“Bhima said, ’I am the son of Pandu, and next by birth to Yudhishthira the just, and my name is Bhimasena.  O Rakshasas, I have come with my brothers to the jujube named Visala.  At that place, Panchali saw an excellent Saugandhika lotus, which, of a certainty, was carried thither by the wind from this region.  She wisheth to have those flowers in abundance.  Know ye, ye Rakshasas, that I am engaged in fulfilling the desire of my wedded wife of faultless features, and have come hither to procure the flowers.’  Thereat the Rakshasas said, ’O foremost of men, this spot is dear unto Kuvera, and it is his sporting region.  Men subject to death cannot sport here.  O Vrikodara, the celestial sages, and the gods taking the permission of the chief of the Yakshas, drink of this lake, and sport herein.  And, O Pandava, the Gandharvas and the Apsaras also divert themselves in this lake.  That wicked person who, disregarding the lord of treasures, unlawfully attempteth to sport here, without doubt, meeteth with destruction.  Disregarding him, thou seekest to take away the lotuses from this place by main force.  Why then dost thou say that thou art the brother of Yudhishthira the just?  First, taking the permission of the lord of Yakshas, do thou drink of this lake and take away the flowers.  If thou dost not do this, thou shall not be able even to glance at a single lotus.’  Bhimasena said, ’Ye Rakshasas, I do not see the lord of wealth here.  And even if I did see that mighty king, I would not beseech him:  Kshatriyas never beseech (any body).  This is the eternal morality; and I by no means wish to forsake the Kshatriya morality.  And, further this lotus-lake hath sprung from the cascades of the mountain; it hath not been excavated in the mansion of Kuvera.  Therefore it belongeth equally to all creatures with Vaisravana.  In regard to a thing of such a nature, who goeth to beseech another?’”

Vaisampayana said, “Having said this unto the Rakshasas, the mighty-armed and exceedingly unforbearing Bhimasena of great strength plunged into the lotus-lake.  Thereat that powerful one was forbidden by the Rakshasas, saying, ‘Do not do this;’ and they from all sides began to abuse him in anger.  But slighting these Rakshasas, that mighty one of dreadful prowess plunged (farther and farther).  Now they all prepared for opposing him.  And with eyes rolling, they upraised their arms, and rushed in wrath at Bhimasena, exclaiming, ’Seize him!  Bind him!  Hew him!  We shall cook Bhimasena, and eat him up!’ Thereupon that one of great force, taking his ponderous and mighty mace inlaid with golden plates, like unto the mace of Yama himself, turned towards those, and then said, ‘Stay!’ At this, they darted at him with vehemence, brandishing lances, and axes, and other weapons.  And wishing to destroy Bhima, the dreadful and fierce Krodhavasas surrounded Bhima on all sides.  But that one, being endued with strength, had been begotten by Vayu in the womb of Kunti; and he was heroic and energetic, and the slayer