[Pramāṇa](https://indike.org/pramana/) › [Studies](https://indike.org/pramana/ins) › [Reference works](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference) › [Puranic Encyclopaedia: A Comprehensive Dictionary with Special Reference to the Epic and Puranic Literature](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.mani-1975) › c9.540 # Puranic Encyclopaedia: A Comprehensive Dictionary with Special Reference to the Epic and Puranic Literature c9.540 Purāṇic Encyclopaedia: A Comprehensive Dictionary with Special Reference to the Epic and Purāṇic Literature c9.540 - **Language:** English ### [c9.540](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.mani-1975.c9.540) i) Nala’s incognito life. While Nala was wandering in the dense forest after leaving Damayantī, he was bitten by the serpent, Karkoṭaka. His complexion turned blue owing to the effect of the poison. Karkoṭaka gave him a garment by wearing which Nala could regain his form. As advised by Karkoṭaka, Nala went to the palace of Ṛtuparṇa, king of Ayodhyā, assuming the name Bāhuka. He lived there as the chief charioteer of the king. He had mastered the art “Aśvahṛdaya” by which he could drive the chariot-horses with astonishing speed. Ṛtuparṇa appointed him as his chief charioteer and gave him two assistants, Vārṣṇeya and Jīvala. (M.B., Araṇya Parva, Chapter 67). - [Previous: c9.539](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.mani-1975.c9.539) - [Next: c9.541](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.mani-1975.c9.541) - [Up: c9](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.mani-1975.c9) ## Cites (1) - [Mahābhārata](https://indike.org/pramana/in.lit.mahabharata.vyasa) — Vyāsa, Sanskrit --- Source: [https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.mani-1975.c9.540](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.mani-1975.c9.540) · Pramāṇa