11.014
Core and Pancharatra: In sprite of Bhima clarifying his acts against Duryodhana and Dushasana, Gandhari asks - "both of us are old and have lost our kingdom; how is it that even a single offspring has not been left for these two blind couple".
Vaiśampāyana said:
When Bhīmasena heard her words, he, appearing frightened, then addressed Gāndhārī with conciliatory words.
If, out of fear and in the desire to protect myself, I have done either unrighteousness or righteousness there, you should forgive me for that.
Indeed, your son of great strength cannot be overcome by anyone in battle through righteousness; therefore, act with unfair means.
Only one powerful warrior of the army remains in the mace-battle—this man. I have done this so that, even if he kills me, he should not take the kingdom.
Your son has spoken everything about Panchali, the princess, who was in a single garment and menstruating, as you already know.
Therefore, because the earth with its oceans cannot be enjoyed by us alone without securing Suyodhana, I have done this.
Your son also did that which was unpleasant to us; in the midst of the assembly, he showed his left thigh to Draupadī.
O mother, your son, who is wicked, was to be slain there itself; by the command of Dharmarāja, we indeed remained at that time.
O queen, your son inflamed great enmity; being always afflicted in the forest, therefore, I have done this.
Having slain Duryodhana in battle, Yudhishthira has obtained the kingdom, the enmity is ended, and we too are now free from anger.
Gandhari said:
O father, this is not his killing for which you praise my son; and whatever you say about me, he has indeed done all that.
O Bhārata, when Nakula's chariot was destroyed by Vṛṣasena, you drank the blood that came from Duḥśāsana's body on the battlefield.
O Vṛkodara, why did you do that improper, cruel action, condemned by the virtuous and practiced by ignoble people?
Bhīmasena said:
One should not shed another's blood, much less one's own. Just as the self, so is the brother; there is no distinction whatsoever.
Mother, blood has not passed my teeth and lips, do not grieve. But Yama knows that my hands are smeared with blood.
When I saw Nakula, whose horses had been killed by Vṛṣasena in battle, I caused fear among my brothers, who were greatly rejoicing.
The memory of Draupadī's hair being seized during the dice-game, and the words I spoke in anger then, still remain in my heart.
O queen, had I abandoned the duty of a warrior and not fulfilled that vow, I would have lived for endless years; therefore, I did that.
O Gāndhārī, you should not suspect me of any fault; in the past, without restraining your sons, you did not act against us who had done no wrong.
Gandhari spoke:
You, the unconquered one, have killed a hundred sons of this old man; why do you not spare even one who has committed only a small offense?
O father, both of us are old and have lost our kingdom; how is it that even a single staff has not been left for these two blind men, our only offspring?
O dear one, if you, the last of my sons, survive and practice righteousness, then I will have no sorrow.
