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I shall not allow you to pass. Turn back now. Do not meet with destruction.”

Bhīma did not care for the warning. He had little regard for Rākṣasas and was certainly not going to be told what to do by them. see the illustrious Kuvera here, and even if I did, I would not pray for these flowers. It is not the duty of kṣatriyas to beg. Kuvera did not make it, nor did he create the lotuses. Why then should I ask his permission?”

“O monkey, I do not ask that you give me permission, nor am I interested to hear your thoughts about Do not experience grief at my hands.”

The monkey, however, did not seem impressed. O hero, it seems you do not know virtue because you have come here forcefully, destroying animals on Do you not know that you cannot proceed further? O foremost of men, do not try to force your way past and thus die for nothing.”

Still it could not be moved. Bhīma struggled with all his strength. Despite his efforts, however, Bhīma could not shift it at all. The Pāṇḍava realized that this was not an ordinary monkey or even a demon as he had supposed.

Humans may not sport here, nor may they take away the flowers and fruits. Do not perform an irreligious act. First ask Kuvera’s permission and then you may enter the lake.”

The Pāṇḍava greatly desired to see it and he declared that he would not leave until he was satisfied.

This was surely not Hanumān, for Hanumān’s power was limitless. To his surprise, he found that he could not budge the tail.

Suddenly, Bhīma noticed aquatic birds rising into the air not far off, frightened by the noise. Examining the lotuses, however, he realized that they were not the same as the one Draupadī desired.

He was moving swiftly again, but the beauty of the woodlands, groves, orchards, lakes and rivers was not

As far as he was concerned the lotuses were the property of their creator, God, not any lesser god.

Therefore, please do not ask me to reveal that form.”

Not only were the trees in full bloom, but the rocks were black stone inlaid with gems. Bhīma scoured the mountainside as he ran, looking everywhere for the lotuses, but he did not find the

Bhīma continued, “Had I not been aware of the Supersoul I would have leapt over you as well as the entire

glint in Bhīma’s impetuous eyes as he made ready to leave, Hanumān held him by the arms and said, “Do not

The gentle princess was not suited to forest life, and she still felt the agony of the insults she had