Seeking rest after the day’s exertions, Bhima lay down on the cool bank of the Ganga, his body calmed and overcome by weariness. Motionless and deep in sleep, he appeared almost lifeless. Seizing the opportunity, Duryodhana quietly bound Bhima with ropes made from creepers, his actions hidden from the others. While Bhima slept, Duryodhana cast him, still bound, into the waters of the Ganga. Yet, when the son of Kunti awoke, he broke apart his bonds with ease, rising up with his formidable strength. Bhima freed himself but did not know who had perpetrated this against him. Once again, sleep overcame him, and he lay down at the same spot. As half the night passed, the Kurus and Pandavas awoke, but Duryodhana, seeing Bhima unharmed, grew despondent. Not deterred, Duryodhana tried again. While Bhima slept, Duryodhana brought furious snakes with sharp fangs and deadly venom, commanding them to bite Bhima at every joint. Their venomous fangs struck even his vital parts, but Bhima’s firm and broad frame resisted their poison; his skin was not pierced. Awakening, Bhimasena struck down all the snakes and killed their leader with his own hand. On another day, burning with anger and intent on killing, Duryodhana consulted with Karna and followed the advice of Shakuni, the son of Subala. At Bhimasena’s meal, he mixed in Kālakūṭa, a deadly, terrifying poison. Yet, even after consuming that most potent poison, Bhima was unaffected; his body showed no change, though the poison was exceedingly strong. Bhima digested the poison with his strength, and still, Duryodhana sought other ways to destroy him. With Shakuni as his ally, Dhritarashtra’s son pondered ceaselessly, unable to find rest day or night, thinking of ways to harm the Pandavas. Duryodhana, Karna, and Shakuni, son of Subala, tried many means to injure them. A merchant’s son, wishing the Pandavas well, informed them of these plots. Yet the Pandavas, aware of everything, did not reveal it, remaining steadfast in Vidura’s counsel. Then, led by Duryodhana, those heroes deliberated with vigor, courage, and steadfastness. “Bhimasena always competes with us,” they said. “Let us cast him, while he sleeps in the garden, into the water upon a spear.” They arranged a gathering for water-sport at a spot on the bank, near the garden. There, skilled cooks prepared an array of foods to eat, drink, suck, and lick. The attendants reported to Dhritarashtra’s son, and Duryodhana, with evil intent, addressed the Pandavas: “Let us go together, all brothers, to the Ganga adorned with gardens and woods, and enjoy water-play.” Yudhishthira agreed, and with chariots shaped like cities and the finest local elephants, the Kaurava heroes departed from the city with the Pandavas. Reaching the garden and forest, they dismissed the multitude and entered together, like lions into a mountain cave, gazing upon the garden. The garden was adorned with splendid reception halls and pavilions, windows and lattices, and mechanical devices. It was swept clean by palace servants, decorated by artists, and filled with pools and lotus ponds. The water shone, covered with blooming aquatic plants; the earth was adorned with flowers of every season. There, concealed from view, the Pandavas and Kauravas sat, enjoying many pleasures. As they played in that excellent garden, they fed each other delicacies. Duryodhana, wicked at heart, mixed deadly poison into the food, intending to kill Bhimasena. He would rise up himself, sharp-minded, but his speech was sweet as nectar, and he acted as affectionate as a brother and true friend. He himself placed much food, specially prepared for Bhima, and Bhima, suspecting nothing, ate what was given. Duryodhana, with a heart as if laughing, considered himself accomplished, though he was the lowest of men. Afterwards, all the brothers—Pandavas and Dhārtarāṣṭras—happily engaged in water play. In those pleasure houses, the heroes chose their lodgings; but Bhima, strong as ever, after eating, exerted himself even more in the water. Having carried the princes who had come for water games, Bhima, seeking rest at the edge, fell asleep upon reaching that place. Exposed to the cold wind, exhausted and stupefied by poison, the son of Pandu became motionless, his body overcome. Duryodhana himself tied Bhima with creeper cords and quickly drove stakes into the water at intervals. Firmly bound, he cast Bhima from the land into the water. Yet, by fate, Bhima did not reach the stakes in the water. Wherever he fell, there happened to be no stake. Unconscious, the Pandava entered the depths of the water, where he encountered the serpent youths in their abode.