Chapter 22: Kuntī’s Decision to Send Bhīma Against Baka to Save Their Brahmin Host
Janamejaya said:
[PV-KDV:01_029_1] (Jaya)
After those mighty warriors, the sons of Kunti, had gone to Ekachakra, what did the Pandavas do next, O best of brahmins? (BORI: 01-145-1)
[PV-KDV:01_029_2] (Jaya)
Vaiśampāyana said:
[PV-KDV:01_029_3] (Jaya)
After reaching Ekacakrā, Kuntī’s sons, the great chariot-warriors, stayed for a short time in a Brahmin’s house. (BORI: 01-145-2)
[PV-KDV:01_029_4] (Jaya)
Then they all went about begging alms, O king, and through their virtues became pleasing to the townspeople. (BORI: 01-145-4)
[PV-KDV:01_029_6] (Jaya)
Each evening they would present the alms they had collected to Kunti, and then eat separately the portions she allotted to them. (BORI: 01-145-5)
[PV-KDV:01_029_7] (Jaya)
Those heroic subduers of their foes ate half of it together with their mother, while the mighty Bhima ate the other half of all the alms. (BORI: 01-145-6)
[PV-KDV:01_029_8] (Jaya)
Thus, O king, as those great souls dwelt there, a very long time passed, O bull of the Bharatas. (BORI: 01-145-7)
[PV-KDV:01_029_9] (Jaya)
Then one day those bulls of Bharata went out to seek alms, while Bhimasena happened to remain there with Pritha. (BORI: 01-145-8)
[PV-KDV:01_029_10] (Jaya)
Then Kunti heard a great and terrible cry of anguish arise loudly in the Brahmin’s dwelling, O Bharata. (BORI: 01-145-9)
[PV-KDV:01_029_11] (Jaya)
O king, out of compassion and her own goodness, the noble lady could not bear to hear them all wailing and lamenting. (BORI: 01-145-10)
[PV-KDV:01_029_12] (Jaya)
Then the noble Pritha, her heart wrung with sorrow, compassionately spoke these words to Bhima: (BORI: 01-145-11)
[PV-KDV:01_029_13] (Jaya)
My son, we live very comfortably in this Brahmin’s house, unknown to the sons of Dhritarashtra, treated with honour, and free from fear. (BORI: 01-145-12)
[PV-KDV:01_029_14] (Jaya)
I am always considering, son, what kindness I might do for this Brahmin, as those who have lived comfortably in his house ought to do. (BORI: 01-145-13)
[PV-KDV:01_029_15] (Jaya)
A man is one, dear son, in whom a kindness is not wasted: whatever another does for him, he should do still more in return. (BORI: 01-145-14)
[PV-KDV:01_029_16] (Jaya)
This Brahmin has clearly fallen into distress. If we were to help him in this matter, it would be a virtuous deed. (BORI: 01-145-15)
[PV-KDV:01_029_17] (Jaya)
Bhima said:
[PV-KDV:01_029_18] (Jaya)
Let it be ascertained what his affliction is and what has caused it. Once I know, I shall act resolutely, even if the task is exceedingly difficult. (BORI: 01-145-16)
[PV-KDV:01_029_19] (Jaya)
Vaiśampāyana said:
[PV-KDV:01_029_20] (Jaya)
As the two were conversing in this way, they once again heard the anguished cries of that Brahmin and his wife, O king. (BORI: 01-145-17)
[PV-KDV:01_029_21] (Jaya)
Kunti then hurried into the private quarters of that noble Brahmin, like a cow anxious for her tethered calf. (BORI: 01-145-18)
[PV-KDV:01_029_22] (Jaya)
There she saw the Brahmin with a distraught expression, together with his wife, son, and daughter. (BORI: 01-145-19)
[PV-KDV:01_029_23] (Jaya)
Kunti said:
[PV-KDV:01_029_151] (Jaya)
I wish to know the true source of this suffering. Once I know it, I will remove it, if it can be removed. (BORI: 1-148-1)
[PV-KDV:01_029_152] (Jaya)
The Brahmin said:
[PV-KDV:01_029_153] (Jaya)
What you say is worthy of the virtuous, O ascetic. But this suffering cannot be removed by any human being. (BORI: 1-148-2)
[PV-KDV:01_029_154] (Jaya)
Near this city dwells a Rakshasa named Baka, a mighty lord over this land and city. (BORI: 1-148-3)
[PV-KDV:01_029_155] (Jaya)
The powerful, evil-minded man-eater, lord of the Asuras and nourished on human flesh, always protects this district. (BORI: 1-148-4)
[PV-KDV:01_029_156] (Jaya)
Endowed with a Rakshasa’s might, he protects both the city and the countryside. Because of him, we have no fear of enemy armies or other creatures. (BORI: 1-148-5)
[PV-KDV:01_029_157] (Jaya)
His payment has been fixed: a cartload of rice for his meal, two buffaloes, and the man who takes it to him. (BORI: 1-148-6)
[PV-KDV:01_029_158] (Jaya)
