Dharmic Tales from the Mahabharata - 8 | #dharma #santanadharma #bhagwan #vedavyasa
- YaDu
- Mar 16
- 6 min read
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 Divine Powers of Pativrata Dharmic Penance and on the Sufferings of Sattvic People (Lord's Test), apart from the insights on the spiritual concepts of Nishkama Bhakti, Yogika Kaama and Bhogika Kaama.
Summary of the Previous Post:
After their marriage, Nala and Damayanti lived happily until, influenced by the demon Kali, Nala lost his wealth and kingdom to Pushkara in a dice game, forcing them to wander in the wilderness. Nala suggested Damayanti live comfortably at her father's palace, but Damayanti refused, expressing her genuine love for Nala and her commitment to 'Pativrata Dharma'—standing by her husband in all circumstances.
Nala was troubled by guilt for not providing comforts to his wife, as required by 'Gruhasthashrama Dharma'. One day, he decided to abandon Damayanti, hoping she would return to her father, King Bhīma.
The Story Continues...
The distressed Damayanti roamed through the thick forest, calling out for her husband in desperation. Her voice resonated through the wild, yet there was no reply—only the eerie silence of the forest responded to her cries.
As she continued forward, destiny dealt her a harsh hand. A large snake, concealed in the foliage, wrapped itself around her, ensnaring her in its strong hold. Damayanti cried out for assistance, and her screams were heard by a nearby hunter. He hurried to help her, slaying the snake and releasing her.
But as the hunter’s eyes fell upon Damayanti, he was captivated by her extraordinary beauty. Lust clouded his judgment, and he attempted to assault her. However, Damayanti’s vow of chastity became her shield. Calling upon her virtue and the strength of her resolve (Pativrata Dharma), she uttered a powerful curse, and the hunter was instantly reduced to ashes.
Though shaken, Damayanti remained determined as she pressed on through the forest, her heart holding onto the hope of reuniting with Nala. By coincidence, she came across a caravan of merchants traveling with chariots, horses, and loaded carts. Summoning her courage, she approached the group's leader and in a trembling voice inquired, “Have you encountered a man—my husband—during your travels?”
The merchant leader shook his head and said, "We have not seen him." Although his response dashed her hopes, they provided her with shelter for the night. Exhausted and thankful, Damayanti stayed with them, knowing her search was far from over.
One misfortune followed another, as though fate was determined to test Damayanti’s endurance. In the dead of night, a herd of wild elephants charged into the merchant camp, wreaking havoc in their path. The stampede destroyed valuable goods, trampled tents, and took many lives. Those who survived were left with grievous injuries and shattered spirits.
Amid the turmoil, the merchants, already suspicious of Damayanti's presence, started to murmur among themselves. They thought this mysterious woman was the cause of their troubles. Driven by fear and anger, they resolved to capture and punish her, holding her responsible for the disaster.
Overhearing their intentions, Damayanti fled into the darkness, her heart pounding with fear and sorrow. She ran until she could no longer hear their voices, her breath ragged but her will unbroken.
At daybreak, she discovered she was with a group of Brahmins who had also survived the elephant assault. Thankful for their generosity, she traveled with them until they arrived at the kingdom of Chedi.
When Damayanti entered the city, her appearance drew the attention of everyone in the streets. Clad in tattered rags, her hair wild and unkempt, and her face gaunt from hunger and exhaustion, she seemed a shadow of the queen she once was. The townsfolk stopped in their tracks, staring at her in shock and curiosity.
Children began to follow her, their laughter and mocking words adding to her humiliation. They pointed at her, calling her name and making fun of her disheveled state. Yet, Damayanti walked on, her head held high despite the crushing weight of her sorrow and the jeering crowd. She carried within her the unwavering resolve to find Nala, no matter what obstacles lay in her path.
Damayanti, weary and distraught, made her way towards the palace, The children who had been mocking her trailed behind, still jeering and laughing. It was a scene that could not go unnoticed.
From the palace roof, the king’s mother observed the commotion below. Her gaze fell upon the disheveled woman in rags, who, despite her appearance, radiated an unearthly brilliance. It was as though she had glimpsed a flash of lightning piercing through dark clouds. Struck by Damayanti’s beauty and grace, she immediately called for her to come closer.
As Damayanti stood before the queen mother, the latter softly asked about her identity and situation. With a voice burdened by sorrow yet firm with resolve, Damayanti revealed that she was a woman on a quest to find her husband. Touched by Damayanti's dignity and resilience despite her struggles, the king's mother extended an offer of refuge in the palace. However, Damayanti, committed to her vow and principles, set forth specific conditions.
“Rājamāta,” she said with quiet firmness, “I am grateful for your kindness, but I am bound by a vow. I will not eat leftover food. I will not wash anyone’s feet. I will not speak to any man. Should any of these conditions be violated, I will leave immediately.”
The queen mother, impressed by Damayanti’s resolve and integrity, agreed to her terms without hesitation. She assured Damayanti that she would be safe in the palace and promised to help her in her search for her husband. Thus, Damayanti found refuge in the palace, her journey paused for a moment, but her determination to reunite with Nala burning brighter than ever.
Insights on Divine Powers of Pativrata Dharmic Penance:
This story depicts the powers of Pativrata Dharmic Penance. When the hunter attempted to assault Damayanti, Damayanti uttered a powerful curse, and the hunter was instantly reduced to ashes, how was this possible? Metaphysically & spiritually speaking, Damayanti possessed abundance of Cosmic Energy (Kundalini), because of her Pativrata Dharmic Penance. This practice kept her mind pure and Aura strong, providing her with the resilience to endure difficulties. It's the same cosmic energy with the combination of 5 elements - fire, water, air, earth and ether, that created matter. The same energy can be used to create, maintain and destroy the matter. In the case of Damayanti, she used the energy to destroy the body of hunter (his soul (Atman) can't be destroyed).
When a Para-Purusha (Man other than a wife's husband) tries to assault or stalk a Pativrata Sati, if she wishes she can burn the person or make use of other psychic powers to destroy him. You have heard of Satyavan-Savithri fable, where Savitri was able to challenge Lord Yama, to protect her husband Sathyavan. At the end of Kurukshetra War, Lord Krishna accepted Gandhari's curse, respecting her Pativrata Penance (he could have discarded it, but even Lord adores Pativrata Sati).
Insights on the Sufferings of Sattvic People:
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.
Will Rājamāta succeed in helping Damayanti reunite with her beloved Nala? Or will fate have more trials in store for the devoted queen? Stay tuned for the next episode to witness how this tale of love and resilience unfolds!
May the Lord bless you all!
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YaDu,
On behalf of Get Inspired Spiritually.
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