Vīrabāhu of Cedi

Vīrabāhu was the king of Cedi. His mother, Sunandā, gave shelter to Damayantī during her ordeal. When it came out that Damayantī was the daughter of Bhīma of Vidarbha, Vīrabāhu honoured her as a royal guest. He arranged a proper escort and sent her safely back to her family in Vidarbha.

His part in the Nala-Damayantī Upākhyāna of the Mahābhārata is short but honourable.

In the account

Damayantī had been living in the Cedi palace without revealing who she was. She went by the name Sairandhrī and was a companion to the king’s sister. Brāhmaṇas sent by Damayantī’s family came searching for her and asked questions. They found her and made her identity known.

Vīrabāhu saw that she was the daughter of a great king who had suffered greatly. He treated her with full respect. He arranged for her return to Vidarbha with a proper royal escort.

Sources

• Mahābhārata, Vana Parva, Chapter 62