Damayanti Curses and Kills the Lustful Hunter

The hunter looked at Damayanti and saw what the serpent had not: she was covered with only half a garment. Her breasts and hips were heavy. Her limbs were unblemished and delicate. Her face was like the full moon. The lashes of her eyes were curved. Her speech was sweet. He was overcome by desire. He spoke to her in soft and gentle words. But Damayanti saw what he was doing — that his comfort was not comfort, but the prelude to something else. She was devoted to her husband. She understood the wishes of this evil-minded man, and a terrible rage consumed her. She seemed to blaze with anger. The hunter was about to violate her. But he saw something in her face — something that made her seem like the flame of a blazing fire, inviolate, untouchable. He hesitated. She did not. Deprived of her husband and her kingdom, miserable and alone, Damayanti spoke her curse. There was no time for words that circled around the truth. She went straight to the heart of it. "If I have never thought of anyone other than Nishadha, then let this mean one — who makes a living out of animals — fall down dead." As soon as she uttered the words, the hunter fell lifeless to the ground, like a tree consumed by fire. Damayanti stood alone in the forest, unprotected, with the body of her would-be violator at her feet.

Damayanti Curses and Kills the Lustful Hunter

The Tale of Nala and Damayanti