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Duryodhana’s words held a note of sarcasm that was not lost on Yudhiṣṭhira. Becoming impatient, Yudhiṣṭhira replied, “Do not rave so, O Duryodhana. I feel no pity for you. I will not accept this earth as a gift, for that is not my duty as a kṣatriya.

You will not escape.”

“Why, O hero, did you not make the offer when Kṛṣṇa requested you to? It is not yours to give. Nor was it ever yours. I shall not spare you.”

Bhīma, standing by Yudhiṣṭhira’s side, heard Kṛṣṇa’s words and said, “O Madhava, do not grieve. My mace is more powerful than his, and my skills are not lacking.

Duryodhana did not realize that his opponent was disadvantaged. Exercising caution, he did not aim a second stroke at him.

He felt sure he would not be defeated, no matter who fought with him. He was not even afraid of Bhīma, and his intense hatred for that particular Pāṇḍava made him hope Bhīma

But He was not convinced.

Do not act sinfully. Duryodhana is a king, he is your kinsman, and lord of the Kurus. Do not act in a way that is not becoming, dear brother.”

He did not want to be pitied. Screwing up his eyes, he lay gasping.

I do not feel this to be fair or in keeping with kṣatriya codes. I am not afraid of any of you.

Only Bhīma can face him with the mace, but even then the outcome is not certain. It seems, O King, that Kuntī’s sons are not meant to enjoy sovereignty.”

The Kaurava, remembering Bhīma’s vow, said, “Do not gain victory by unfair means, O Vṛkodara, for that

He had also noticed Duryodhana’s apparent invulnerability and could not see how Bhīma would overpower

“Do not grieve, O best of men. There was no other way these men could have been slain. Even the guardians of the universe would not have succeeded. Do not feel guilty for the deceitful way they were killed.

As Balarāma struggled against His brother’s grasp, Kṛṣṇa said, “O hero, You should not act in this way For all this, O slayer of Pralamba, I do not see any fault in Bhīma.

Duryodhana could not brook the challenge and he stepped toward Bhīma raising his fist.

Do not grieve. All this has come about ordained by Time.

Do not cower here like a eunuch. Heroes never fly from battle. Do not destroy your honor. Stand for battle.

moments, Duryodhana called out, “O King, it is no wonder that fear seizes all living beings, but I have not

With both thighs shattered, he would not live much longer.