In the previous episode, we had witnessed the continuation of the war of words between Yudishtra and Duryodhana, and in the middle, Bheemasena also chips in with his bit. As this keeps happening back and forth, Duryodhana is still not ready to come out the waters. He is simply trying to buy more time by striking conversations. Finally as this keeps continuing, Balarama suddenly comes in. He hears from Sage Naarada that a marquee battle is about to take place between Duryodhana and Bheemasena with the “Gadha” weapon. As Balarama has taught both Duryodhana and Bheemasena, the art of “Gadha-Yuddham”, he becomes more interested to watch this epic battle unfold. Initially during the commencement of the war, we’ve seen that Balarama wanted to support Duryodhana’s cause, however, Bhagawan Krishna made a timely intervention and sent him away on a “Teertha Yatra”. Had Balarama fought on behalf of Duryodhana right from Day One, there would have been no chance that Yudishtra or Arjuna would be alive till date!
Moving on thus, as Balarama gives a grand entry, he still hasn’t changed his mindset. Bhagawan Krishna understands quickly from the way Balarama is talking, that he still wants to be on Duryodhana’s side, and this is going to be a dangerous thing to happen. Diverting the topic quickly enough thus, Bhagawan Krishna tells Bheemasena in front of everyone – “Oh Bheemasena! You’ve to be very careful while fighting with Duryodhana. When you were in the forest for thirteen years, Duryodhana had made a statue of you out of copper and practised the “Gadha Yuddham” intensely. He has hit the statue with the “Gadha” weapon atleast a million times now and has gained enormous power because of this. Moreover, you’ve to understand that Duryodhana has nothing to lose at the moment. Because of this, he will attack you more. You have not been into the “Gadha-Yuddham” much of late, because you spent a lot of time in the forest. Hence you’ve to be careful while fighting with Duryodhana!”
Saying thus, Bhagawan Krishna issues a wield warning to Bheemasena. However, with the fury in which Bheemasena is in right now, he is not going to pay heed much into Bhagawan Krishna’s words. However, he takes the essence of it and dares Duryodhana to come out and fight. A huge war of words commences between the two of them right now. Bheemasena says thus, “Oh Duryodhana! There are a lot of good omens (signs) which are visible in favour of me at the moment, which indicates that I’m going to win this battle. Whereas, there are several bad omens that are to be seen, which indicates that you’re going to be a loser! Oh Duryodhana! Even after talking this much, you’re refusing to come out of the water, aren’t you? This itself shows how cowardly you are! You are not even ready for a war of words in front of me – How are you going to fight a battle with me with the “Gadha” in hand?” Saying thus, Bheemasena tantalises Duryodhana with his words, which irks Duryodhana even further. Duryodhana says in return thus, “Oh Bheemasena! A warrior doesn’t fight a war by looking at omens. Whether they are good or bad – How does it even matter? Only a loser like you will keep looking at these omens and satisfy himself! I’m not someone who cares about all these. Fight me down if you can!”
As Duryodhana says thus, the war of words becomes more and more intense by the moment. Thus, the initial round of war between the duo is the “war of words”, which is progressing at a swift pace. Readers should remember that Duryodhana is still under the water, healing his wounds and talking. So for today, let us understand up to this point, and in the next episode, we shall continue further! Stay tuned! 🙂
The Indian Dharma 