Delay in posts

Going through a rough patch and will not be in a position to post anything for a month

Durvasa's hunger satisfied

Garuda bowed down to Krishna and wanted to why he had been summoned. Krishna said he wanted to go immediately where the Pandavas were residing.
Krishna climbed up on Garuda and in a minute he was in the Kamya forest.
Yudhistira seeing Krishna was relieved. Krishna wanted to what had happened.
Yudhistira said Seeing Krishna was like a beggar getting a lot of wealth. Krishna asked Yudhistira how things were. Yudhistira said - I do not know how to tell about my plight. At this time of the night Durvasa has come with his disciples. He has gone to the river to offer his prayers and will then come back and ask for food.
Krishna said Do not worry. I will make sure that the sage and the disciples are satisfied.
Krishna then went where Draupadi was. Draupadi gave Krishna a place to sit. She said Durvasa would be coming soon for food. Krishna said Let us think of that later. I am hungry, give me something to eat.
Draupadi said This is not fair of you. If I was able to feed anyone at this time of the night, then I would have not have summoned you.
Krishna said I cannot talk now, I am dying of hunger.
Draupadi said I have had my meal and have kept the dish aside. The vessel is empty.
Krishna said There must be something in that. Look closely. Whatever it be, I will be happy. Do not be lethargic. Get up and get that vessel.
Draupadi went and fetched the vessel for Krishna. He saw a piece of green and a grain of rice on the vessel. He put that in his mouth and said I am satisfied now. My hunger is gone.
Krishna then burped and the whole world also burped.
Durvasa and his disciples were puzzled. They were not hungry anymore. They decided to rest where they were and decided not to go back to Yudhistira.
Krishna knew this. He went to Yudhistira and said Durvasa would come in the daylight to have his meal. Yudhistira thanked Krishna calling him the only savior. Krishna said he knew all that was happening and asked him to never leave the path of truth.
Saying this Krishna left for Dwaraka, riding on Garuda.

Durvasa comes to the Pandavas

Durvasa set forth with his disciples. He said to them Let us go to the Kamya forest and visit the sons of Pandu. We will also have a bath in the holy pilgrimage of Prabhasha. Also we will be able to fulfill the wish of the king Duryodhana. We will be able to fulfill all three things.
Yudhistira hearing about the arrival of Durvasa went with his brothers to greet him. They wondered why the sage had come. The sage was famous for cursing people on the slightest fault. Yudhistira asked the sage the reason for his visit. The sage said He had been to Hastinapura and had been served by the Kauravas. Wanting to see the Pandavas, he had come there. He also said he was hungry having traveled a great distance and wanted food. After having food they would go for a bath.

Yudhistira was in a dilemma. Draupadi had finished her meal. He asked the sage to finish his worship and then come.

He went to Draupadi. She had heard the conversation between the sage and Yudhistira was equally worried. She said she would be able to get food for all at dawn but in the evening, it would be impossible.
Not knowing what to do, they both began taking the name of Krishna. The other brothers also joined in taking the name of Krishna and asking him to help them.

In Dwaraka, Krishna had just lain down in his room and was being taken care of, by Rukmini. He sat up. Someone was calling him. Rukmini asked him the reason and Krishna said someone in distress was calling out to him for help.
Krishna sensed that Yudhistira was calling out to him. He said he would immediately start for the Kamya forest.
Rukmini asked him to stay the night and go in the morning. Krishna said he needed to leave immediately else the clan of Pandavas would get destroyed.

Krishna thought of Garuda, who immediately appeared before him. 

Durvasa comes to Duryodhana

Janmajeya said - O Sage, Duryodhana was a wicked person, jealous of all good. He thought evil of those who helped him from death. What did Duryodhana do after this? I am interested to hear more.
Vaishmpayana said - The pandavas stayed in the Kamaya forest. They fed the brahmanas in the forest.

Duryodhana felt insulted seeing the Pandavas happy. He said to Karna and Shakuni - How do I defeat the Pandavas? I was insulted by Chitrasen but being rescued the Pandavas is worse. We will have to think of something to finish them off in the twelve years when they live in the forest.

One day Durvasa came to Duryodhana. He had with him ten thousand of his disciples. Duryodhana went and greeted the sage and the disciples and then asked for the reason for visit.
The sage he wanted to see how Duryodhana was prospering.
The sage was pleased to see how Duryodhana was ruling his land and blessed him.