Each man in turn provides that meal. His turn comes only after many years, but it is exceedingly hard for men to bear. (BORI: 1-148-7)
[PV-KDV:01_029_159] (Jaya)
And if any men attempt to free themselves from it, that Rakshasa kills them together with their sons and wives and devours them. (BORI: 1-148-8)
[PV-KDV:01_029_160] (Jaya)
This king at Vetrakīyagṛha has adopted no policy by which these people might now enjoy lasting security. (BORI: 1-148-9)
[PV-KDV:01_029_161] (Jaya)
Surely we deserve this, living as we do in the realm of a weak man, always anxious and dependent on a bad king. (BORI: 1-148-10)
[PV-KDV:01_029_162] (Jaya)
Who can tell Brahmins what to do, and whose wishes do they follow? For they can be induced to stay only by good qualities, like birds free to go wherever they please. (BORI: 1-148-11)
[PV-KDV:01_029_163] (Jaya)
One should first secure a king, then a wife, and then wealth; once these three have been acquired, one should support one’s relatives and sons. (BORI: 1-148-12)
[PV-KDV:01_029_164] (Jaya)
But I acquired all three of these in the reverse order; consequently, having fallen into this calamity, we shall suffer greatly. (BORI: 1-148-13)
[PV-KDV:01_029_165] (Jaya)
Now our turn has come—the turn that will destroy our family. I must provide the food, a man, and the payment. (BORI: 1-148-14)
[PV-KDV:01_029_166] (Jaya)
I have no wealth with which to buy a man anywhere, and I could never give up one of my loved ones. Nor do I see any way to escape the Rakshasa. (BORI: 1-148-15)
[PV-KDV:01_029_167] (Jaya)
Thus I am plunged deep into a vast, impassable ocean of sorrow. Today I shall go to the Rakshasa together with these kinsmen; then the wretch will devour us all together. (BORI: 1-148-16)
[PV-KDV:01_029_168] (Jaya)
Kunti said:
[PV-KDV:01_029_188] (Jaya)
You must not despair in any way because of this danger, since a means of deliverance from the Rakshasa has been found here. (BORI: 1-149-1)
[PV-KDV:01_029_189] (Jaya)
You have only one young son and one poor daughter. I do not approve of your going there, nor of either of them or your wife going. (BORI: 1-149-2)
[PV-KDV:01_029_190] (Jaya)
I have five sons, Brahmin; one of them will go on your behalf, taking the offering to that wicked Rakshasa. (BORI: 1-149-3)
[PV-KDV:01_029_191] (Jaya)
The Brahmin said:
[PV-KDV:01_029_192] (Jaya)
However much I may wish to live, I will never do this: deprive a Brahmin who is my guest of his life for my own sake. (BORI: 1-149-4)
[PV-KDV:01_029_193] (Jaya)
But such conduct is not found among women of ignoble birth or among the deeply unrighteous: sacrificing oneself and even one’s own son for the sake of a Brahmin. (BORI: 1-149-5)
[PV-KDV:01_029_194] (Jaya)
But I believe I must determine what is best for me. Between killing a Brahmin and killing myself, it is better for me to take my own life. (BORI: 1-149-6)
[PV-KDV:01_029_195] (Jaya)
Killing a Brahmin is the gravest sin, and there is no expiation for it. Even if I were to do it unintentionally, it would be better for me to kill myself. (BORI: 1-149-7)
[PV-KDV:01_029_196] (Jaya)
But I do not wish to kill myself, good lady. If others kill me, no sin whatsoever will attach to me. (BORI: 1-149-8)
[PV-KDV:01_029_197] (Jaya)
For that premeditated killing of a Brahmin by me, I see no atonement; it would be both cruel and base. (BORI: 1-149-9)
[PV-KDV:01_029_198] (Jaya)
To abandon one who has come to one’s home, or one who seeks refuge, and to kill one who begs for mercy are considered acts of the utmost cruelty. (BORI: 1-149-10)
[PV-KDV:01_029_199] (Jaya)
One should never commit a reprehensible or cruel act. So the great men of old, who knew the law governing times of distress, understood. (BORI: 1-149-11)
[PV-KDV:01_029_200] (Jaya)
But it is better that I myself perish today together with my wife; I will never consent to the killing of a Brahmin. (BORI: 1-149-12)
[PV-KDV:01_029_201] (Jaya)
Kunti said:
[PV-KDV:01_029_202] (Jaya)
I too firmly believe, Brahmin, that Brahmins must be protected. And my son would be no less dear to me even if I had a hundred sons. (BORI: 1-149-13)
[PV-KDV:01_029_203] (Jaya)
Nor is that Rakshasa capable of destroying my son. My son is valiant, accomplished in sacred formulas, and mighty. (BORI: 1-149-14)
