[Pramāṇa](https://indike.org/pramana/) › [Studies](https://indike.org/pramana/ins) › [Reference works](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference) › [A Classical Dictionary of Hindu Mythology and Religion, Geography, History, and Literature](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.dowson-1879) › c5.1227.3 # A Classical Dictionary of Hindu Mythology and Religion, Geography, History, and Literature c5.1227.3 A Classical Dictionary of Hindu Mythology and Religion, Geography, History, and Literature c5.1227.3 - **Language:** English ### [c5.1227.3](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.dowson-1879.c5.1227.3) In this form he entered the service of Rituparna, king of Ayodhyā, as a trainer of horses and an accomplished cook, under the name of Bāhuka. Damayantī was discovered and conducted to her father's home, where she found her children. Great search was made for Nala, but in vain, for no one knew him in his altered form. One Brāhman, however, suspected him, and informed Damayantī. She resolved to test his feelings by announcing her intention of holding a second swayam-vara. King Rituparna determined to attend, and took Nala with him as driver of his chariot. Rituparna was skilled in numbers and the rules of chances. On their journey he gave a wonderful proof of this, and he instructed Nala in the science. When Nala had acquired this knowledge the evil spirit went out of him, but still he retained his deformity. Damayantī half penetrated his disguise, and was at length convinced that he was her husband by the flavour of a dish which he had cooked. They met, and, after some loving reproaches and the interference of the gods, they became reconciled, and Nala resumed his form. He again played with Pushkara, and staked his wife against the kingdom. Profiting by the knowledge he had obtained from Rituparna, he won back all and again became king. Pushkara then humbled himself, and Nala not only forgave him, but sent him home to his own city enriched with many gifts. The text of this poem has been often printed, and there are translations in various languages. - [Previous: c5.1227.2](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.dowson-1879.c5.1227.2) - [Next: c5.1228](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.dowson-1879.c5.1228) - [Up: c5.1227](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.dowson-1879.c5.1227) --- Source: [https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.dowson-1879.c5.1227.3](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.dowson-1879.c5.1227.3) · Pramāṇa