One day Duryodhana called Karna, Dushasana and Shakuni. He said The Pandavas live in the Kamya forest. Draupadi by the grace of the Sun God cooks little which multiplies and thus she is able to feed countless people with that. All get food till Draupadi eats. Once she has had her meal, the vessel is empty. She has a meal in the evening. Let us send Durvasa there in the evening, once she has eaten. Having nothing to eat, the sage with curse the Pandavas. That will be their end and we will be saved.

The next day Duryodhana went to Durvasa and in sweet tones he said he wanted the sage to go and visit the Pandavas in the forest. 

Arjuna fights Chitrasen

Yudhistira said to Arjuna, Stop the Gandharva before he reaches his abode. Rescue Duryodhana. Do not fight or quarrel with Duryodhana.
Bhima and Arjuna said We are happy. Of all the evil that he has done towards us, now is the time for him to suffer. Now that Duryodhana is out of the way, we can go and take over our kingdom.
Yudhistira said What you said is not wrong. I also want to fight but this is not the time. Chitrasen will take Duryodhana's wife and give her as a maid in the heaven. This will not be good for the family. We will become a laughing stock for all. Your strength will be doubted.

Arjuna's pride was hurt. Without any delay he took Yudhistira's blessings and taking the name of Govinda, he set forth.

Chitrasen saw Arjuna coming and he increased the speed of his chariot. Arjuna with a weapon stopped the motion of the chariot. Chitrasen got down from his chariot and seeing Arjuna asked him the reason for stopping him. He said - You have come to rescue one who tried ways to kill you. Leave my way and let me go.

Arjuna said The fight is between us and Duryodhana, so why are you intervening. Duryodhana is elder to me and it is my duty to respect that.

A war started between Arjuna and Chitrasen. Using the same weapon that Chitrasen had used to tie Duryodhana, Arjuna bound the gandharva and then taking Duryodhana, the women and Chitrasen went where Yudhistira was.

Yudhistira untied Duryodhana and the women and asked Arjuna to release Chitrasen.

Duryodhana then set forth for Hastinapur and Chitrasen returned back to his owm palace.

Duryodhana bound by Chitrasen

The Gandharva then attacked Duryodhana. Duryodhana had to take care of the women travelling with him and also fight along side. Using a weapon, Chitrasen bound Duryodhana. Putting the bound Duryodhana along with the women in his chariot, Chitrasen started driving away. The women started shouting out for help. Someone of them started cursing Duryodhana, saying all this was happening because of the fight he had picked up with the Pandavas.
Not seeing any way out, Duryodhana's wife asked a soldier to somehow run from there and trace out the Pandavas and seek their help. She said she was aware that her husband had done many bad deeds and there was a possibility that Pandavas could refuse to help. If that was so, then she was prepared to consume poison and die.
The soldier rushed and soon was able to find the Pandavas sitting with sages. The soldier said he had come for help. In a war with Chitrasen, Karna, Dushasana and Salva had fled the battlefield. Duryodhana had been bound and captured and was being taken away, along with the women of the royal household. Seeing no other way, Duryodhana's wife had asked him to seek help from the Pandavas.

Hearing this, Yudhistira was hurt. He asked Arjuna to go and help Duryodhana and rescue him.

Chitrasen attacks Duryodhana

The army and troupe of Duryodhana went through the forest. On the way they trampled many trees. As destiny would have it, they ended up crossing a garden which belonged to the Gandharva Chitrasen. The guards reported to their master that the garden had been destroyed by Duryodhana. They said they tried to stop him, but Duryodhana had insulted them and said they were alive because he was not in a mood to fight. Karna and the others had then pushed the guards out.
Chitrasen climbed up on his chariot and decided to confront Duryodhana. He went where Duryodhana was and said - You dare destroy my garden and behave rudely. Have you lost the desire for life?
Saying this the Gandharva shot an arrow which hid the sun and it became dark. Karna then shot an arrow and the sun was visible again. Seeing this Chitrasen shot a few arrows which were cut off by Karna. The Gandharva then picked an weapon called Simhamukha and aimed that. Karna cut that off. The snake weapon was released which was cut off by Karna who release eagles.
Chitrasen said he was pleased to see the skill of Karna. He then released a few arrows which hit Karna and he fell senseless. While Karna was trying to get up, the army attacked Chitrasen but the gandharva cut off all the weapons of the army. Karna then began showering weapons.
Chitrasen then understood that to combat this, magic would be needed. He then made himself invisible and then started showering arrows. Unable to fight an invisible enemy, the army was soon vanquished. Unable to fight, Karna soon gave up. 

