Shloka 42
दमयन्त्याः कार्यनिश्चयः — Damayantī’s Crisis Plan and Vārṣṇeya’s Departure
भीमेन समनुज्ञातो जगाम नगरं स्वकम् | मनुष्योंमें श्रेष्ठ निषधनरेश नल अपनी इच्छाके अनुसार कुछ दिनोंतक ससुरालमें रहे, फिर विदर्भनरेश भीमकी आज्ञा ले (दमयन्तीसहित) अपनी राजधानीको चले गये ।। ४१६ || अवाप्य नारीरल्नं तु पुण्यश्लोकोडपि पार्थिव:
bhīmena samanujñāto jagāma nagaraṃ svakam | manuṣyeṣu śreṣṭho niṣadhanareśo nalaḥ svecchayā katipayāni dināni sasurāle 'vasat, tataḥ vidarbhanareśa-bhīmasyājñāṃ gṛhītvā (damayantyā saha) svāṃ rājadhānīṃ jagāma || avāpya nārīratnaṃ tu puṇyaśloko 'pi pārthivaḥ ||
With Bhīma’s permission, Nala, the Niṣadha king—counted among the best of men—departed for his own city. Having stayed for some days in his father-in-law’s house according to his wish, he then took leave of Bhīma, the ruler of Vidarbha, and set out for his capital together with Damayantī. Thus, even that renowned and virtuous king, having obtained the jewel among women, returned home with due propriety and gratitude, honoring the bonds of kinship and consent.
बृहदश्व उवाच
Educational Q&A
Even in personal happiness—here, Nala’s reunion and return with Damayantī—dharma is upheld through proper leave-taking, respect for elders and in-laws, and acting with consent and gratitude. The verse models ethical kingship and family propriety rather than impulsive possession.
After staying a few days at his father-in-law Bhīma’s court in Vidarbha, King Nala receives Bhīma’s permission and departs with Damayantī to his own capital in Niṣadha.