Dharmic Tales from the Mahabharata - 10 | #dharma #santanadharma #bhagwan #vedavyasa
- YaDu
- May 11
- 4 min read
Updated: 2 days ago
The Mahabharata is regarded as the 'Panchama Veda' or the fifth Veda, signifying that it encapsulates the wisdom of the Vedas through its stories in a summarized manner.
This post continues the enduring tale of Nala-Damayanti. Alongside this, we offer insights into 'blessings in disguise' and the challenges faced by the Lord's devotees due to 'Nishkama Bhakti'. We will also explore how to use devotion and faith as tools to navigate through difficulties.
Summary of the Previous Post:
In the earlier post, as Nala wandered through the thick forest, he rescued Karkotaka, a black-headed giant serpent, from the blazing curse. In gratitude, Karkotaka bit Nala, triggering a strange transformation that altered his appearance and made his face unrecognizable.
Nala was astonished! Karkotaka explained that this situation is actually a blessing in disguise, as it will render Nala unrecognizable to his foes. Karkotaka instructed Nala to seek refuge in the Kingdom of Ayodhya and find employment as a charioteer in King Rituparna's service. He also advised Nala to teach Ashwa-Hridaya (the Art of horse mastery) to King Rituparna, who, in return, would teach him Aksha Hridaya (Mastery over Numbers)—wisdom that will help you regain everything you have lost. Additionally, Karkotaka provided Nala with divine garments that would restore his original form and strength. Nala adhered to these instructions.
The Story Continues...
Meantime, Bhīma Raja (the father of Damayanti) went to great lengths in his search for his daughter and son-in-law. He announced a substantial reward for anyone who could offer even the smallest hint regarding their location.
In response to this call, numerous Brahmins ventured out in every direction to look for Nala and Damayanti. Among these Brahmins was Sudeva, who eventually arrived in the kingdom of Chedi. Within the palace, he observed a woman serving food to the Brahmins. Despite her weary appearance, he immediately identified her as Damayanti.
In search of a private moment, Sudeva approached her and softly conveyed the news about her parents and homeland. Upon hearing his words, Damayanti could no longer hold back her emotions. Tears streamed down as she wept in front of Sudeva, releasing the sorrows she had kept hidden in her heart.
The queen mother of Chedi and her daughter Sunanda, who had developed a deep affection for Damayanti, were thrilled to discover her true identity. It was revealed that Damayanti was the daughter of the queen mother's own sister. What was once a cloud of sorrow transformed into relief and happiness.
The queen mother promptly organized for Damayanti to be returned home in an opulent palanquin, along with Sudeva and a royal entourage. Once in Vidarbha, Damayanti was joyfully reunited with her parents and children. Their reunion was marked by tears of happiness as the family was once again together.
However, Damayanti’s heart remained restless. Her most urgent and cherished goal was to find Nala. Determined, she sent spies (disguised as brahmins) in all directions, instructing them to search far and wide for her husband.
One of the spies dispatched by Damayanti, named Parnāda, came back with surprising information. He shared details of his encounter with a man called Bahuka at the court of King Rituparna. Parnāda described Bahuka's remarkable abilities and unusual appearance, voicing his firm belief that Bahuka was actually Nala in disguise.
Upon hearing this, Damayanti's heart surged with hope and resolve. She quickly crafted a plan to verify Parnāda's suspicions. She dispatched a message to King Rituparna, declaring that her remarriage ceremony was scheduled for the following day in Vidarbha.
The news reached Rituparna, and he immediately decided to attend the swayamvara. However, Vidarbha was a great distance away, and reaching it within a single night seemed impossible. Yet, Rituparna had unwavering faith in Bahuka's exceptional charioteering skills. Thus, Rituparna summoned Bahuka (Nala) and made him the charioteer for this urgent journey.
As they raced through the night, Bahuka was troubled by the idea of Damayanti remarrying. The thought pierced his heart, yet his determination to discover the truth pushed him onward.
Meanwhile, Rituparna, sitting in the chariot, was amazed by Bahuka's exceptional horsemanship and the rapid pace of their travel. Throughout the journey, he voiced his admiration and asked Bahuka to teach him the secrets of mastering horses.
Will Nala reach Vidarbha before sunrise and uncover the truth behind the news of Damayanti's remarriage? Will Nala learn the Ashta-Hridaya Vidya Aksha Hridaya (Mastery over Numbers)—wisdom that will help him regain everything he has lost? Will Nala-Damayanti reunite and serve Dharma, for the love of the Lord?
Stay tuned to find out in the next post!
Insights on Divine Blessings in Disguise:
In our previous post, we explained the concept of 'Nishkama Bhakti', (devotion stemming from true love towards Lord, this is a part of Bhakti Yoga). This propounded that a devotee shouldn't ask Lord anything related to worldly desires (Bhogika Kama)
Once you start practicing 'Nishkama Bhakti', the Lord will continually test your resolve through difficulties and hardships. The Lord wants to know 'do you love him, despite the sufferings?', the final test will be extremely difficult. You will encounter seemingly fatal encounters with adversaries (from past lives), coupled with hardships and seemingly unbearable sufferings. You will be pushed to the verge of destruction, life may seem like slow death, eventually leading to decimation, you may think these events are inauspicious. These are blessings in disguise!!
Vishnu Sahasranama (in Phalasruti) quotes -
न वासुदेवभक्तानामशुभं विद्यते क्वचित् ।
जन्ममृत्युजराव्याधिभयं नैवोपजायते ॥ ११॥
na vāsudevabhaktānāmaśubhaṁ vidyate kvacit,
janmamṛtyujarāvyādhibhayaṁ naivōpajāyate. (11)
"There is nothing inauspicious for the devotees of Vāsudeva. They are not afraid of birth, death, old age or disease."
As you encounter sufferings (blessings in disguise) you need to rest paramount faith in the Lord and his powers. Lord is your ultimate destiny! Nothing is impossible for him! He always protects you! Remember this! Affirm this!
Apart from the continuation of the story, we will learn other related spiritual concepts, so please stay tuned!
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May the Lord bless you all!
Thank you so much!
YaDu,
On behalf of Get Inspired Spiritually.
श्रीमध्वेशकृष्णार्पणमस्तु
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