Mahabharata

As Bhima lay unconscious in the depths of the forest, a host of great, venomous serpents gathered around him. Fiercely, they sank their huge, terrible fangs into his flesh, their poison coursing with deadly intent. Yet, as they bit him, something remarkable occurred: the deadly Kālakūṭa poison within Bhima was destroyed by the serpents’ own venom, which possessed both immobile and mobile qualities. Even as their fangs struck at his vital spots, they could not pierce his skin, for Bhima’s broad chest was firm and unyielding. Suddenly, the son of Kunti awoke. With a mighty effort, he broke all the bonds that held him and began to strike at the serpents. Terrified by his strength and fury, some of the serpents fled. Those that survived Bhima’s blows hastened to Vāsuki, the king of serpents, who was as resplendent and powerful as Indra himself. They approached their lord and said, “O king of serpents, this man was bound and cast into the water. We believe he must have drunk poison. He came to us motionless, but after being bitten, he regained consciousness, broke our bonds, and now stands aware and mighty. You should know this powerful one who is striking us.” Hearing this, Vāsuki, accompanied by his serpents, approached Bhima. Beholding the mighty-armed Bhima, whose valor was awe-inspiring, Vāsuki was filled with admiration. He was seen by the noble elder among the serpents, and by Pritha’s own venerable elder as well. Then, the grandson and grandfather embraced each other tightly, and Vāsuki, renowned for his greatness, was exceedingly pleased with Bhima. The king of serpents said, “What favor should be done for him? Let him be given a wealth of riches—a heap of jewels and treasures.” But one of the serpents replied, “O king, if you are truly pleased, what use are riches to him? Instead, let this powerful boy drink the elixir over which you preside. In that vessel is established the strength of a thousand serpents.” Vāsuki agreed, saying, “As long as this boy drinks, let it be given to him.” So Bhima, purified and blessed by the serpents, sat facing east and drank the elixir. With a single breath, the mighty Bhima emptied a vessel—and then drank seven more, consuming eight vessels in all. Afterwards, the son of Pandu was laid upon a divine bed provided by the serpents, and there, the great-armed Bhimasena, subduer of foes, rested comfortably. Meanwhile, Duryodhana, wicked at heart, having thrown Bhima into the deadly serpent’s lair, was convinced he had accomplished his goal. When the night passed and morning arrived, he entered the city, declaring, “Bhimasena has gone ahead of us.” Yudhishthira, ever righteous and trusting, suspected no evil; he always saw the good in others. Arjuna, affectionate toward his brothers, approached their mother and said, “Mother Kunti, Bhima has come here. Where has he gone? I do not see him. I have searched the gardens and the forest everywhere.” None of them had seen the heroic Vrikodara, and so they all believed he had gone ahead. Troubled at heart, they said, “Mother, where has he gone? Or was he sent by you?” Arjuna pleaded, “Tell us, O illustrious one, about mighty-armed Bhimasena; my mind is not at ease concerning that hero.” Yudhishthira, thinking Bhima had been sleeping and was now missing, feared the worst and said, “Surely he has been killed.” Kunti, distressed and anxious, replied, “My son, I do not see Bhima; he has not come to me. Quickly, make every effort to search for him with your younger brothers.” The Pandavas hurried to the royal gardens and searched everywhere, calling out, “Bhima! Bhima!” Yet, despite their efforts, they could not find their brother. Returning home, they told Kunti, “Mother, the mighty-armed Bhima is nowhere to be found. All the gardens and even the rivers have been thoroughly searched.” Vidura, the wise Kshatta, confirmed, “Bhimasena is not to be seen.” Kunti grieved, “All the brothers have returned from the gardens, but Bhima alone does not come back to me. He never pleases the eye of Duryodhana, who is cruel, evil-minded, greedy for the kingdom, and shameless. If angered, Suyodhana might even kill that heroic one. Because of this, my mind is troubled and my heart burns.” Vidura gently counseled, “Do not speak so, noble lady. Protect your other sons, for that wicked-hearted one, even when warned, might attack them as well. But your sons are destined for long life, as the great sage has said. Your son will return and bring you joy.” Having offered his wisdom, Vidura returned to his own residence, while Kunti, filled with anxiety, sat at home surrounded by her sons. Then, on the eighth day, Bhima awoke, his strength now immeasurable after digesting the potent elixir. Seeing him awaken, the serpents, anxious yet respectful, comforted him and spoke these words.