EASTWARD EXPEDITION OF BHIMA

SRIMAD MAHABHARATA > SABHA PARVA > DIGVIJAYA PARVA > CHAPTER 28 - EASTWARD EXPEDITION OF BHIMA

“Vaishampaayana said, ‘In the meantime, Bhimasena also filled with great energy (Veerya in Sanskrit), having obtained the assent of Dharmaraja (Yudhishthira) marched towards the eastern direction. The tiger among the Bharatas (Bhimasena), possessed of great valour (Mahataa Bala in Sanskrit) and ever increasing the sorrows of his enemies, was accompanied by a mighty army with the full supplement of elephants, horses and chariots, well-armed and capable of crushing all hostile kingdoms. That tiger among kings (Bhimasena), the Paandavaa, going first into the great country of Paanchaalaas, began by various means to make peace with them. Then that hero (Bhimasena), that bull of the Bharata race, within a short time, vanquished the Gandakaas and the Videhaas.

“That noble one (Bhimasena) then subjugated the Daashaarnas. There in the country of the Daashaarnas, the king called Sudharmaa with his bare arms fought a fierce battle with Bhimasena. Bhimasena, observing that feat of the illustrious king, appointed the mighty Sudharmaa as the first in command of his forces (Adhisenaapati in Sanskrit). Then Bhima of terrible prowess marched towards the east, causing the earth itself to shake with the walk of the mighty army that followed him. Then that hero (Veera in Sanskrit) who in strength was the foremost of all strong men defeated in battle Rochamaana, the king of Ashwamedha, at the head of all his troops. The son of Kunti, having vanquished that monarch by performing feats that excelled in fierceness, subjugated the eastern region. Then that prince of the Kuru race, filled with great prowess going into the country of Pulinda in the south, brought Sukumaara and the king Sumitra under his rule.

“Then, O Janamejaya, that bull in the Bharata race (Bhimasena), at the command of Dharmaraja (Yudhishthira) marched against Shishupaala of great energy (Mahaa Veerya in Sanskrit). The king of Chedi (Shishupaala), hearing of the intentions of the Paandavaa (Bhimasena), came out of his city. That punisher of all enemies then received the Paarthaa (Bhimasena) with respect. Then, O king (Janamejaya), those bulls of the Chedi and the Kuru lines (Shishupaala and Bhimasena), thus met together, enquired after each other’s welfare. Then, O monarch (Janamejaya), the king of Chedi (Shishupaala) offered his kingdom to Bhima and said smilingly, ‘O sinless one, upon what are you inclined?’ Bhima immediately represented to him the intentions of king Yudhishthira. O king (Janamejaya), Bhima stayed there for thirty nights, duly entertained by Shishupaala. After this he (Bhimasena) set out from Chedi with his troops and vehicles.’”