A Classical Dictionary of Hindu Mythology and Religion, Geography, History, and Literature c5.425

c5.425

DAMBHODBHAVA. A king whose story is related in the Mahā-bhārata as an antidote to pride. He had an overweening conceit of his own prowess, and when told by his Brāhmans that he was no match for Nara and Nārāyana, who were living as ascetics on the Gandha-mādana mountain, he proceeded thither with his army and challenged them. They endeavoured to dissuade him, but he insisted on fighting. Nara then took a handful of straws, and using them as missiles, they whitened all the air, and penetrated the eyes, ears, and noses of the assailants, until Dambhodbhava fell at Nara’s feet and begged for peace.