Puranic Encyclopaedia: A Comprehensive Dictionary with Special Reference to the Epic and Puranic Literature c5.1199

c5.1199

10) *Duryodhana's attempt at death and his trip to Pātāla.* Humiliated at the procession thus and turning down the advice of friends to return to the palace, Duryodhana spread grass on the ground and lay down there to die. As his death would spell disaster to the Dānavas they decided to send him back to his palace for which purpose they performed the Vaitāna sacrifice in Pātāla. While offering milk in the sacrificial fire a Rākṣasa woman, Kṛtyā, arose therefrom, and at the instance of the Dānavas she carried Duryodhana over to Pātāla. There they told him thus: "Oh Duryodhana, a part of your body has been earned by us from Śiva by our penance. That part of your body above the waist is made of diamond. Therefore, arrows will not pierce your body. Grieve not. Bhagadatta and other heroes have been born to help you. Your great supporter Karṇa is possessed of the soul of Narakāsura." These words of the Dānavas instilled fresh hope in Duryodhana, and he was taken back to his Kingdom by Kṛtyā. This incident appeared as a dream to Duryodhana. Bucking up confidence and courage again he returned to Hastināpura and continued to rule (M.B. Vana Parva, Chapter 252).