Damayanti

Damayanti(दमयंती), a character in Hindu mythology, was the princess of Vidarbha Kingdom, who married king Nala of Nishadha Kingdom and their story is told in the Mahabharata. Her other lesser known name is Bhaimi.

The Story

Damayanti was a princess of Vidarbha Kingdom. She was of such beauty and grace that even the gods could not stop from admiring her. She fell in love with Nala simply by hearing of his virtues and accomplishments from a golden swan. When it was time for her to choose her husband at a swayamvara, gods, princes and kings came to seek her hand. The Gods Indra, Agni, Varuna and Yama were on their way to the swayamvara, when they met Nala. They ordered him to be their messenger and to go inform Damayanti that she must choose one of them as her husband. Nala at first refused, saying he was himself interested in her, but he finally accepted the mission. On seeing him, Damayanti agreed to pay her respect to the gods, but she insisted on choosing only Nala for her husband. The Gods then each disguised themselves as Nala and asked Damayanti to choose amongst them. Damayanti saw through them each time, as she was aware that her true beloved one was a human being and couldn't be perfect, which set him apart from the gods. The demon Kali, the personification of Kali yuga, also wanted to marry Damayanti. On his arrival, he was unaware and was late for the swayamvara. He ran into the gods and was told how she chose Nala in their place. Kali then angrily vows to cause the fall of Nala's kingdom through his propensity for gambling.

Damayanti (given name)

Damayanti (hindi : दमयंती) is a Hindu/Sanskrit Indian feminine given name, which means "soothing" and "subduing".

Notable people named Damayanti

Others