Shloka 28
दमयन्त्या वणिजां सार्थगमनम्, हस्तियूथविप्लवः, चेदिराजपुरप्रवेशश्च
Damayantī joins a caravan; elephant-herd catastrophe; entry into Cedi
अवकृष्टस्तु कलिना मोहित: प्राद्रवन्नल: । सुप्तामुत्सृज्य तां भार्या विलप्य करुणं बहु,अन्तमें कलियुगने प्रबल आकर्षण किया, जिससे मोहित होकर राजा नल बहुत देरतक करुण विलाप करके अपनी सोती हुई पत्नीको छोड़कर शीघ्रतासे चले गये
avakṛṣṭas tu kalinā mohitaḥ prādravan nalaḥ | suptām utsṛjya tāṃ bhāryāṃ vilapya karuṇaṃ bahu ||
Униженный влиянием Кали (Kali) и помрачённый умом, царь Нала (Nala) бросился в бегство. Долго и жалобно рыдая, он оставил спящую супругу и поспешно ушёл — нравственно трагический миг, показывающий, как наваждение способно одолеть рассудок и разорвать супружеский долг.
बृहदश्च उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights how adharma can enter through delusion: when the mind is seized by Kali (symbolizing moral decline and inner weakness), even a righteous king may violate relational and ethical duties. It warns that vigilance, self-control, and clarity are essential to protect dharma.
Bṛhadaśva narrates that Nala, overwhelmed by Kali’s power and mentally confused, runs away. After prolonged, sorrowful lamentation, he leaves his sleeping wife (Damayantī) behind and departs quickly, setting the stage for her ensuing hardships and his own downfall and eventual recovery.