03.175
Janamejaya said.
O sage, how did Bhīmasena, whose strength is equal to ten thousand elephants and is greatly powerful, experience such intense fear from that python? (03-175-1)
Who, being proud of his strength, challenged Dhanada (Kubera), the descendant of Pulastya, in battle and, in the lotus-lake, slaughtered the best among yakṣas and rākṣasas. (03-175-2)
You recount that the destroyer of enemies was overcome by fear and afflicted. I wish to hear this, for I indeed have great curiosity. (03-175-3)
Vaiśampāyana said.
O king, when those fierce bowmen dwelling in the marvelous forest had come from the hermitage of the royal sage Vṛṣaparvan. (03-175-4)
Vṛkodara, with his bow in hand and sword at his side, happened upon that beautiful forest frequented by gods and gandharvas. (03-175-5)
He then saw the auspicious regions of Mount Himavat, frequented by divine sages and siddhas, and attended by groups of apsarases. (03-175-6)
There, everywhere, the place was made resound by chakora birds, cakravāka birds, other birds, jīvajīvaka birds, cuckoos, and black bees. (03-175-7)
(The place) was endowed with trees constantly bearing flowers and fruits, soft to the touch like snow, with plentiful shade, and delightful to both mind and eyes. (03-175-8)
He beheld the mountain rivers, their waters resembling beryl jewels, chilled by contact with snow, and filled with swans and ducks. (3-175-9)
Forests of deodar trees, like nets of clouds, intermingled with haricandana, also contained lofty Kālīyaka trees. (03-175-10)
Roaming about during the hunt, running swiftly in the open plains and deserts, and shooting deer with pure arrows, the very powerful one wandered. (3-175-11)
He saw a huge, fearsome serpent in the mountain stronghold, whose massive body covered the cave. (03-175-12)
It had a form the size of a mountain by its coils, decorated with the circles of the moon and sun, a variegated body, adorned with many-colored skins, and a sheen resembling turmeric. (03-175-13)
With a mouth shaped like a cave, four fangs, shining, with blazing and exceedingly red eyes, licking the corners of its mouth again and again. (03-175-14)
Standing there causing fear to all beings, resembling Kāla and Antaka (Yama), as if frightening (them) with the sound of its breath and neighing. (03-175-15)
That Pṛdākuḥ, exceedingly hungry, suddenly approached Bhīma and, as a powerful python, forcefully seized both of his arms. (03-175-16)
Then, as soon as Bhīmasena was touched by him, his consciousness suddenly became bewildered by the boon he had granted. (03-175-17)
The strength which ten thousand elephants indeed possess is unequalled by others to the might of Bhīmasena's two arms. (3-175-18)
Bhima, though powerful, being subdued by that serpent, and twitching slowly, was unable to move. (03-175-19)
With the strength of a multitude of elephants, lion-like shoulders, and mighty arms, when seized he, bewildered by the boon, gave up his life. (03-175-20)
He indeed put forth great effort to free himself, and the hero could not obstruct him by any means. (03-175-21)
