Subahu

After traveling a long time, Damayanti sees a large caravan climbing along the banks of a river. She approaches it, causing fear and confusion among the men. She explains who she is and asks if they have seen Nala. The caravan leader Shuchi replies that he has not seen Nala and tells her the caravan belongs to King Subahu of Chedi — but her search continues without resolution.

Damayanti, clad in half a garment and followed by curious boys, arrives at the capital of Chedi. The king's mother sees her from the palace, restrains the crowd, and brings her inside. Damayanti tells a disguised version of her story — a sairandhri searching for her lost husband — and sets the conditions under which she will stay.

Having resolved their course, the Pandavas arrive at the prosperous kingdom of Subahu, lord of the kunindas. They are welcomed, hosted, and then — leaving their servants and retinue behind — they set out on foot toward the Himalayas, driven by the single hope of seeing Arjuna.

After a month in Badari, the Pandavas set out for the land of King Subahu of the Kiratas, crossing the lands of the Chinas, Tukharas, Daradas, Darvans, and Kunindas — territories full of jewels. They cross the difficult Himalayan terrain and are welcomed by Subahu himself, who comes out to greet them.