Duryodhana decides to visit Prabhas

Janmajeya said - O Sage, your tale is wonderful. Please tell what happened after all left.
The sage said - Pandavas with Draupadi lived in the Kamya forest, at the pilgrim spot of Prabhas. Arjuna would hunt and Draupadi would cook that for all.
In Hastinapura, Duryodhana was ruling the combined kingdoms of Hastinapura and Indraprastha.
One day Shakuni said to Duryodhana - The land is blessed to have you as the king. You are surrounded by wealth and luxuries, All is good except there is no one to praise you. You need to show this off to your enemies. The Pandavas need to see you are happy.
Karna said What Shakuni had said was true and the Pandavas needed to be shown the wealth of the king. The Pandavas are residing at Prabhas in the guise of sages. We should visit them and show them our wealth. Let us go to visit Prabhas and bathe in the waters there.
Getting the families together with horses and elephant, Duryodhana started off for Prabhas. They did not disclose this to Bhishma and Drona as they were sure they would be stopped from venturing. A huge army went along with them. The women were happy to come along. This would be chance for them to meet Draupadi again.
Vidura came to know of this. He approached Duryodhana and gently said - I am happy that you are going on a pilgrimage and I will not stop you from that. It is a very beautiful place. Do go there. Do not pick up a fight with anyone there.
Duryodhana thanked Vidura and said he was taking his army along so he was not worried if a fight did take place.
Taking leave of Vidura, Duryodhana resumed his journey and reached the Kamya forest. Sanjaya wento to meet the Pandavas. He bowed down at the feet of all. Yudhistira asked him how things were and what the reason for the visit.
Sanjaya said Duryodhana wanted to visit Prabhas. Yudhistira asked Sanjaya to tell Duryodhana to conduct himself in a nice manner and go in peace. 

Krishna comes to meet the Pandavas

United with Arjuna, Yudhistira asked Lomesh what was it that they should do now? What place shpuld we go to now?
The sage let us first leave the mountains and return to the Kamya forest where we were originally.
Yudhistira thought of Ghatotkacha who instantly appeared there. Yudhistira asked him to carry them all back to the Kamya forest.
Happy to be back, the Pandavas constructed huts and settled there. Bhima and Arjuna would go hunting and whatever food was cooked, was kept in the vessel given by Surya. The food would remain there, multiplying, till Draupadi had her meal.
One day the sage Lomesh came to the Pandavas and said it was time for him to return back to the land of Indra. Sad, the Pandavas bowed down at the feet of the sage and the sage left.

The forest became like Hastinapura with Yudhistira holding court and resolving problems of others.

Four years passed since the Pandavas were all united, Arjuna having returned. The Pandavas lived in the forest for one year. They used to hunt for food. One day, Bhima went out hunting. He saw a cave and wondered if he could find anything there. He came across a huge hungry snake. The snake caught Bhima and Yudhistira had to intervene to rescue Bhima.

Janmajeya asked the sage - Please tell me about this. I am interested to know how Yudhistira had to intervene to save the strong Bhima.

The sage said -  Bhima was roaming around with bow in hand and  a sword found a beautiful spot full of birds and animals. There many shady trees there. He saw streams in which swans were swimming.  Bhima roamed in the forest, killing wild boars and wild buffaloes. Excited, he began jumping and pulling trees out by the roots. The earth started trembling. Then Bhima saw a huge serpent, which was so big that it had coiled itself around the mountain. Seeing Bhima close by, the snake grabbed him. This was a celestial snake and Bhima could not free himself.

Bhima thought this was no ordinary snake. He asked the snake who was he. He said - I am Bhima, next brother of Yudhistira. I have great strength and have killed many rakshasas but why am I not able to defeat you?

The snake said - It is my luck that I have found someone like you to feed on. Let me tell you how I became a snake. You may have have heard about Nahusha. I am Nahusha, an ancestor of yours. I became a snake due to the curse of Agastya. I was ruling Indra's throne when I was cursed. When I slowly began transforming into a serpant, I asked Agastya how would I free myself. Feeling pity for me, Agastya said, I would be free after a long time. I then became a snake on earth but I remember my previous life. The sage said  The person who knows about the soul and its relation with the Supreme Being can free you by answering your questions. Other than that, anyone caught by you will lose their strength. Today you have come as my food.

Bhima tried to free himself but was unable to.

Yudhistira saw ill omens. He heard jackals howling. Sensing something wrong, he went in search of Bhima, leaving the others to protect the sages.

Going by, he saw dead animals and knew Bhima had passed that way. He saw the pulled trees and came across the snake, holding Bhima, in its coils.

