तीर्थयात्रा पर्व — स्वर्ण-कमलों का संचय

Bhima said: I am Bhimasena, the son of Pandu. I am next in birth to Dharmaraja (Yudhishthira). O Rakshasas, I had come with my brother to the great Badari.

There did the Panchala princess see an excellent Sugandhika (lotus), which was certainly carried there by wind from this place. She desired to possess more of that kind lotus.

O rangers in night, know, that being ever engaged in fulfilling the desire of my wedded wife of faultless feature, I have come here to get the flowers.

The Rakshasas said : O foremost of men, this place is the favourite play-ground of Kubera. Men subject to the laws of earth cannot sport here.

O Vrikodara, the celestials Rishis, the Yakshas and the celestials, after taking permission of the Yaksha chief, drink the water of this lake and sport here. O Pandava, the Gandharvas and the Apsaras (also) sport here.

That wicked person, who without heeding the lord of wealth (Kubera), unlawfully tries to sport here, certainly meets with destruction.

Without heeding him (Kubera), you intend to take away the lotuses from this place by main force, why then do you say that you are the brother of Dharmaraja?

First take the permission of the king of the Yakshas and then drink (the water of this lake) and take away (the lotuses) If you do not act thus, you will not be able even to look at these flowers.

Bhimasena said: Rakshasas, I do not see the lord of wealth here. Even if I see that great king, I shall not pray (for the flowers) to him,

The Kshatriyas never beg; this is the eternal Dharma. I never wish to forsake the duties of a Kshatriya.

The lotus-lake has sprung up on the mountain breast. It has not been made in the abode of the illustrious Kubera.

(Therefore) it belongs to every body equally with Vaisravana (Kubera). In such things, who should beg to others?

Vaishampayana said : Having said this to all the Rakshasas, the mighty-armed and exceedingly unforbearing and greatly strong Bhimasena plunged into the lake.

Thereupon that powerful hero was forbidden by the Rakshasas, saying “Don't do it” and from all sides they began to abuse him in anger.

Not heeding them at all, that greatly powerful one plunged (into the lake). But they (the Rakshasas) prepared themselves to oppose him.

With rolling eyes, they upraised their arms and rushed in anger at Bhimasena, crying "Seize him" "Bind him," "Cut him down" "Look to Bhima and eat him up."

Thereupon that greatly powerful hero, taking up his huge and mighty mace inlaid with gold which resembled the mace of Yama himself, turned towards those (Rakshasas) and exclaimed, "Stay," "Stay".

Thereupon they rushed upon him with great force upraising their lances, axes and other weapons. Desiring to kill Bhima, those dreadful and fearful Krodhavasas surrounded hiin on all sides.

But that mighty hero was begotten by Vayu in the womb of Kunti. He was heroic and courageous; that slayer of foes was ever devoted to virtue and truth. He was incapable of being vanquished by any enemy through prowess.

Therefore on the banks of that lake he defeated the foes and broke their arms. He kiiled more than one hundred, beginning from the foremost.

Seeing his prowess, strength and also the might of his arms, those foremost of heroes, being unable to withstand (his attack), began suddenly to fly in all directions.

Beaten and pierced by Bhimasena, those Krodhavasas left the field of battle and confusedly and hurriedly fled towards Kailasha mountain through the sky.

Having thus vanquished those Rakshasas by his prowess, as Indra did the armies of the Daityas and the Danavas, he again plunged into the lake and began to gather the lotuses with the object of accomplishing his purpose.

When he drank the water (of the lake) which was like ambrosia, his energy and strength were again fully restored; he then plucked and gathered the golden lotuses of excellent fragrance.

(In the mean while) the Krodhavasas, being driven by the prowess of Bhima and greatly terrified, went to the lord of wealth (Kubera) and informed him of Bhima's prowess and strength.

Having heard their words, the deity (Kubera) smiled and then said, 'Let Bhima take for Krishna (Draupadi) as many lotuses as he likes. This is already known to me."

Thereupon taking the permission of the lord of wealth (Kubera) and giving up their anger, those (Rakshasas) went (back) to that foremost of the Kurus (Bhima); and they saw Bhima alone sporting in delight in that lotus-lake.