In the previous episode, we had witnessed “Round One” of the “Grand Finale” between Duryodhana and Bheemasena – The “War of Words”. While Duryodhana is still hiding inside the waters of the lake, Bheemasena starts mocking him for his cowardly act of sitting inside and not coming out to fight against him. Subsequently, Bheemasena starts taunting Duryodhana about the “good omens” that he’s seeing around him, which indicates that Bheemasena is going to triumph over Duryodhana! However, Duryodhana rubbishes Bheemasena’s tall claims by giving a befitting reply that a real warrior doesn’t look at the omens and start fighting a war. The verbal argument escalates further and further wherein both of them abuse each other of their weaknesses and cowardliness. Meanwhile, Bhagawan Krishna also warns Bheemasena to be watchful while picking up a fight with Duryodhana, because, Duryodhana has trained and equipped himself to such an extent that he’s a well-oiled warrior when it comes to the “Gadha Yuddham”. Duryodhana had made a statue of Bheemasena out of copper and everyday he trained himself by hitting the statue with his “Gadha” with a lot of fury. Thus, the anger and intensity against Bheemasena has increased several folds, and Duryodhana is on a savage resolution to kill him in the war. Moreover, Bhagawan Krishna also warns Bheemasena that Duryodhana has nothing to lose, and hence, will give his everything in this fight. It will be Bheemasena’s war to lose from here on, if he is not careful about Duryodhana’s “Maaya-Shakti”.
As Bhagawan warns thus, meanwhile, Duryodhana comes out of the waters, unable to bear the heat of the conversation. Upon coming out, Duryodhana looks at all the Paandava brothers with a lot of fury. Duryodhana says thus, “Oh Yudishtra! Oh Bheemasena! All of you are with your “Kavach” (Protective shield) upon your body. I do not have anything. When Bheemasena comes to fight with me, he should remove the “Kavach” before the war commences. Only then will it be a fair contest!” As Duryodhana says thus, Yudishtra quickly counters him thus, “Oh Duryodhana! Who asked you not to wear a “Kavach”? Did I say that you shouldn’t wear one? If possible, go and wear one and come. Who are you to tell Bheemasena that he has to remove his “Kavach”? Is this a good sign of a great warrior?” As Yudishtra says thus, Duryodhana clearly feels insulted here. He quickly runs to the battlefield, gets his “Kavach” from the chariot, wears it and comes back!
Now the stage is set for the grand finale to begin. Both Bheemasena and Duryodhana are ready for the marquee battle with their respective “Gadha” in their hands and the “Kavach” on their bodies. Both of them come round and round in front of each other, raring to attack each other. As this one-on-one confrontation is about to begin, Bhagawan Krishna, His brother Balarama, Yudishtra and his other three brothers – Arjuna, Nakula and Sahadeva stand around the place with awe and a lot of tension as well. Bhagawan Krishna of course, is quite cool and calm as usual and is keenly watching the proceedings. The war commences as Duryodhana gives the first blow on Bheemasena’s waist. This first blow itself is quite a huge one, and Bheemasena immediately collapses on the ground! He gets into an unconscious mode for a few seconds, but rejuvenates himself and gets up from the dust. As Bheemasena is up on his feet, he thinks for a minute thus, “Oh wow! Bhagawan Krishna was right! Duryodhana is all pumped up now with a lot of revengeful power and “Maaya-Shakti” combined! This seems to be a dangerous combination and has to be tackled carefully!”
Thinking thus, Bheemasena gets ready, comes forward, raises his “Gadha” and deals a heavy blow upon Duryodhana’s chest and shoulders! Unable to bear this lustful blow from Bheemasena, Duryodhana’s “Kavach” breaks open from his body and falls on the ground! Also, with the force of Bheemasena’s brutal hit, Duryodhana is pushed back several feet on the ground! Thus, the first blow itself sets the stage for a great battle between the two of them! In return, Duryodhana hits Bheemasena with all his might, which also sends Bheemasena’s “Kavach” flying in the air! Now both of them are without their “Kavach” upon them! The fight gets murkier! So for today, let us understand up to this point, and we shall continue this interesting battle between the duo in the next episode as well! Stay tuned!
The Indian Dharma 