Editing Nala (section)

=== Exile ===
[[Kali (demon)|Kali]], the deity of discord, harbors resentment toward Nala for winning Damayanti’s hand and vows to ruin him. Along with [[Dvapara Yuga|Dvapara]], he waits for an opportunity to influence Nala’s fate. After twelve years, Kali finds an opening when Nala fails to wash his feet before performing his evening prayers. Exploiting this lapse in ritual purity, Kali takes possession of Nala’s mind, corrupting his judgment. Under Kali’s influence, Nala becomes addicted to gambling and challenges his younger brother, [[Pushkara]], to a game of dice. Manipulated by Kali and Dvapara, Nala ignores pleas from Damayanti and citizens, and suffers continuous losses, eventually forfeiting his kingdom, wealth, and status. As his misfortunes worsen, Damayanti sends their children, Indrasena and Indrasenā, to her father’s kingdom for safety. Ultimately, Nala is left with nothing but a single garment, and Pushkara decrees that anyone who assists him will be executed. Stripped of his power and possessions, Nala wanders into the forest. When he attempts to catch golden birds for food, they fly away with his last piece of clothing, revealing themselves to be the dice that had caused his ruin. Fearing for Damayanti’s safety, Nala urges her to seek refuge in her father's palace. She refuses, vowing to stay by his side. That night, as she sleeps, Nala, believing she will be safer without him, cuts a piece of her garment and abandons her.<ref name=":0" />
[[File:Nala and Damayanti in forest.jpg|thumb|An illustration of Nala and Damayanti in their exile]]
During his exile, Nala comes across a raging fire and hears a voice calling for help. He discovers the serpent [[Karkotaka]], who is trapped in the flames due to a curse. Nala rescues him, and in return, Karkotaka bites him, altering his appearance and making him unrecognizable. The serpent explains that this transformation is a protective measure and that the venom will weaken Kali’s hold over him. He also provides Nala with two divine garments, which will restore his true form when worn. Following Karkotaka’s guidance, Nala assumes the identity of Bahuka, an expert charioteer, and travels to [[Ayodhya (Ramayana)|Ayodhya]]. There, he enters the service of King [[Rituparna]], offering his exceptional charioteering skills in exchange for knowledge of gambling. Despite his altered form, Nala’s skills and demeanor intrigue those around him. Each evening, he recites verses lamenting a man who has lost everything, arousing the curiosity of his fellow servants, particularly Jivala and Varsneya.<ref name=":0" />