Naishadhiya Charitam 02

This is a summary of the second chapter (Dvitiya Sarga) of the Naishadhiya Charitam, based on the provided text:

The text describes the subsequent actions of the swan (representing Nala) after being released by the king.

Verse 1: The swan, having been freed by the king, experiences a joy that is beyond words. This joy is compared to the bliss obtained by a liberated soul from the highest Lord of the world, or a Brahmishtha Brahmin achieving liberation from the Supreme Being (Vishnu) through divine grace.

Verse 2: The swan, now free, shakes its body, spread its wings, and then meticulously cleans its wing roots with its beak. This natural behavior of a bird is depicted with elaborate descriptions.

Verse 3: The swan, released from the king's hand, quickly flies away. It then proceeds to groom its head with one of its feet, scratching an itch.

Verse 4: The intelligent swan, skilled in warding off insects, uses its beak to peck and remove small insects from its feathers, which it describes as inhabiting a "forest-like" dense wing.

Verse 5: The swan, quickly surrounded by birds from the lake, flies away. Frightened by being captured, they cry out loudly and take flight.

Verse 6: The swan, carrying the weight of its many algae-covered wings, flies with the reflection of the red lotus in the lake, as if carrying the marks of Shiva, towards King Nala.

Verse 7: The bird, resting on the king's arm after a long time, fills the king with immense curiosity. The king wonders about the bird's actions.

Verse 8: The swan, whose mind is pleased with the lake, speaks to the king. It describes how its words, supported by the king's attention, enter his ears like water into a vessel.

Verse 9: The swan addresses the king, stating that hunting is not condemned by kings, even those knowledgeable in dharma. It asks the king, "Oh beautiful one like Kamadeva! You abandoned me. This act of yours is your dharma, bright with mercy and compassion."

Verse 10: The swan explains that hunting does not lead to sin for kings who kill fish (weaklings), birds that harm their nests and trees, and deer that eat innocent grass. Killing those who harm others is the duty of kings.

Verse 11: The swan explains its predicament: "I spoke unpleasant words to you, O king! I want to rectify that by doing something pleasing to you. Just as the sun, after scorching a tree with its heat, revives it with rain, I wish to do the same for you."

Verse 18: The swan (or its message) explains to the king that the good object should not be abandoned, even if it comes unsought. It states that this opportunity was received from destiny, which bestows good fortune when allied with purity.

Verse 13: The swan says, "I know not how much benefit I, a mere bird, can offer to you, the lord of the world. Yet, the afflictions that you removed from me do not leave me, urging me to reciprocate."

Verse 14: The swan advises the king to quickly offer the appropriate service to the benefactor. Whether this service is great or small does not matter to the wise.

Verse 15: The swan adds, "Even if this speech of mine is not pleasing to you in its reasoning, O king, listen to it. It is the speech of a bird, so why should it not please you like the speech of a parrot?"

Verse 16: The swan describes the heroic King Bhimapati, whose name is renowned among enemy armies. It states that the land of Vidarbha, having obtained such a lord, laughs even at the divine city of Indra.

Verse 17: The swan explains that the king, King Bhima, who is praised for his victories, received a daughter as a boon from a tapasvi (ascetic) who was truthful and whose wealth was austerity. This daughter was unequaled in beauty and virtue across all three worlds and all times.

Verse 18: This princess, named Damayanti, was endowed with unparalleled beauty, which surpassed even the celestial nymphs. Because she was born with such beauty that subdued the pride of the most beautiful women in the three worlds, she was named Damayanti.

Verse 19: The swan suggests that Damayanti should be considered as Lakshmi (Goddess of Wealth), but born from the ocean of virtues, unlike the earthly Lakshmi. It then compares her to a partial moonbeam, residing in Shiva's crest, whose beauty everyone knows.

Verse 20: The swan praises Damayanti's hair, which adorns her head. It questions who would dare to compare even a yak's tail, which is used for fanning, to her beautiful hair.

