to the sages, "I am not the deity of this forest, nor of this mountain, nor of this river, O Brahmins.
मानुषीं मां विजानीत यूयं सर्वे तपोधनाः विस्तरेणाभिधास्यामि तन्मे शृणुत सर्वशः
AI Translation: All of you who are rich in austerities, know me to be a human woman. I shall relate it in detail. Listen to it all.
विदर्भेषु महीपालो भीमो नाम महाद्युतिः तस्य मां तनयां सर्वे जानीत द्विजसत्तमाः
AI Translation: In the land of Vidarbha, there was a king named Bhima, of great splendor. All of you best of Brahmins, know me to be his daughter.
निषधाधिपतिर्धीमान्नलो नाम महायशाः वीरः संग्रामजिद्विद्वान्मम भर्ता विशां पतिः
AI Translation: The wise king of the Nishadhas, named Nala, of great fame, The hero, the conqueror in battle, the learned, my husband, the lord of the people,
देवताभ्यर्चनपरो द्विजातिजनवत्सलः गोप्ता निषधवंशस्य महाभागो महाद्युतिः
AI Translation: Devoted to worshipping the gods, affectionate towards the twice-born people, Protector of the Nishadha lineage, greatly fortunate, greatly radiant,
सत्यवाग्धर्मवित्प्राज्ञः सत्यसंधोऽरिमर्दनः ब्रह्मण्यो दैवतपरः श्रीमान्परपुरंजयः
AI Translation: Truthful, knowing dharma, wise, true to his word, destroyer of enemies, Virtuous, devoted to the gods, glorious, conqueror of enemy cities,
नलो नाम नृपश्रेष्ठो देवराजसमद्युतिः मम भर्ता विशालाक्षः पूर्णेन्दुवदनोऽरिहा
AI Translation: Nala, the best of kings, of the splendor of the king of the gods, my husband, with large eyes, with a face like the full moon, the conqueror of enemies,
आहर्ता क्रतुमुख्यानां वेदवेदाङ्गपारगः सपत्नानां मृधे हन्ता रविसोमसमप्रभः
AI Translation: The performer of the chief sacrifices, the master of the Vedas and Vedangas, The slayer of enemies in battle, having the lustre of the sun and moon,
स कैश्चिन्निकृतिप्रज्ञैरकल्याणैर्नराधमैः आहूय पृथिवीपालः सत्यधर्मपरायणः देवने कुशलैर्जिह्मैर्जितो राज्यं वसूनि च
M. N. Dutt: This king devoted to truthfulness and ruler of the earth, was one day challenged to play a game at dice, by some mean-minded, vile and deceitful men of uncultivated soul and skillful in gambling. He was defeated and lost his wealth and kingdom.
Supplementary Passages:
3.61.78 After 78, S ins.: *274 विवासितश्च नगराद्वनवासमुपेयिवान्
तस्य मामवगच्छध्वं भार्यां राजर्षभस्य वै दमयन्तीति विख्यातां भर्तृदर्शनलालसाम्
M. N. Dutt: Know me to be the consort of that foremost of kings, famous under the name of Damayanti and anxious to enjoy a sight of my missing husband.
सा वनानि गिरींश्चैव सरांसि सरितस्तथा पल्वलानि च रम्याणि तथारण्यानि सर्वशः
AI Translation: She went to the forests, mountains, lakes, rivers, and charming ponds, as well as all the forests.
अन्वेषमाणा भर्तारं नलं रणविशारदम् महात्मानं कृतास्त्रं च विचरामीह दुःखिता
AI Translation: Searching for my husband Nala, skilled in battle, The great-souled one who is skilled in weapons, I wander here in sorrow.
कच्चिद्भगवतां पुण्यं तपोवनमिदं नृपः भवेत्प्राप्तो नलो नाम निषधानां जनाधिपः
AI Translation: "Have you heard, O Blessed One, that the king of the Nishadas, named Nala, has come to this hermitage of yours?"
