Nala and Damayanti: A Tale of Love and Trials

King Nishadh of Ayodhya had two sons, Nala and Kuvara. Nala, a noble and brave prince, captured the heart of Damayanti, the beautiful daughter of King Bhima. Their love blossomed even before they met in person, thanks to a mystical swan that carried Nala’s message to Damayanti. So deep was their love that Damayanti chose Nala in a grand ceremony known as a swayamvara.

When King Nishadh passed away, Nala ascended the throne. His courage and kindness brought him fame, but his success fueled jealousy in his brother, Kuvara. Seeking to bring him down, Kuvara exploited Nala’s one weakness—his love for the game of dice. In a fateful game, Kuvara managed to defeat Nala, winning his kingdom and forcing Nala into exile.

Nala and Damayanti wandered the forest, enduring hardships together. Wishing to spare Damayanti from further suffering, Nala left her behind, though his heart ached at the thought. In the forest, Nala encountered a snake, which bit him. To his surprise, the venom transformed him, hunching his back and changing his appearance.

The snake then revealed its identity, saying, “I am your father, Nishadh, in disguise. This form will protect you for the next twelve years from enemies who would recognize you. Take this ornament; whenever you wear it, your true form will return.”

Thus began Nala’s journey of trials and self-discovery, as he learned the true meaning of resilience, love, and sacrifice, awaiting the day he could reunite with Damayanti in his rightful form.

**Moral:** True love and resilience endure through trials and sacrifices. Sometimes, we must lose ourselves to discover our strength and find our way back to those we cherish.