|
92. DURYODHANA
Sanjaya, who related the events to the
blind old king, here said: "When your son
Duryodhana heard these harsh and cruel
words spoken by Dharmaputra, he at once
rose from the water, mace in hand."
Stepping out of the pool, the unfortunate
Duryodhana said: "Come, one by one, all
of you, for I am single. You five will
surely not join together and attack me who
am alone and without armor, weary and
wounded all over."
Yudhishthira replied sharply: "If indeed it
be wrong for many to join together and
attack a single person, pray tell us how
Abhimanyu was attacked and killed? Did
you not consent to many combining and
attacking that boy, standing all alone
amidst your crowd? Yes, when men face
misfortune, they see and preach dharma
and chivalry to others. Wear your coat of
armor. Choose any of us you like and
fight. Die and go to swarga or win and be
king."
Accordingly, the combat began between
Bhima and Duryodhana. Sparks of fire
flew when their maces clashed.
Duryodhana and Bhima were equal in
strength and skill, and the battle raged
long, and the issue hung doubtful. Those,
who stood watching, were debating as to
whom would win. Krishna said to Arjuna
that Bhima would redeem the oath he
swore in the Hall of Assembly and smash
Duryodhana's thighs. Bhima heard this
and, at that moment, the memory of the
great outrage came vividly to his mind.
He leaped like a lion and came down with
his mace on Duryodhana's thighs and
broke them and Duryodhana fell heavily
on the ground, wounded to death.
Bhima jumped on the prostrate body of
his enemy, stamped on his head with his
heavy foot and danced a terrible dance.
"Cease, Bhima," cried Dharmaraja. "You
have paid off the debt. Duryodhana is a
prince and a cousin. It is not right to put
your foot on his head."
Said Krishna:"Soon the wicked man's soul
will depart from the body. Sons of Pandu,
Duryodhana and his friends have been
slain. Why linger here? On to your
chariots."
|
|