Bhima's argument for war triggers Yudhishthira's deep sorrow and questioning of his fate, which Brihadashva addresses by telling the Nala story; this episode is the direct continuation where Brihadashva consoles Yudhishthira after the tale.
Aranyaka Parva
Can Nala and Damayanti overcome separation, disguise, and misfortune to reunite and restore their kingdom?
After losing his kingdom to his brother Pushkara in a dice game, King Nala abandons his wife Damayanti in the forest. The arc follows their separate journeys: Damayanti wandering and eventually returning to her father's kingdom, and Nala serving as a charioteer under a new identity. Through Damayanti's clever plan to summon Nala using a false svayamvara message, Nala is drawn to Vidarbha, where he is recognized, freed from the demon Kali, and reunited with Damayanti before returning to reclaim his kingdom.
45 stories · 0 pivotal · Chapters 358–375
Begin readingCausal position
How this arc sits in the story chain
Born from
Nala's abandonment forces Damayanti to wander the forest alone, searching for him and lamenting her fate, which is the direct subject of this episode.
This Arc
The Reunion of Nala and Damayanti
Leads into
Damayanti's wandering in the forest is a direct continuation of her being abandoned by Nala in the previous episode; Nala's abandonment (ss_aranyaka_356_nala_abandons_damayanti) causes her to awaken alone and begin her search.
Stories
Showing essential stories
Spine stories carry the arc's main thread. Essential adds key turning points. Supporting covers depth and backstory.
Major
Damayanti Wanders the Forest Searching for Nala
Having slain the killer of animals, Damayanti enters a deserted and dreadful forest, alone and searching for her husband Nala who abandoned her. She roams the forest, lamenting and calling out to Nala, addressing the mountain and the forest creatures, pleading for any sign of her husband. She finishes her lament to the mountain and then leaves for the northern direction, continuing her search.
Chapter 358 · ~4 min
Major
Nala Enters Rituparna's Service as Bahuka
After the serpent disappears, Nala arrives at the city of King Rituparna, hungry and exhausted. He presents himself before the king under a false name, offering his skills in horse-driving and cooking — and asks to be maintained. Rituparna, whose mind is always drawn to speed, appoints him superintendent of the royal stables.
Chapter 361 · ~1 min