Shloka 27
दमयन्तीस्वयंवरः — देववेषधारणं, सत्यप्रार्थना, नलवरणम्
Damayantī’s Svayaṃvara: Divine Disguises, Truth-Vow, and Choosing Nala
नलो<पि राजा कौन्तेय श्रुत्वा राज्ञां समागमम् । अभ्यगच्छददीनात्मा दमयन्तीमनुव्रत:,कुन्तीनन्दन! उदारहृदय राजा नल भी विदर्भनगरमें समस्त राजाओंका समागम सुनकर दमयन्तीमें अनुरक्त हो वहाँ गये
nalo 'pi rājā kaunteya śrutvā rājñāṃ samāgamam | abhyagacchad adīnātmā damayantīm anuvrataḥ ||
Narada said: “O son of Kunti, King Nala too—on hearing of the great assembly of kings—set out at once, his spirit unbroken. Faithful in his resolve, he went there drawn by devotion to Damayanti.”
नारद उवाच
Educational Q&A
Steadfastness of mind (adīnātmā) and fidelity to one’s chosen commitment (anuvrata) are presented as virtues: Nala does not waver on hearing of rival kings, but proceeds with resolve and integrity toward his intended aim.
Narada narrates that Nala hears about a grand gathering of kings (connected with Damayanti’s marriage-choice setting) and, remaining undiscouraged, travels there—motivated by his attachment and devoted intention toward Damayanti.