भगवद्यान पर्व — भीमका वचन

Vaishampayana said Thus spoken by the son of Vasudeva, the one who was ever wrathful and who was accustomed to return insults immediately woke up like a good horse and instantly said reply-

Bhimasena said You regard me, who desire to act in a certain way, in a different light, O Acchyuta. I am in an exceedingly cheerful state of mind at the prospect of war. I am of true prowess.

You know the truth of this, you of the Dasharha race, owing to your living for a long time with me; or it is possible that you do not know me like one swimming in a lake not knowing its depth.

For this reason you find fault with me in words that I dot deserve. Who, knowing me to be Bhimasena.

Would dare speak in such unbecoming language as you have deemed fit to address me? Therefore, O you delighted of the Vrishni race, I tell you these words.

Regarding the manly strength of myself and the might, which are not equalled by my enemies. At all times this is a dishonourable act for a man to praise himself.

Yet being pierced with excessive blame, I speak out of my own strength. Look at these two, O Krishna, the earth and the heaven, from which have proceeded all creatures.

Which are immovable, immense . and without end and which are, as it were, the mothers of all beings. If these two, out of anger, suddenly come against each other like two mountains,

Then I could by my two arms keep them apart with all their mobile and immobile beings. Behold the distance between the two arms, which coming together are like a great circle.

I do not see the man who can free himself after once getting within them. The Himavat, the ocean and the wielder of the thunder-bolt and the grinder of Bala himself.:

These three together cannot by their joint strength rescue a man in my power. All the Kshatriyas, who are fit for battle and who oppose the Pandavas.

I shall fell them down to the earth and trample them with the soles of my feet. You, O Acchyuta, are not unfamiliar with my strength.

And the manner in which after conquering the kings, brought them under subjection. If it is a fact that you do not know my strength, which is like the resplendent sun, you will know then me in the fierce turmoil of battle, O Janardana. You cause me pain by your harsh words like the pain felt in opening a long standing boil.

Know me to be possessed of greater strength than what I have described of my own will. On the day in which the fierce battle begins, you will see me.

And you will see the elephants, carwarriors and horse soldiers struck down by me; and you will see me moved by rage killing men, who are as bulls among the Kshatriyas.

You will see and the world will see me cutting down the foremost warriors. The marrow of my bones is not wasted away; nor does my mind shake with fear!

I have no fear from all the worlds moved with wrath against me. But I am evincing these good wishes only out of mercy, O destroyer of Madhu. I can bear all sorts of troubles, if the Bharatas are not annihilated.