After Dhritarshtra’s sons gave
spectacular display of their performance, Guru called the Pandava Princes. People
rose and gave them a standing ovation even before they begun to exhibit their
skill. Kunti’s heart became filled with joy and pride. The blind king heard the
roar and enquired from the attendant whether the Pandavas have displayed some
extra-ordinary feat. ‘Your Majesty’, the attendant said, ‘the Pandava princes
have just been called in. They are yet to start’. The reply dampened the King’s
heart. His shrewd mind at once reckoned
that this huge noise of approval only reflected the popularity of his late
brother’s sons.
Sahadev, Nakul and Yudhisthir showed
their magnificent skill in driving chariot, sword fight and handling of spears
besides archery. The people were spell bound. Thereafter came Bhim. He received
unprecedented welcome. He was already known for his legendary strength and
simplicity. In a pleasant surprise Bhim at first gave a fine display of archery. Then he took up a
huge mace and twirled it so fast and so easily that it could not be seen at all.
The people assembled in the stadium had never seen such a feat in their life
time. Earlier, Duryodhan had shown to them his exalted skill in handling the same weapon. But Bhim seemed to have surpassed even that. The whole stadium was agog
with the speculation as to who handled the mace better- Bhim or Duryodhan?
There were repeated suggestions to
Guru Dronacharya if these two princes could be brought together?
