Chapter 58

“Vrihadaswa said, ‘When the blazing guardians of the worlds werereturning after the daughter of Bhima had chosen Naishadha, on their waythey met Dwapara with Kali approaching towards them. And seeing Kali,Sakra the slayer of Vala and Vritra, said, ‘O Kali, say whither thou artgoing with Dwapara.’ And thereupon Kali replied unto Sakra, ‘Going toDamayanti’s Swayamvara, will I obtain her (for my wife), as my heart isfixed upon that damsel.’ Hearing this, Indra said with a smile, ‘ThatSwayamvara is already ended. In our sight she hath chosen Nala for herhusband.’ Thus answered by Sakra, Kali, that vilest of the celestials,filled with wrath, addressing all those gods spake, ‘Since in thepresence of the celestials she hath chosen a mortal for her lord, it ismeet that she should undergo a heavy doom.’ Upon hearing these words ofKali, the celestials answered, ‘It is with our sanction that Damayantihath chosen Nala. What damsel is there that would not choose king Nalaendued with every virtue? Well-versed in all duties, always conductinghimself with rectitude, he hath studied the four Vedas together with thePuranas that are regarded as the fifth. Leading a life of harmlessnessunto all creatures, he is truth-telling and firm in his vows, and in hishouse the gods are ever gratified by sacrifices held according to theordinance. In that tiger among men–that king resembling a Lokapala, istruth, and forbearance, and knowledge, and asceticism, and purity andself-control, and perfect tranquillity of soul. O Kali, the fool thatwisheth to curse Nala bearing such a character, curseth himself, anddestroyeth himself by his own act. And, O Kali, he that seeketh to curseNala crowned with such virtues, sinketh into the wide bottomless pit ofhell rife with torments.’ Having said this to Kali and Dwapara, the godswent to heaven. And when the gods had gone away, Kali said unto Dwapara,’I am ill able, O Dwapara, to suppress my anger. I shall possess Nala,deprive him of his kingdom, and he shall no more sport with Bhima’sdaughter. Entering the dice, it behoveth thee to help me.'”