Dvapara

After the gods depart, Kali tells Dvapara he cannot control his anger and resolves to take possession of Nala and dislodge him from his kingdom. He asks Dvapara to help by entering the dice — enabling the cheating that will destroy Nala through gambling.

The gods, returning from Damayanti's svayamvara, encounter Kali and Dvapara on the road. When Indra tells Kali the svayamvara is over and Damayanti has chosen Nala, Kali's rage ignites — and the gods warn him that cursing Nala will only bring ruin upon himself.

For twelve years, the demon Kali waits in the land of the Nishadhas, watching King Nala for a single moment of ritual carelessness. When Nala performs his evening ceremony without washing his feet first, Kali finds his opening — and the ruin of a kingdom begins.