यत्कृतेऽहमिदं विप्राः प्रपन्ना भृशदारुणम् वनं प्रतिभयं घोरं शार्दूलमृगसेवितम्
AI Translation: O Brahmanas, for his sake I have resorted to this extremely terrible forest, which is fearful and terrible, and frequented by tigers and deer.
यदि कैश्चिदहोरात्रैर्न द्रक्ष्यामि नलं नृपम् आत्मानं श्रेयसा योक्ष्ये देहस्यास्य विमोचनात्
M. N. Dutt: If within a few days and nights I do not see king Nala, I will secure my own welfare by renouncing this body.
Supplementary Passages:
3.61.84 After 84, K4 D1.2 ins.: *275 नारीणामधमा नारी या भर्तुः प्राणसंक्षये पश्चाज्जीवति निस्तेजाः कलेव शशिनो दिवा
को नु मे जीवितेनार्थस्तमृते पुरुषर्षभम् कथं भविष्याम्यद्याहं भर्तृशोकाभिपीडिता
M. N. Dutt: What is the use of my life, separated as I have been, from that foremost of men? How shall I live today, afflicted with sorrow for my husband?"
एवं विलपतीमेकामरण्ये भीमनन्दिनीम् दमयन्तीमथोचुस्ते तापसाः सत्यवादिनः
M. N. Dutt: Those truth-seeing ascetics then said unto the forlorn Damayanti, the daughter of Bhima, who had been bewailing for her lord in the forest.
उदर्कस्तव कल्याणि कल्याणो भविता शुभे वयं पश्याम तपसा क्षिप्रं द्रक्ष्यसि नैषधम्
M. N. Dutt: "O auspicious and blessed one! you shall attain to happiness in future. We see by our power of asceticism, that ere long you shall see Naishadha.
निषधानामधिपतिं नलं रिपुनिघातिनम् भैमि धर्मभृतां श्रेष्ठं द्रक्ष्यसे विगतज्वरम्
AI Translation: You will see Nala, the lord of the Nishadhas, the slayer of enemies, Bhīma, the best of the upholders of dharma, free from fever.
विमुक्तं सर्वपापेभ्यः सर्वरत्नसमन्वितम् तदेव नगरश्रेष्ठं प्रशासन्तमरिंदमम्
AI Translation: Freed from all sins, endowed with all jewels, That very best of cities, ruled by the conqueror of enemies,
द्विषतां भयकर्तारं सुहृदां शोकनाशनम् पतिं द्रक्ष्यसि कल्याणि कल्याणाभिजनं नृपम्
AI Translation: The destroyer of the fear of enemies, the remover of the grief of friends, You will see the husband, the king of good lineage, O fortunate one.
एवमुक्त्वा नलस्येष्टां महिषीं पार्थिवात्मजाम् अन्तर्हितास्तापसास्ते साग्निहोत्राश्रमास्तदा
M. N. Dutt: Having thus spoken to that daughter of a king, the dear-loved queen of Nala, the ascetics, with their sacrificial fires and with the asylum itself, disappeared from sight.
सा दृष्ट्वा महदाश्चर्यं विस्मिता अभवत्तदा दमयन्त्यनवद्याङ्गी वीरसेननृपस्नुषा
M. N. Dutt: Seeing this wondrous phenomenon, Damayanti of faultless shape and limbs and the daughter-in-law of king Virasena became greatly amazed.
Supplementary Passages:
3.61.92 After 92, T1 G1 M ins.: *276 चिन्तयामास वैदर्भी किमेतद्दृष्टवत्यहम्
किं नु स्वप्नो मया दृष्टः कोऽयं विधिरिहाभवत् क्व नु ते तापसाः सर्वे क्व तदाश्रममण्डलम्
M. N. Dutt: Did I dream a dream! what an event have occurred even now? Where are all those ascetics and where is that asylum (gone).
क्व सा पुण्यजला रम्या नानाद्विजनिषेविता नदी ते च नगा हृद्याः फलपुष्पोपशोभिताः
M. N. Dutt: Where is that enchanting rivulet of holy waters, inhabited by water-fowls of various species? Where again are those delightful trees adorned with flowers and fruits?