[PV-KDV:01_029_204] (Jaya)
He will deliver all that food to the Rakshasa and free himself—this is my firm conviction. (BORI: 1-149-15)
[PV-KDV:01_029_205] (Jaya)
The hero has encountered and seen Rakshasas before—powerful and huge-bodied—and has slain them in great numbers as well. (BORI: 1-149-16)
[PV-KDV:01_029_206] (Jaya)
But this must never be disclosed to anyone, Brahmin, for seekers of knowledge might unsettle my sons out of curiosity. (BORI: 1-149-17)
[PV-KDV:01_029_207] (Jaya)
And anyone whom my son teaches without his teacher’s permission should not put that knowledge to use—such is the judgment of the good. (BORI: 1-149-18)
[PV-KDV:01_029_208] (Jaya)
Vaiśampāyana said:
[PV-KDV:01_029_209] (Jaya)
Thus addressed by Pritha, the Brahmin and his wife joyfully welcomed her words, which were like nectar. (BORI: 1-149-19)
[PV-KDV:01_029_210] (Jaya)
Then Kunti and the Brahmin together said to the son of the Wind, “Do it.” He replied to them both, “So be it.” (BORI: 1-149-20)
[PV-KDV:01_029_211] (Jaya)
Vaiśampāyana said:
[PV-KDV:01_029_213] (Jaya)
O descendant of Bharata, after Bhima had pledged, “I will do it,” all the Pandavas returned with the alms they had collected. (BORI: 1-150-1)
[PV-KDV:01_029_214] (Jaya)
Then, seeing Bhimasena with his face beaming, Dharmaraja realized that the steadfast Bhima was exhilarated. (KUMB: 1-176-2)
[PV-KDV:01_029_215] (Jaya)
Recognizing it from his manner alone, Pandu’s son Yudhishthira then sat privately with his mother and questioned her in confidence. (BORI: 1-150-2)
[PV-KDV:01_029_216] (Jaya)
What deed does this Bhima of formidable prowess intend to undertake? Is it with your approval that he wishes to do this here? (BORI: 1-150-3)
[PV-KDV:01_029_217] (Jaya)
Kunti said:
[PV-KDV:01_029_218] (Jaya)
At my command, this scorcher of foes will perform a great deed for the Brahmin’s sake and for the deliverance of the city. (BORI: 1-150-4)
[PV-KDV:01_029_219] (Jaya)
Yudhishthira said:
[PV-KDV:01_029_220] (Jaya)
What is this rash and cruel deed you have done? Good people do not approve of abandoning one’s son. (BORI: 1-150-5)
[PV-KDV:01_029_221] (Jaya)
How can you wish to abandon your own son for the sake of another’s? By forsaking your son, you have acted contrary to the ways of the world. (BORI: 1-150-6)
[PV-KDV:01_029_222] (Jaya)
What reasoning did you rely on when you resolved to abandon him? I hope suffering has not unsettled your judgment and made you lose your senses. (BORI: 1-150-11)
[PV-KDV:01_029_227] (Jaya)
Kunti said:
[PV-KDV:01_029_228] (Jaya)
Yudhishthira, you should not be distressed about Vrikodara. Nor have I made this decision out of weakness of judgment. (BORI: 1-150-12)
[PV-KDV:01_029_229] (Jaya)
My son, we have lived happily here in this Brahmin’s house. I have considered this a way to repay him, dear child. A true man is one in whom a kindness does not go to waste. (BORI: 1-150-13)
[PV-KDV:01_029_230] (Jaya)
After seeing Bhishma’s great feat in the house of lac, and from the slaying of Hidimba, I have confidence in Vrikodara. (BORI: 1-150-14)
[PV-KDV:01_029_231] (Jaya)
Long ago, when he had just been born, he fell from my lap on the mountain, and the weight of his body shattered the rock beneath his limbs. (BORI: 1-150-17)
[PV-KDV:01_029_234] (Jaya)
Therefore, O Pandava, mindful of Bhima’s strength and resolved to repay the Brahmin, I made this decision with due judgment. (BORI: 1-150-18)
[PV-KDV:01_029_235] (Jaya)
I made this decision neither out of greed, nor from ignorance, nor under delusion; rather, I deliberately resolved upon this course of dharma. (BORI: 1-150-19)
[PV-KDV:01_029_236] (Jaya)
Both purposes will be accomplished, Yudhishthira: our lodging will be repaid, and a great act of righteousness will be performed. (BORI: 1-150-20)
[PV-KDV:01_029_237] (Jaya)
Yudhishthira said:
[PV-KDV:01_029_243] (Jaya)
Mother, what you have deliberately done out of compassion for the afflicted Brahmin is fitting. Bhima will surely return after slaying the man-eater. (BORI: 1-150-26)
[PV-KDV:01_029_244] (Jaya)
But this Brahmin must be carefully instructed and enjoined to secrecy, so that the inhabitants of the city do not learn of this. (BORI: 1-150-27)
[PV-KDV:01_029_245] (Jaya)