1. Nala is a legendary king of ancient Nishadha kingdom and the central protagonist of the Nalopakhyana, a sub-narrative within the Indian epic Mahabharata, found in its third book, Vana Parva.
16 Facts About Nala
1. 2.
Nala is renowned for his valor, wisdom, and exceptional skill in charioteering.
3.
The story of Nala has had a profound influence on Indian literature, folklore, and performing arts.
4.
Nala is regarded as a great cook and the cookbook Pakadarpanam is attributed to him.
5.
Nala's biography is attested in the Nalopakhyana section of Vana Parva, the third book of the Mahabharata.
6.
Nala is born to Virasena, the king of Nishada Kingdom, and grows up into a handsome youth, renowned for his righteousness, exceptional charioteering skills, and devotion to dharma.
7.
Under Kali's influence, Nala becomes addicted to gambling and challenges his younger brother, Pushkara, to a game of dice.
8.
Ultimately, Nala is left with nothing but a single garment, and Pushkara decrees that anyone who assists him will be executed.
9.
That night, as she sleeps, Nala, believing she will be safer without him, cuts a piece of her garment and abandons her.
10.
Nala discovers the serpent Karkotaka, who is trapped in the flames due to a curse.
11.
Nala provides Nala with two divine garments, which will restore his true form when worn.
12.
Nala remains committed to searching for Nala, despite widespread assumptions of his demise.
13.
Nala instructs a Brahmin to inform Rituparna that she will hold a second svayamvara the following day, knowing that only Nala can drive a chariot fast enough to reach Vidarbha within that time.
14.
In exchange, Nala reveals his expertise in horse-riding, and they exchange their knowledge.
15.
At the moment he gains this new knowledge, Nala expels Kali's influence from his body.
16.
Nala then dons the divine garments provided by Karkotaka, restoring his true form.