Supplementary Passages:
3.61.94 After 94, S (except M1) ins.: *277 इत्येवं नरशार्दूल विस्मिता कमलेक्षणा
ध्यात्वा चिरं भीमसुता दमयन्ती शुचिस्मिता भर्तृशोकपरा दीना विवर्णवदनाभवत्
M. N. Dutt: Thus thinking for a while, Damayanti of pure smiles, the daughter of Bhima, indulging in grief for her husband and miserable, grew pale-faced.
सा गत्वाथापरां भूमिं बाष्पसंदिग्धया गिरा विललापाश्रुपूर्णाक्षी दृष्ट्वाशोकतरुं ततः
M. N. Dutt: Thereafter wandering to another part of the forest and beholding there an Ashoka tree, she began to lament, her voice choked with the vapour of grief and her eyes overflowing with tears.
उपगम्य तरुश्रेष्ठमशोकं पुष्पितं तदा पल्लवापीडितं हृद्यं विहंगैरनुनादितम्
M. N. Dutt: She in that forest approached that foremost of trees, the Ashoka, bedecked with flowers, charming, loaded with thick foliage and echoing all round with the notes of birds.
अहो बतायमगमः श्रीमानस्मिन्वनान्तरे आपीडैर्बहुभिर्भाति श्रीमान्द्रमिडराडिव
M. N. Dutt: Oh! this charming tree in the heart of this wilderness ornamented with fruits and flowers, is shining like a glorious king of mountains.
Supplementary Passages:
3.61.98 After 98, K4 D2 ins.: *278 तमुवाच ततोऽशोकं विदर्भाधिपनन्दिनी कृताञ्जलिपुटा दीना भर्तृदर्शनलालसा On the other hand, D1 ins. after 98: *279 तमुवाच महावृक्षं दमयन्ती तथागता Finally, T1 G1 M2 ins. after 98: *280 अशोक शोकापनुद शोकोपहतचेतसम् त्वन्नामानं कुरु क्षिप्रं प्रियसंदर्शनाद्धि माम्
विशोकां कुरु मां क्षिप्रमशोक प्रियदर्शन वीतशोकभयाबाधं कच्चित्त्वं दृष्टवान्नृपम्
M. N. Dutt: "O Ashoka (this tree is fabled to discard the grief of those, who have a view of it)! do you speedily relieve me from my grief, O you of graceful appearance! Have you anywhere in this forest seen king Nala, freed from all grief and fear and unobstructed by any hindrance?
नलं नामारिदमनं दमयन्त्याः प्रियं पतिम् निषधानामधिपतिं दृष्टवानसि मे प्रियम्
AI Translation: Nala, the destroyer of enemies, the beloved husband of Damayanti, the lord of the Nishādas, have you seen my beloved?
एकवस्त्रार्धसंवीतं सुकुमारतनुत्वचम् व्यसनेनार्दितं वीरमरण्यमिदमागतम्
AI Translation: Covered with half a garment, with delicate skin, Afflicted by misfortune, the hero has come to this forest.
यथा विशोका गच्छेयमशोकनग तत्कुरु सत्यनामा भवाशोक मम शोकविनाशनात्
M. N. Dutt: O Ashoka tree! so manage that I may go away from you relieved from all grief. O Ashoka! vindicate your denomination of Ashoka, which mean the destroyer of grief?"
एवं साशोकवृक्षं तमार्ता त्रिः परिगम्य ह जगाम दारुणतरं देशं भैमी वराङ्गना
M. N. Dutt: That excellent of damsels the afflicted daughter of Bhima, then three-times going round the Ashoka tree, entered a more dreary part of the wilderness.
