at clash
of the two maces which resembled the clash of two thunder-bolts from
opposite directions. Hurled by Bhimasena, his impetuous mace, as it fell
down, caused the very earth to tremble. The Kuru prince could not brook
to see his own mace thus baffled in that attack. Indeed, he became filled
with rage like an infuriated elephant at the sight of a rival elephant.
Adopting the left mandala, O monarch, and whirling his mace, Suyodhana
then, firmly resolved, struck the son of Kunti on the head with his
weapon of terrible force. Thus struck by thy son, Bhima, the son of
Pandu, trembled not, O monarch, at which all the spectators wondered
exceedingly. That amazing patience, O king, of Bhimasena, who stirred not
an inch though struck so violently, was applauded by all the warriors
present there. Then Bhima of terrible prowess hurled at Duryodhana his
own heavy and blazing mace adorned with gold. That blow the mighty and
fearless Duryodhana warded off by his agility. Beholding this, great was
the wonder that the spectators felt. That mace, hurled by Bhima, O king,
as it fell baffled of effect, produced a loud sound like that of the
thunderbolt and caused the very earth to tremble. Adopting the manoeuvre
called Kausika, and repeatedly jumping up, Duryodhana, properly marking
the descent of Bhima's mace, baffled the latter. Baffling Bhimasena thus,
the Kuru king, endued with great strength, at last in rage struck the
former on the chest. Struck very forcibly by thy son in that dreadful
battle, Bhimasena became stupefied and for a time knew not what to do. At
that time, O king, the Somakas and the Pandavas became greatly
disappointed and very cheerless. Filled with rage at that blow, Bhima
then rushed at thy son like an elephant rushing against an elephant.
Indeed, with uplifted mace, Bhima rushed furiously at Duryodhana like a
lion rushing against a wild elephant. Approaching the Kuru king, the son
of Pandu, O monarch, accomplished in the use of the mace, began to whirl
his weapon, taking aim at thy son. Bhimasena then struck Duryodhana on
one of his flanks. Stupefied at that blow, the latter fell down on the
earth, supporting himself on his knees. When that foremost one of Kuru's
race fell upon his knees, a loud cry arose from among the Srinjayas, O
ruler of the world! Hearing that loud uproar of the Srinjayas, O bull
among men, thy son became filled with rage. The mighty-armed hero, rising
up, began to breathe like a mighty s