Kunti’s Anxiety at Bhima’s Disappearance (Mahabharata Series 28)

Kunti’s Anxiety at Bhima’s Disappearance

Understanding Vasuki’s noble intent, Aryaka resolved that his kinsman Bhima should receive a gift of everlasting value. He addressed Vasuki thus:

“O King, if you are truly pleased with my grandson, there is no need to offer him gold or wealth, for such gifts will be of little use to him. Instead, grant him something far greater.

Rasaṁ pibet kumāro’yaṁ tvayi prīte mahābalaḥ |

Balaṁ nāga-sahasrasya yasmin kuṇḍe pratiṣṭhitam ||

You possess sacred vessels filled with ambrosial essence that bestow the strength of a thousand elephants. Allow Bhima to partake of that divine nectar. This boon will endow him with imperishable might.”

Vasuki, smiling in approval, gladly agreed and permitted Bhima to drink the ambrosial essence from the sacred vessels.

As the serpents chanted auspicious hymns, Bhima, purified and seated facing east, consumed the nectar. One after another, he emptied eight such vessels. Satiated, his body sought rest, and the serpents prepared a soft bed of swan-down upon which Vrikodara lay in deep repose.

Meanwhile, all the other princes returned from the water-sports to the palace. When Bhima was nowhere to be seen, they assumed he must have returned earlier. Duryodhana alone rejoiced inwardly, convinced that Bhima had perished. The innocent Yudhishthira, harboring no suspicion of Duryodhana’s wickedness, entered the city with a troubled heart.

Proceeding straight to the inner chambers, Yudhishthira anxiously asked his mother whether Bhima had returned. When Kunti replied that Bhima had not come back, all the Pandavas searched everywhere. Finding no trace of him, Kunti was overwhelmed with grief. In deep distress, she summoned Vidura and said:

“O noble Vidura! Bhima, who went for water-sports, has not returned, while all the others have. Everyone knows of Duryodhana’s jealousy toward Bhima. Could that wicked, power-hungry prince have harmed my son? If this fear proves true, my heart will surely shatter.”

Vidura gently consoled her, saying, “O Queen, did not Sage Vyasa proclaim that your sons are destined for long lives? His words can never be false. Bhima will certainly return safely. Moreover, if Duryodhana becomes aware of such suspicions, his hatred may extend to your other sons as well. Remain calm. I shall make arrangements to search for Bhima.”

Unable to find solace, Kunti spent every moment remembering Bhima, while time itself seemed to stretch into eternity for her and her four sons.

Meanwhile, Vrikodara slept continuously for seven days upon the swan-down couch. On the eighth day, he awoke and instantly realized that the ambrosial nectar had infused him with immeasurable and indescribable strength. The serpents gathered around him and joyfully declared:

“O mighty Bhima! By drinking the nectar from the sacred vessels, you have now attained the strength of ten thousand elephants. No warrior in the world can defeat you in battle. Noble son of the Kuru lineage, bathe now in the sacred lake nearby and return home at once. Your mother and brothers are suffering greatly in your absence.”

After bathing in the holy lake, Bhima donned spotless garments, adorned himself with a garland of white flowers, and consumed a fragrant, medicinal payasa lovingly offered by the serpents. Receiving the blessings of Vasuki, Aryaka, and the foremost serpent kings, he prepared to return to the mortal world.

The serpents lifted the divinely adorned Bhima from the waters and placed him upon the riverbank where he had once fallen. Having done so, they vanished from sight.