09.032
Core and Pancharatra: Bhima accepts the challenge of Duryodhana for a mace battle, reminding him of all the wrongs he has done to them.
Sanjaya said:
Thus, O king, as Duryodhana roared repeatedly, Vasudeva, in anger for Yudhishthira, spoke these words.
If indeed this one chooses you, Yudhishthira, in battle, or Arjuna, Nakula, or even Sahadeva.
O king, what is this rash statement you have made? You suggest that by killing just one in battle, you should become the king?
O king, by this, thirteen suitable years have been spent here with the intention to kill Bhimasena, in the iron man.
"O best of the Bharatas, how indeed should we act? You, O best of kings, have performed a bold act, but it was out of compassion."
I see no one else who can oppose him in battle except Bhima and Arjuna, and he is not overly tired.
"This gambling has started once again just as before, unfair as it is, both by Shakuni and by you, O lord of the people."
Bhima is strong, and King Suyodhana is capable and wise. Whether one is strong or wise, it is the wise who is distinguished, O king.
This king, whom you have placed as an enemy on the same path, has abandoned us, and we have been brought into great difficulty and hardship.
Who indeed, having single-handedly conquered all enemies, having wagered with one hand, would arrange a battle in this manner?
I do not see anyone in this world, the best among men with a mace in hand, who can fight Duryodhana in battle and excel after having done so.
I do not consider either Arjuna, you, or the sons of Madri to be capable in battle against Gada-hasta.
He questions how you address the enemy and urges you to fight with a mace. Indeed, after defeating one in battle, you should become our king, O Bharata.
Having approached Vrikodara, there is indeed doubt in our victory, for this mighty one is skilled in rightful combat.
Bhima said:
"O Madhusudana, do not despair, O Yadunandana. Today, I will overcome the great difficulty of enmity."
I will certainly kill Suyodhana in battle, without any doubt. Victory is assured, O Krishna, for Yudhishthira.
My mace is heavier by half again in quality. O Madhava, do not cause distress to Dhritarashtra's son.
I am so joyful that I would fight even with the gods, the three worlds, and various weapon bearers in battle; what to say of fighting Suyodhana today.
Sanjaya said:
Vasudeva, joyful and speaking, honored Vrikodara and said, "This is what I have to say."
By relying on you, O mighty-armed one, King Yudhishthira, the son of Dharma, has undoubtedly achieved his own brilliant success after defeating his enemies.
"By you, all the sons of Dhritarashtra, the kings, princes, and elephants have been killed in the battle."
In the great war, the Kalingas, Magadhas, Easterners, Gandharas, and Kurus approached you and were slain, O son of Pandu.
"Having slain Duryodhana, O son of Kunti, bestow the earth with its oceans to Yudhishthira, just as Vishnu did to Indra."
Upon encountering you in battle, the wicked son of Dhritarashtra will meet his end. You will fulfill your vow by breaking his thighs.
"O son of Pritha, you must always strive to fight the son of Dhritarashtra, who is skillful, strong, and a constant expert in warfare."
Then, O King, Satyaki honored the Pāṇḍava, and Mādhava honored him with various praises.
The Panchalas and Pandavas, led by Yudhishthira, honored Bhimasena's words with great respect.
Then the mighty Bhima spoke to Yudhishthira, who was standing with the Srinjayas, shining like the sun.
I am ready to engage in battle with this person. Indeed, this despicable man cannot defeat me in combat.
"Today, I will unleash my deep-seated anger on Suyodhana, the son of Dhritarashtra, just as Arjuna unleashed fire in the Khāṇḍava forest."
Today, O Pāṇḍava, I will relieve you of your heartache by removing the thorn. By killing the wicked one with the mace, you shall be happy, O King.
Today, I will release your glorious garland, O sinless one. Today, Suyodhana will be freed from his life, wealth, and kingdom.
Today, King Dhritarashtra, upon hearing that his son was killed by me, will recall the unfortunate act devised by Shakuni.
Having spoken thus, the valiant best of the Bharatas raised his mace and stood up for battle, like Indra challenging the demon Vritra.
The Pandavas rejoiced upon approaching Dhritarashtra's mighty son, who was alone, like an elephant separated from its herd.
Upon seeing Duryodhana with his mace raised, resembling the towering peaks of Mount Kailasa, Bhimasena addressed him, saying, "O king, ..."
Remember the misdeed done by the king, Dhritarashtra, and you towards us, the act that happened at Varanavata.
Draupadi, while distressed and menstruating, was brought into the assembly and lost in the game of dice due to Shakuni's cunning plan.
See the great consequences of the other sins you have committed, O wicked-minded one, against the innocent and among the sons of Pṛthā.
For your sake, our illustrious grandfather, the son of Ganga and the best among the Bharatas, lies slain on a bed of arrows.
Drona, Karna, and the valiant Shalya have been slain. Shakuni, the instigator of enmity, has also been killed in battle.
Your brothers, sons, and allies, who were heroes, have been killed. The kings, who were also heroes and did not retreat in battles, have been slain.
These and many other warrior chiefs have been slain. Pratikami, the wicked one who caused Draupadi's distress, has also been killed.
You are the only one left, the destroyer of the family and the lowest of men. Today, I will kill you with a mace, there is no doubt about it.
Today, O king, I shall destroy all your pride in battle, along with the great desire for the kingdom and the misdeeds among the Pandavas.
Duryodhana said:
"Why boast so much? Fight with me today. Today, I will shatter your confidence in battle, Vrikodara."
Why do you not see me, O sinner, standing in the mace battle, wielding a great mace that resembles a mountain peak?
Who today dares to challenge me, armed with a mace, even among the gods, like Indra, while I am rightfully engaged in battle?
"Do not boast in vain, O son of Kunti, like an autumn cloud without rain. Show your strength in battle while it still exists today."
Upon hearing his words, the Panchalas and the Srinjayas, all eager for victory, honored those words.
The men encouraged Duryodhana, the prince, with clapping sounds, making him feel like an intoxicated elephant, O King.
There, the elephants roar and the horses neigh repeatedly. The weapons of the Pandavas, who desire victory, are being kindled.
