Editing Nala (section)

=== Early life and marriage ===
Nala is born to Virasena, the king of [[Nishadha kingdom|Nishada Kingdom]], and grows up into an extremely handsome youth, renowned for his righteousness, exceptional charioteering skills, and devotion to dharma. His virtues are widely extolled, and his reputation reaches far and wide, desired by many women. Meanwhile, [[Damayanti]], the princess of [[Vidarbha kingdom|Vidarbha]], grows into a woman of exceptional beauty. She and Nala hear tales of each other’s qualities and fall in love despite never having met. While Nala is in the palace garden, a group of [[Hamsa (bird)|golden-winged swans]] arrives at the lake. Amused, he captures one of them, which then addresses him with a proposal: if released, it will fly to [[Vidarbha kingdom|Vidarbha]] and speak of his virtues to Damayanti. Accepting this offer, Nala sets the swan free. The swan fulfills its promise, flying to Vidarbha and praising Nala before Damayanti, further fostering her admiration for him. In return, the swans carry her admiration back to Nala. Deeply drawn to each other, Nala prepares to attend Damayanti’s [[svayamvara]], the ceremony where she will choose her husband. Meanwhile, the gods [[Indra]], [[Agni]], [[Varuna]], and [[Yama]], having heard of Damayanti’s beauty, also desire to marry her. On their way to the svayamvara, they encounter Nala and request that he deliver their proposal to Damayanti. Granted invisibility, Nala enters her chamber and conveys their message. However, Damayanti remains steadfast in her love for Nala and chooses him over the gods. To test her devotion, the gods assume Nala’s form during the svayamvara, making it difficult for her to distinguish him. Through divine intuition, she identifies the real Nala and places the [[Varamala|nuptial garland]] around his neck. Pleased with their love, the gods bestow blessings upon Nala: Agni promises to aid him whenever called, Yama grants him unwavering righteousness, Varuna ensures he will never lack water, and Indra guarantees him [[moksha]] (liberation) upon completing a sacrifice.<ref name=":0" />