Dharmic Tales from the Mahabharata - 9 | #dharma #santanadharma #bhagwan #vedavyasa
- YaDu
- May 2
- 4 min read
Updated: May 6
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 timeless saga of Nala-Damayanti along with this, we provide insights on the sufferings of devotees of the Lord along with related spiritual concepts of 'Nishkama Bhakti', 'Yogika Kaama' and 'Bhogika Kaama.'
Summary of the Previous Post:
After facing countless challenges, Damayanti eventually secured shelter, offering her a brief respite from the difficulties of her journey. As she took refuge in the queen mother's palace in the kingdom of Chedi, resolved to maintain her hope of reuniting with Nala, her husband roamed the wilderness, isolated and lost.
The Story Continues...
One fateful day, as Nala strolled through the dense forest, he heard a cry of despair. "Nala! Save me! Please save me!" The voice, filled with agony, echoed among the trees. Alarmed, Nala followed the sound and soon came upon a frightening sight: Karkotaka, the black-headed serpent, trapped in raging flames, writhing in pain.
The serpent, upon seeing Nala, exclaimed, “O noble king! I am ensnared by a curse. A great sage proclaimed that I would remain powerless and motionless until you, Nala, arrived to rescue me. Save me from this fire!”
Driven by compassion, Nala acted without delay. He courageously entered the flames to save the serpent, carefully setting it down on the ground. Now liberated from the curse, the serpent looked at Nala with gratitude and said, “O noble one, your compassion has freed me from the sage’s curse. Now it is my turn to repay your kindness.”
To Nala's astonishment, the serpent bit him. Before he could respond, a peculiar transformation started. His formerly handsome features vanished, replaced by a warped and unrecognizable face. Confused and disturbed, Nala turned to a nearby stream, staring in disbelief at his changed reflection.
The serpent spoke once more, its tone soothing and comforting. “Do not lose hope, Nala. This transformation is a blessing, not a curse. I have altered your appearance to ensure that no one will recognize you, safeguarding you from your foes. My bite has not harmed you—it has targeted Kali, who dwells within you. From this moment, Kali will suffer from my venom, and his hold on you will diminish. Additionally, you will no longer fear any venomous creature, arrow, or adversary.”
Nala, despite being shaken, listened carefully as the serpent went on. “Travel to Ayodhya and find King Rituparna. Assume the name Bahuka. Instruct him in the Ashwa Hridaya (the Art of horse mastery), and in exchange, he will teach you Aksha Hridaya (Mastery over Numbers)—wisdom that will aid you in regaining all that you have lost.
“When the moment arrives to be reunited with your wife, children, and kingdom, you will return to your true form. These unique garments,” the serpent stated, giving him a set of divine clothes, “will bring back your original appearance when worn. Keep them secure until that time comes.”
With those concluding words, the serpent blessed Nala and vanished, leaving the disfigured king to reflect on the unusual turn in his destiny. Although his heart was burdened with grief, the promise of redemption and reunion ignited a glimmer of hope within him.
After receiving the enchanted clothes from the serpent, Nala heeded its counsel and traveled to Ayodhya. Upon arrival, he requested an audience with King Rituparna and introduced himself as Bahuka. “I am an accomplished charioteer, able to drive horses at unparalleled speeds,” Nala stated. “In addition, I am an expert cook, knowledgeable in strategy, and skilled in the art of architecture.”
King Rituparna, impressed by Bahuka's talents and demeanor, developed a fondness for him and entrusted him with significant responsibilities. The king made him the commander of his army, granting him a salary of ten thousand gold pieces and treating him with the highest respect.
Even with his new role, Nala's heart was still burdened with a deep yearning for Damayanti. Every night, he found comfort in her memory, quietly singing a mournful song: “My dear wife, weakened by hunger and thirst, where is she? How is she doing? Whose protection does she seek now?”
Amidst the splendor of King Rituparna's palace, enveloped by luxury and prestige, Nala's mind was entirely focused on Damayanti. She was the core of his existence, with every moment dedicated to her.
Insights on the Sufferings of Sattvic People & Solace:
Lord tests Sattvic People a lot with sufferings and hardships, like how a teacher conducts examination to students. The Lord seeks to determine whether your love for him is genuine or if it's merely a pretense for worldly gains. Many people are God-fearing and visit temples to make bargains with the deities, presenting their lists of complaints or desires. They frequently trouble the Lord during their temple visits. The Lord forgives their mistakes and grants their desires, especially for those who are Rajasic and Tamasic.
Sattvic people practice 'Nishkama Bhakti' (devotion stemming from true love towards Lord, this is a part of Bhakti Yoga). Sattvic individuals seek the love and grace of the Lord, refraining from worldly desires (Bhogika Kaama); instead, they pursue Yogic desires (Yogika Kaama). For example, Arjuna requested Lord Krishna to reveal his Vishwaroopa. Sattvic people view everything as the 'Prasada' of the Lord. This perspective provides them with the spiritual strength to endure hardships, allowing them to successfully pass the Lord's tests through his grace. This is demonstrated by Nala-Damayanti through their strong resolve and devotion to the Lord.
There's no need to request anything from the Lord regarding your worldly desires. It is believed that the Lord is aware of even the tiniest desires concealed in your subconscious. The Lord provides everything necessary for a comfortable life and removes what is unnecessary or obstructive to your spiritual growth. Ultimately, what truly matters is spiritual transcendence and achieving Moksha or Nirvana; everything else is merely temporary.
This is depicted by Karkotaka biting Nala and providing him with the divine garments along with the promise of reuniting with his family.
Will Karkotaka's blessing assist Nala? Can Nala reunite with Damayanti and his family? Will the power of his love reach Damayanti and reunite them? We'll find out in the next post! 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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