02.026
Pancharatra: Bhimas conquest of the east till Chedi. Regions include Panchala, Gandaki, Videha, Dasharna, Ashvamedha, and Chedi.
Vaiśampāyana said.
At that very time, the mighty Bhīmasena, after taking leave of Dharmarāja, set out towards the east. (2-26-1)
The best of the Bharatas, surrounded by the powerful army of the subduer of enemy kingdoms, who brings sorrow to his foes. (2-26-2)
Having reached the great city of the Pāñcālas, the Pāṇḍava, that tiger among kings, conciliated the Pāñcālas by various means. (2-26-3)
Then that heroic bull among men, having conquered the Gaṇḍakī region and the Videhas, quickly proceeded to the Daśārṇas, the lord. (2-26-4)
There, King Sudharmā of Daśārṇa caused Lomaharṣaṇa to engage in a great unarmed battle with Bhīma. (2-26-5)
But Bhīmasena, witnessing his deed, appointed the mighty Sudharmāṇa as the commander of the army. (2-26-6)
Then Bhima, of immense strength, proceeded eastward with a vast army, O king, as if he were shaking the earth. (2-26-7)
O king, he, the lord of the aśvamedha sacrifice, shining with his younger brother, that heroic best among the strong conquered in battle by his strength. (2-26-8)
The son of Kunti, the mighty-armed delight of the Kurus, having conquered him, subdued the eastern region, not by excessively intense action. (2-26-9)
Then, proceeding southwards, he reached the great city of Pulinda and brought Sukumāra and Sumitra, the king, under his control. (2-26-10)
Then, O Janamejaya, at the command of Dharmarāja, the foremost of the Bharatas approached the mighty Śiśupāla. (2-26-11)
The king of Cedi, too, upon hearing of the Pāṇḍava's intention, came out of the city and welcomed him, O subduer of enemies. (2-26-12)
O great king, then those two, the foremost among the Kurus and Cedis, having come together, inquired about the welfare and skill of both their own families. (2-26-13)
Then, after informing Dhritarashtra, the king of Chedi, smiling, said to Bhima: "O sinless one, what are you doing?" (2-26-14)
Bhīma reported to him what Dharmarāja intended. The king, having accepted that, acted accordingly. (2-26-15)
Then Bhīma, O king, after staying there for several nights, being honored by Śiśupāla, departed with his army and vehicles. (2-26-16)
