Let us journey together, all brothers, to the Ganga, suggested one among them, for the sacred river was adorned with gardens and woods, promising joy and refreshment through playful water games. Yudhishthira, ever agreeable, replied, “So be it.” And so, with splendid chariots shaped like cities and the finest elephants of the region, the Kaurava heroes departed from their city, accompanied by the Pandavas. Upon reaching the lush gardens and forests by the Ganga, they dismissed the accompanying crowds, seeking privacy. The brothers, warriors all, entered the gardens like lions entering a mountain cave, their eyes wide with wonder as they gazed upon the beauty surrounding them. The place was resplendent with grand reception halls and pavilions, adorned with windows, intricate lattices, and marvelous mechanical devices. Palace servants had swept it clean, artists had decorated it, and everywhere were pools and lotus ponds. The water sparkled, covered with blooming aquatic plants, and the earth itself was carpeted with flowers of every season. There, concealed from view, the Pandavas and Kauravas sat together, indulging in many pleasures as they desired. As they played in that excellent garden, they fed each other with delicacies, sharing food affectionately. Yet, amidst this camaraderie, Duryodhana, harboring wicked intent, mixed deadly poison into the food, aiming to kill Bhimasena. Duryodhana, sharp-minded as a razor, spoke with words sweet as nectar and appeared as affectionate as a brother and true friend. He personally placed generous portions of the poisoned food before Bhima, who, unsuspecting, ate what was given to him. Duryodhana, his heart inwardly laughing, felt accomplished, though he was the lowest of men. Afterwards, all the brothers—Pandavas and Dhārtarāṣṭras—happily engaged in water games. In the pleasure houses, the heroes chose their lodgings, but Bhima, strong as ever, exerted himself even more in the water after eating. Having carried the princes who had come for the games, Bhima, seeking rest, lay down at the edge and fell asleep. Exposed to the cold wind, exhausted and stupefied by poison, the son of Pāṇḍu became motionless, his body overcome. Duryodhana himself then tied Bhima with creeper cords and quickly drove stakes into the water at intervals. Bound tightly, Duryodhana cast Bhima from the land into the water, but by fate, Bhima did not reach the stakes—wherever he fell, there happened to be no stake. Unconscious, Bhima sank into the depths of the water, where he encountered the serpent youths in their abode. Many great, venomous serpents gathered and fiercely bit Bhima with their huge, terrible fangs. Yet, as they bit him, the deadly Kālakūṭa poison was destroyed by the serpent venom, which possessed both immobile and mobile qualities. Though their fangs struck even his vital spots, they could not pierce his skin, for his broad chest was firm. Then, the son of Kunti awoke, broke all his bonds, and began to strike the serpents; some, terrified, fled. Those who survived Bhima’s blows went to Vāsuki, the king of serpents, who was like Indra. They reported to Vāsuki, “O lord of serpents, this man was bound and cast into the water; we believe he drank poison. He came to us motionless, but after being bitten, he regained consciousness, broke our bonds, and now is aware. You should know this mighty-armed one who is striking us.” Vāsuki, accompanied by the serpents, approached Bhima. He beheld mighty-armed Bhima, whose valor was formidable, and was seen by the noble elder and by Pritha’s noble elder as well. Then, the grandson and grandfather embraced tightly; Vasuki, renowned for his greatness, became exceedingly pleased with Bhima. The king of serpents spoke, “What favor should be done for him? Let a wealth of riches, a heap of jewels, and treasures be given to him.” But the serpent replied, “If you are pleased, O king of serpents, what use are riches for him? Let this powerful boy drink the elixir, since you are pleased; in that vessel is established the strength of a thousand serpents.” “As long as this boy drinks, let it be given to him,” Vasuki agreed. Then Bhima, purified and blessed by the serpents, sat facing east and drank the elixir. With a single breath, the mighty one emptied a vessel, and thus the son of Pandu drank eight vessels. Afterwards, upon a divine bed given by the serpents, the great-armed Bhimasena lay down comfortably, a subduer of foes. Meanwhile, Duryodhana, wicked in heart, having thrown Bhima into the deadly serpent’s lair, considered himself accomplished. When the night had passed and morning came, he entered the city, saying, “Bhimasena has gone ahead of us.” Yudhishthira, righteous in soul, suspected no evil; by his own reasoning, he always saw the good in others.