Nala Damayanti is a romantic tale in the epic Mahabharata.
Damayanti was the princesses of Vidarbha. She learns of the handsome and
righteous Nala, ruler of Nishada, from a swan sent by Nala.
Father of Damayanti, King Bhima announces her Swayamvara –
the marriage function in which she will choose her husband among the assembled
princes.
Nala sets out for the Swayamvara. On his way, Indra, Agni, Varuna and Yama confront him. Each of them wanted to marry Damayanti and urges Nala to ask her to choose one amongst them.
Nala sets out for the Swayamvara. On his way, Indra, Agni, Varuna and Yama confront him. Each of them wanted to marry Damayanti and urges Nala to ask her to choose one amongst them.
Nala obliges but Damayanti rejects the suggestion.
The disappointed Devas takes the form of Nala and reaches
the Swayamvara venue.
However, Damayanti is able to identify the real Nala and
choose him.
Evil spirits Kali and Dwapara too wished to attend the
Swayamvara. But they were late and they felt disappointed. They decided to
wreak vengeance on Nala. Kali enters the body of Nala, and makes him play a
game of dice with his evil brother Pushkara. Nala loses the game and both he
and Damayanti are banished to spend twelve years in the forest.