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 ||
在迦梨(Kali)的影响牵引下,心神迷乱的那罗王(Nala)仓皇遁走。他哀恸良久、悲声凄切,竟将熟睡的王后弃置不顾,匆匆离去——此乃道义上极其悲剧的一刻,显出迷妄如何压倒判断,撕裂夫妇之责。
बृहदश्च उवाच
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.