सा ददर्श नगान्नैकान्नैकाश्च सरितस्तथा नैकांश्च पर्वतान्रम्यान्नैकांश्च मृगपक्षिणः
M. N. Dutt: She beheld many trees and many streams, many charming mountains and various kinds of birds and beasts.
कन्दरांश्च नितम्बांश्च नदांश्चाद्भुतदर्शनान् ददर्श सा भीमसुता पतिमन्वेषती तदा
M. N. Dutt: That daughter of Bhima saw, when roaming in quest of her husband, many caverns and ridges and rivulets of amazing sight.
गत्वा प्रकृष्टमध्वानं दमयन्ती शुचिस्मिता ददर्शाथ महासार्थं हस्त्यश्वरथसंकुलम्
AI Translation: Having gone a long distance, Damayanti, with a pure smile, saw a great caravan crowded with elephants, horses, and chariots.
उत्तरन्तं नदीं रम्यां प्रसन्नसलिलां शुभाम् सुशीततोयां विस्तीर्णां ह्रदिनीं वेतसैर्वृताम्
AI Translation: The river Uttarā is beautiful, with clear water and auspicious, with cool water, vast, full of lotuses, and surrounded by reeds.
प्रोद्घुष्टां क्रौञ्चकुररैश्चक्रवाकोपकूजिताम् कूर्मग्राहझषाकीर्णां पुलिनद्वीपशोभिताम्
AI Translation: Resounding with the cries of cranes, curlews, and ruddy geese, Filled with turtles, crocodiles, and alligators, adorned with sandy islands,
सा दृष्ट्वैव महासार्थं नलपत्नी यशस्विनी उपसर्प्य वरारोहा जनमध्यं विवेश ह
AI Translation: Seeing the great caravan, the glorious wife of Nala, approached and entered the midst of the people, the beautiful one.
उन्मत्तरूपा शोकार्ता तथा वस्त्रार्धसंवृता कृशा विवर्णा मलिना पांसुध्वस्तशिरोरुहा
AI Translation: With a mad appearance, afflicted by grief, and half-covered with clothes, Emaciated, pale, and dirty, with hair disheveled by dust,
तां दृष्ट्वा तत्र मनुजाः केचिद्भीताः प्रदुद्रुवुः केचिच्चिन्तापरास्तस्थुः केचित्तत्र विचुक्रुशुः
M. N. Dutt: Seeing her in their midst, some people of the caravan began to fly in fear, some became greatly anxious and some began to cry aloud.
प्रहसन्ति स्म तां केचिदभ्यसूयन्त चापरे चक्रुस्तस्यां दयां केचित्पप्रच्छुश्चापि भारत
M. N. Dutt: Some laughed at her, some began to hate her. Some showed kindness towards her and some, O Bharata, questioned her in the following manner.
कासि कस्यासि कल्याणि किं वा मृगयसे वने त्वां दृष्ट्वा व्यथिताः स्मेह कच्चित्त्वमसि मानुषी
M. N. Dutt: 'O blessed one! who are you and whom do you belong to? What seek you in this forest? Seeing you among us we are greatly anxious! Are you human?
वद सत्यं वनस्यास्य पर्वतस्याथ वा दिशः देवता त्वं हि कल्याणि त्वां वयं शरणं गताः
M. N. Dutt: O blessed one! speak the truth, as to whether you are the deity presiding over this forest or the goddess of this mountain or of the cardinal quarters? We seek your shelter.
यक्षी वा राक्षसी वा त्वमुताहोऽसि वराङ्गना सर्वथा कुरु नः स्वस्ति रक्षस्वास्माननिन्दिते
AI Translation: Are you a Yakshi or a Rakshasi or a beautiful lady? In any case, O blameless one, grant us welfare and protect us.
यथायं सर्वथा सार्थः क्षेमी शीघ्रमितो व्रजेत् तथा विधत्स्व कल्याणि त्वां वयं शरणं गताः
AI Translation: "As this entire caravan may safely and quickly depart from here, " "So, O fortunate one, arrange it so that we may go to you for refuge."
