The Eternal Love of Nala and Damayanti

Long ago, in the beautiful kingdom of Ayodhya, Prince Nala was known not only for his bravery and wisdom but also for his kind heart. Across the lands, his name echoed, reaching the ears of Damayanti, the stunning and noble daughter of King Bhima. Though they had never met, love blossomed between them, carried by the whispered tales of their virtues and a mystical swan who acted as their messenger. The connection they felt was pure and profound, like they were two souls destined to be one.

When the day of Damayanti’s swayamvara arrived, she didn’t need to search the crowd for her suitors; her heart already belonged to Nala. With unwavering certainty, she placed the ceremonial garland around his neck, binding them together in a sacred promise. They were finally united, and their love shone brighter than any jewel in the kingdom.

But fate had a trial in store for them. Nala’s envious brother, Kuvara, challenged him to a game of dice, exploiting Nala’s only weakness. Slowly, painfully, Nala lost everything—his wealth, his palace, and his kingdom. In the end, he was left with only the clothes on his back and the love of his wife, Damayanti, who chose to stand by him, come what may. Exiled from their homeland, they wandered the dark forests together, each step testing the strength of their bond.

As the harsh days dragged on, Nala’s heart broke anew every time he looked at Damayanti, her noble spirit enduring pain she did not deserve. One night, overcome with guilt and a deep desire to free her from the suffering his misfortune had caused, he made a painful decision. He kissed her forehead as she slept, whispering words of love and apology, and then he walked away, leaving her to a fate he hoped would be kinder without him.

When Damayanti awoke and found herself alone, she was devastated. Yet, her love for Nala was unbreakable. With fierce determination, she set out on a journey to find him, facing dangers and hardships with courage. She encountered a demon who tried to frighten her away, but her unwavering love touched even his heart. Instead of harming her, he blessed her, prophesying that she would one day reunite with Nala, her true love.

Damayanti’s journey eventually led her to the distant kingdom of Sumsumara, where she became a maid in the palace, holding onto the hope that each dawn would bring her closer to Nala. Her days were filled with thoughts of him, and she clung to memories of his kindness and laughter, which became her strength.

Meanwhile, Nala, wandering alone in his despair, encountered a serpent who bit him, transforming his appearance into that of a hunchbacked man with unfamiliar features. This disguise was a blessing in disguise, meant to protect him from those who would recognize him in his vulnerable state. With his new identity, Nala found refuge in the kingdom of Sumsumara, unknowingly just steps away from his beloved.

Years passed, but their hearts remained bound across the distance. Then one day, King Bhima, desperate to bring happiness back into his daughter’s life, announced a second swayamvara, hoping the news would reach Nala. On the day of the event, Damayanti entered the hall, her heart pounding with a mixture of hope and fear.

Among the assembled suitors, she saw a humble, hunchbacked servant whose eyes held a familiar spark. It was a look that had always spoken to her soul, transcending appearances and disguises. In that instant, Damayanti knew it was Nala. Silently, she slipped him the sacred ornament given to him by his father, knowing that it would restore him to his true form. As he placed the ornament around his neck, the disguise fell away, revealing the Nala she had always loved.

With tears of joy, they embraced, their hearts finally at peace. Their twelve years of separation had tested their love, but it had not broken it. United once more, they returned to Ayodhya, where Nala reclaimed his throne, and together they ruled with wisdom and compassion.

Years later, a wise monk visited them and shared a revelation: in a previous life, they had been king and queen but had wronged an innocent monk, leading to this life’s trials as penance. Now, having endured and overcome their hardships, they had fulfilled their karma. Inspired by this revelation, Nala and Damayanti renounced the world and retired to Pushkara, dedicating their lives to spiritual enlightenment, their love now elevated to something timeless and pure.

**Moral:** Love that is true will endure any hardship, growing stronger with every trial. In its purest form, love transcends life’s obstacles, becoming a path to spiritual fulfillment.