A Classical Dictionary of Hindu Mythology and Religion, Geography, History, and Literature c5.536.3

c5.536.3

The contest was long and furious, and Dur-yodhana was getting the best of it, when Bhīma remembered his vow, and, although it was unfair to strike below the waist, he gave his antagonist such a violent blow on the thigh that the bone was smashed and Dur-yodhana fell. Then Bhīma kicked him on the head and triumphed over him. Left wounded and alone on the field, he was visited by Aswatthāman, son of Drona, and two other warriors, the only survivors of his army. He thirsted for revenge, and directed them to slay all the Pāndavas, and especially to bring him the head of Bhīma. These men entered the camp of the enemy, and killed the five youthful sons of the Pāndavas. The version of the Mahā-bhārata used by Wheeler adds that these warriors brought the heads of the five youths to Dur-yodhana, representing them to be the heads of the five brothers. Dur-yodhana was unable in the twilight to distinguish the features, but he exulted greatly, and desired that Bhīma’s head might be placed in his hands. With dying energy he pressed it with all his might, and when he found that it crushed, he knew that it was not the head of Bhīma. Having discovered the deception that had been played upon him, with a redeeming touch of humanity he reproached Aswatthāman for his horrid deed in slaying the harmless youths, saying, with his last breath, “My enmity was against the Pāndavas, not against these innocents.” Dur-yodhana was called also Su-yodhana, ‘good fighter.’