17.002
The fall of Bhīma and others
Vaiśampāyana said.
Then those self-controlled ones, having positioned themselves towards the north and joined in yoga, beheld Himavat, the great mountain. (17-2-1)
And after crossing that, they saw an ocean of sand. They saw the great mountain Meru, the chief among peaks. (17-2-2)
As all those established in yoga were quickly moving onward, Yājñasenī, having lost her yoga, fell down to the earth. (17-2-3)
Seeing her fallen down, mighty Bhīmasena, having looked at Yājñasenī, spoke to Dharmarāja. (17-2-4)
The princess has not committed any unrighteous act, O scorcher of foes. What, O king, is the reason that Kṛṣṇā has fallen to the ground? (17-2-5)
Yudhishthira said.
O best among men, this woman today enjoys the fruit of the cook's particular partiality toward Dhanañjaya (Arjuna); (17-2-6)
Vaiśampāyana said.
Thus, having said this and without looking back at her, the wise and righteous king, the son of Dharma, composed his mind and departed, the best among men. (17-2-7)
Then the wise Sahadeva fell on the earth. Seeing him fallen as well, Bhima said to the king. (17-2-8)
Who is this among us, ever willing to serve and without pride? Why has this son of Mādravatī fallen to the ground? (17-2-9)
Yudhiṣṭhira said.
This prince, not considering anyone as wise as himself, has fallen by that fault; therefore, this is his downfall. (17-2-10)
Vaiśampāyana said.
Thus, having spoken and leaving Sahadeva behind, Yudhishthira, together with his brothers and the dog, went forth. (17-2-11)
When Nakula, who was distressed, affectionate to his relatives, and heroic, saw Kṛṣṇā falling and (his brother) the Pāṇḍava Sahadeva, he too fell down. (17-2-12)
When the hero Nakula, of lovely appearance, had fallen, then again Bhīma said this to the king. (17-2-13)
This brother, whose nature is unwavering righteousness, who always acted on his word and was unmatched in appearance in the world—Nakula has now fallen to the ground. (17-2-14)
Thus, when addressed by Bhīmasena, the righteous Yudhiṣṭhira, foremost among all the wise, replied to Nakula. (17-2-15)
The thought, 'There is no one equal to me in appearance,' is seen; and the idea, 'I alone am superior,' is established in the mind. (17-2-16)
Nakul has fallen from there, come, Vṛkodara. Whatever is ordained for someone, O hero, he certainly obtains that. (17-2-17)
But seeing them fallen, the son of Pāṇḍu, the white-charioted, afflicted with sorrow, the destroyer of enemy heroes, then fell down after them. (17-2-18)
But when that tiger among men, endowed with Indra's energy and difficult to subdue, was lying fallen and dying, Bhima spoke to the king. (17-2-19)
I do not recall the great-souled one ever speaking falsehood, not even in moments of liberty. Then whose alteration is this, by which he has fallen to the earth? (17-2-20)
Yudhishthira said.
Arjuna said, "Indeed, I could destroy the enemies in one day." But this self-styled hero did not do that, and therefore he fell. (17-2-21)
This Phalguna (Arjuna) disrespected all the archers, and as has been spoken, so indeed should one act who desires prosperity. (17-2-22)
Vaiśampāyana said.
Having thus spoken, King Bhīma set forth, but then he indeed fell. When fallen, Bhīma addressed Dharmarāja Yudhiṣṭhira. (17-2-23)
O O king, look upon me—your dear one—fallen. Tell me the reason for this fall, if indeed you know. (17-2-24)
Yudhiṣṭhira said.
You enjoyed excessively and boasted with your very life, O Partha, without considering the other; therefore, you have fallen to the ground. (17-2-25)
Vaiśampāyana said.
Having thus spoken, the strong-armed one went on without looking back at him. But only one followed—a dog whom I have often praised to you. (17-2-26)