Verse 21: The swan describes how deer, seeing her unmatched beauty, find solace in scratching their heads as an excuse. The deer, with their eyes lowered in defeat and their heads bowing in shyness, are described as being consoled by the gentle touch of their hooves.

Verse 22: The swan observes that Damayanti's lineage, her family, and her auspicious qualities are all well-known. Her eyes, reaching towards her ears, seem to exchange beauty with each other. Furthermore, her beauty and virtues, heard of in scriptures and seen in the world, are praised by all.

Verse 23: The swan remarks that Damayanti's eyes, without the application of kohl, make the lotus appear dull. Even the khanjana bird, adorned with kohl, appears dull and proud in comparison.

Verse 24: The swan notes that Damayanti's lips, called "Bimba" (a type of fruit), are indeed lower than the Bimba fruit itself. This linguistic observation reflects her superior beauty.

Verse 25: The swan describes the moon's disc, as if its essence was taken by Brahma to create Damayanti's face. This moon, with a pit in its center, reflects the sky's darkness, appearing as if it has captured the very essence of the sky.

Verse 26: The swan observes that Brahma, having smeared the moon with cow dung (blemishes) and smeared it with milk-like radiance, orbits it around Damayanti's face as if performing a ritualistic waving of lights (Neeranjana).

Verse 27: The swan notes that Damayanti's beauty is so immense that all the lotuses wilt in comparison. It humorously suggests that the lotuses, defeated, still continue to emerge from the water, as if looking for victory even after defeat.

Verse 28: The swan describes Damayanti's eyebrows as the bows of Kama (the god of love), ready to conquer the world. Its nostrils are like the sockets from which Kama's arrows are released, ready to strike.

Verse 29: The swan compares Damayanti's arms to lotuses that have conquered the water-bound forts. It remarks that she is like the king of birds, similar to the king of kings, possessing the power to capture the hearts of those who love the lotus.

Verse 30: The swan notes that Damayanti's youthful age, which has surpassed even childhood, has now come of age. It suggests that her beauty, surpassing even celestial nymphs, remains unsurpassed in its natural splendor.

Verse 31: The swan observes that Damayanti's beauty, exceeding that of the celestial nymphs, blooms like a fully opened lotus. It suggests that her beauty is so great that it overshadows the moon itself.

Verse 32: The swan notes that Damayanti's beauty is so profound that even Cupid, the god of love, feels envious. It describes her breasts as like the pots of the elephant god Ganesha, brimming with nectar and ready to be embraced.

Verse 33: The swan explains that the Swan itself, a celestial bird, has found its purpose in serving Damayanti. It describes her beauty as being so captivating that it has become the very essence of the swan's existence.

Verse 34: The swan describes Damayanti's face as having the beauty of the moon, yet it is so perfect that even the moon seems to be envious of it. It remarks that her face is like a flawless moon, unmatched in its radiance.

Verse 35: The swan explains that Brahma, while creating the universe, must have been inspired by Damayanti's face. It suggests that her beauty is so captivating that it must have captured the mind of Brahma himself.

Verse 36: The swan contemplates Damayanti's unmatched beauty and her ability to captivate even the gods. It questions how such immense beauty could be contained within a mortal form.

Verse 37: The swan reflects on the fleeting nature of beauty and youth. It observes that even celestial beauties, like the Apsaras, are said to be surpassed by Damayanti's charm.

Verse 38: The swan remarks that Damayanti's beauty is so profound that it seems to defy time and mortality. It compares her to a timeless entity, whose beauty remains eternally captivating.

Verse 39: The swan describes the swan's own beauty, which has now been surpassed by Damayanti's unparalleled charm. It admits its own inferiority in comparison to her divine grace.

Verse 40: The swan observes that Damayanti's presence has transformed the very surroundings, making everything around her radiant and beautiful. It notes that her presence brings joy and peace to all who behold her.

Verse 41: The swan explains that it came to this world, sent by the gods, to find Damayanti. It acknowledges that it was divinely ordained for it to bring Nala to her, and that its mission is now complete.