तथोक्ता तेन सार्थेन दमयन्ती नृपात्मजा प्रत्युवाच ततः साध्वी भर्तृव्यसनदुःखिता सार्थवाहं च सार्थं च जना ये चात्र केचन
M. N. Dutt: Thus spoken to by the men of the caravan, the princess Damayanti, devoted to her husband and greatly oppressed with sorrow replied to them thus..
यूनः स्थविरबालाश्च सार्थस्य च पुरोगमाः मानुषीं मां विजानीत मनुजाधिपतेः सुताम् नृपस्नुषां राजभार्यां भर्तृदर्शनलालसाम्
M. N. Dutt: "O leader of the caravan, You traders, You men that belong to this caravan! You youths, you guides of this caravan! Know me for a female human being, a daughter of a royal parent, a daughter-in-law of a sovereign, spouse of a king and as one cager to have a sight of her husband.
विदर्भराण्मम पिता भर्ता राजा च नैषधः नलो नाम महाभागस्तं मार्गाम्यपराजितम्
M. N. Dutt: The sovereign of Vidharbhas is my father, the illustrious Ruler of the Nishadhas is my husband, known under the name of Nala. Even now I am wandering in quest of that unconquerable one.
Supplementary Passages:
3.61.119 After 119ab, K4 ins.: *281 क्व नु मां कितवश्छित्वा वस्त्रार्धं प्रस्थितो मम उत्सृज्य विपिने सुप्तामनुरक्तां प्रियां प्रिय वैषम्यमपि संप्राप्ता गोपायन्ति कुलस्त्रियः आत्मानमात्मना सत्योत्थितसर्गा न संशयः क्व नु सा क्षुत्पिपासार्ता भ्रान्ताराते तपस्विनी स्मरन्ती तस्य मन्दस्य क्व वासायोपतिष्ठति
यदि जानीत नृपतिं क्षिप्रं शंसत मे प्रियम् नलं पार्थिवशार्दूलममित्रगणसूदनम्
M. N. Dutt: Tell me without delay if you have seen my beloved husband, king Nala, the foremost of men and the slayer of his enemies."
तामुवाचानवद्याङ्गीं सार्थस्य महतः प्रभुः सार्थवाहः शुचिर्नाम शृणु कल्याणि मद्वचः
M. N. Dutt: Thereupon the lord of that great caravan, the leader of it, by name Suchi, said unto that damsel of faultless limbs. "O blessed one! listen to my words."
अहं सार्थस्य नेता वै सार्थवाहः शुचिस्मिते मनुष्यं नलनामानं न पश्यामि यशस्विनि
M. N. Dutt: O you of pure smiles, I am a merchant and the guide of this caravan. O renowned lady, I have not seen any man bearing the name of Nala.
कुञ्जरद्वीपिमहिषशार्दूलर्क्षमृगानपि पश्याम्यस्मिन्वने कष्टे अमनुष्यनिषेविते तथा नो यक्षराडद्य मणिभद्रः प्रसीदतु
M. N. Dutt: In this extensive wilderness, uninhabited by men, I see only elephants, leopards and buffaloes, as also tigers birds and other animals.
Supplementary Passages:
3.61.123 After 123cd, K1 B D (except D1-3.5) ins.: *282 ऋते त्वां मानुषीं मर्त्यं न पश्यामि महावने while T2 G2-4 M1 ins.: *283 यतो वयं न पश्यामो नलं पार्थिवमत्र वै
साब्रवीद्वणिजः सर्वान्सार्थवाहं च तं ततः क्व नु यास्यसि सार्थोऽयमेतदाख्यातुमर्हथ
M. N. Dutt: Thereupon she asked the merchants and the leader of the caravan, “You ought to tell me wither the caravan is going.'
सार्थवाह उवाच सार्थोऽयं चेदिराजस्य सुबाहोः सत्यवादिनः क्षिप्रं जनपदं गन्ता लाभाय मनुजात्मजे
M. N. Dutt: The leader of the Caravan said: O daughter of the foremost of men! for purposes of profit this caravan is going in haste 1O the rerritory of Subahu the truth-seeing king of the Chedis.