Nala and Damayanti

Also known as Nalopakhyana (Sanskrit: नलोपाख्यान, meaning "Episode of Nala"), this beloved story forms a significant episode within the Indian epic Mahabharata. The narrative follows King Nala (नल) and his devoted wife Damayanti (दमयन्ती) through a series of dramatic events.

The tale begins with King Nala losing his entire kingdom in a fateful game of dice, forcing him and Damayanti into forest exile. During their hardship, Nala abandons his wife. The couple, now separated, each endures numerous adventures and challenges before finally reuniting. The story concludes with Nala reclaiming his lost kingdom.

Nala and Damayanti stands as one of the Mahabharata's most renowned and cherished episodes. It has achieved widespread popularity throughout India and is similarly esteemed in Western literary circles as an exemplary work of Indian literature.