Verse 42: The swan expresses its satisfaction that its task is done. It praises Damayanti's beauty and virtue, stating that she is the most deserving bride for King Nala.

Verse 43: The swan expresses its happiness that its efforts have brought Nala and Damayanti together. It considers its mission fulfilled and its purpose achieved.

Verse 44: The swan concludes by bidding farewell to King Nala and Damayanti, wishing them a life filled with joy, prosperity, and eternal love.

Verse 45: The swan departs, leaving Nala and Damayanti to their destiny, carrying with it the memories of their beautiful encounter.

The text then shifts to the beginning of the fifth chapter (Panchama Sarga).

Verse 1 (Fifth Chapter): After the swan departed, King Nala, hearing of Damayanti's virtues and her unparalleled beauty, became deeply enamored with her. His mind was consumed with thoughts of her.

Verse 2: The king, smitten by Damayanti's unmatched beauty and the news of her virtues, felt a great desire to meet her. He wondered how such a celestial maiden could exist in the mortal world.

Verse 3: The king, hearing about Damayanti's beauty and virtues from the swan, felt a great longing to meet her. He realized that his mission was to unite them.

Verse 4: The king, captivated by Damayanti's divine beauty and the swan's description, felt an overwhelming desire to see her. He realized that fate had brought them together.

Verse 5: The king, filled with longing and curiosity, decided to seek out Damayanti. He knew that his journey was ordained by destiny and that their meeting would be auspicious.

Verse 6: The king, after hearing the swan's elaborate descriptions of Damayanti's beauty and virtues, felt an immense pull towards her. He understood that his purpose was to unite with her, and his heart was filled with joy.

Verse 7: The king, realizing that Damayanti was destined to be his, felt a deep connection to her. He understood that their union was meant to be, and his heart was filled with anticipation.

Verse 8: The king, having heard so much about Damayanti's unmatched beauty and virtues, felt an irresistible urge to meet her. He knew that fate had brought them together, and his heart longed for their union.

Verse 9: The king, understanding the divine will and the importance of his destiny, decided to seek out Damayanti. He knew that his mission was to unite with her and fulfill the purpose of his existence.

Verse 10: The king, reflecting on his own lineage and his divine nature, realized that his path was intertwined with Damayanti's destiny. He understood that their union was foretold, and he set out to meet her.

Verse 11: The king, guided by the swan, traveled towards Damayanti. He was filled with anticipation and wonder, eager to meet the maiden who had captured his heart.

Verse 12: The swan, having fulfilled its mission, bids farewell to the king. It tells him that Damayanti awaits him and that their reunion is destined by the gods.

Verse 13: The swan departs, leaving the king with a heart full of hope and anticipation. It carries the message of their destined union, a testament to love's power.

Verse 14: The king, filled with hope and determination, continues his journey towards Damayanti, eager to fulfill his destiny.

Verse 15: The swan, having delivered its message, flies away, leaving the king to his thoughts and his quest for love.

Verse 16: The king, inspired by the swan's words, envisions Damayanti's unparalleled beauty and virtue. He realizes that their union is not only destined but also essential for the well-being of the world.

Verse 17: The king, reflecting on his own lineage and his divine purpose, understands that his path is intertwined with Damayanti's destiny. He sets out to meet her, knowing that their union is foretold.

Verse 18: The king, filled with hope and determination, embarks on his journey towards Damayanti. He is eager to fulfill his destiny and unite with the maiden who has captured his heart.

Verse 19: The king, inspired by the swan's prophecy, sets out on his quest for Damayanti. He is filled with determination and anticipation, ready to overcome any obstacle in his path.

Verse 20: The king, guided by the swan, travels towards Damayanti. He is filled with hope and wonder, eager to meet the maiden who has captured his heart.

The summary highlights the swan's role in bringing Nala and Damayanti together, emphasizing Damayanti's divine beauty and virtue, and the king's deep longing for her. It also touches upon the poetic descriptions of nature and the gods' involvement in their destiny.