Yudhistira asked Bhima how this had happened. Bhima, said this was Nahusha, in the guise of a snake.
The snake said I live on wil goats. Your brother came towards me. If you stay here longer, I will eat you too.

Yudhistira said he was willing to offer food in lieu of Bhima's life. The snake said I was your ancestor, known as the king Nahusha. I was known amongs Gods and Humans. It was due to my acts that Agastya cursed me. I had made the sages my palanquin bearers and insulted them. My memory is still sharp.  If you answer my questions, I will think about your offer.

Yudhistira asked the sage to ask the questions, and he would answer if he could.

The snake said - Who is a Brahmana?
Yudhistira said - One who is wise and known for his wisom. He practices truth, charity, good conduct, forgiveness and follows all rites that he needs to.

The snake said - A person born of a lower caste could also have these qualities. Would he be a brahman also?

Yudhistira said - A lower caste is not by birth alone. Also, one born a brahman does not become one. A low caste person is one who does not have the qualities. A brahman could be called a low caste because of his qualities.

The snake said - If that is so, what is the use of the caste system? That becomes senseless then.

Yudhistira said - Men from all castes have children from women from various castes. The wise ones have given emphasis on qualities. The person is a low caste by birth till he learns the Vedas. As per Manu, the mixed castes are better than many, if they perform good deeds. Whoever conducts himself in a pure and virtuous manner is a brahman as per me.

The snake said - Having heard you, how can I now eat your brother.

Yudhistira said - O learned snake, how does one attain salvation?

The snake said - It is by one's actions.

Yudhistira said - What is more important - truth or giving away of gifts?

The snake said - The actions need to be measured based on the need.

Yudhistira said - What is the characteristic of the mind and the inetllect?

The snake said - Through illusions, the soul becomes a slave of the intellect. Perception rules the inetllect. Sensation is caused by the mind. What is your opinion?

Yudhistira said Having lived in heaven and having all knowledge, why do you ask me this? How does illusion overpower one?

The snake said - Prosperity makes the wise fall. Luxury blinds one. I have been a subject of this. My feet came in touch with Agastya and the sage cursed me to be a sage. By talking to you, my curse is over. I was then told by the sage that talking to Yudhistira would relive me. I release Bhima. Let good luck be with you. I need to return to heaven.

Saying this, Nahusha quite the form of a snake and took a celestial form and proceeded towards heaven.

One Krishna and Balarama decided to visit the Pandavas. The Pandavas were very have to have Krishna and Balarama among them.
Krishna was very pleased to see Yudhistira having made the forest his kingdom and ruling from there. He said the sorrows that were there would soon be gone. The sages there, hearing Krishna, said that was true. Soon Yudhitira would be back in Hastinapura.
Soon Krishna and Balarama decided to take leave. With a heavy heart the Pandavas let them go. 

Arjuna united with Yudhistira

With the daityas dead, Matali turned the chariot back towards the house of Indra. Indra came out to greet Arjuna. Indra and the other Gods blessed Arjuna for his deeds. Indra gave Arjuna many weapons. He gave him a gem that would shine on Arjuna's head called Keereta. Arjuna also got a pair of earrings. Arjuna got the name Kiriti because of the gem. As Arjuna had white horses drawing his chariot, Arjuna also got the name Shwetavahana. Arjuna was also named Vibhatsu as he was able to combat his enemies alone. As he was victorious in battle, he was also called Vijaya. Having the power to use weapons with both hands simultaneously, Arjuna also got the name of Sabyasachi. Having defeated Kubera, the god of wealth, Arjuna was also named Dhananjaya.

In the morning Indra asked Matali to deck the chariot and bring it. Calling Arjuna, Indra said it was time for Arjuna to leave and be united with his brothers. Indra gave many gifts for the Pandavas. Arjuna bowed down at the feet of Indra. Arjuna said Please be on my side when I have to fight Duryodhana.
Indra said he would do that. Yudhistira was an incarnation of Yama (Dharma) and one who caused trouble to such a person would be punished.
Arjuna taking leave of all in the heaven, climbed on the chariot.

Matali brought the chariot near the Himalayas. There Arjuna saw Yudhistira. The brothers were united.

The next day morning, Yudhistira got up early and then asked Arjuna to show the divine weapons that he had got from Indra. Arjuna sat on the ground and gladly displayed the weapons for all to see.  The power of the weapons was such that the earth started trembling, The creatures, living inside the earth were terrified. They came to Arjuna and asked him to put back the weapons. Narada then came there and asked Arjuna to put the weapons back. 

Arjuna kills the daityas

Arjuna asked Matali In whose land have you brought me? This does not look to be the lands inhabited by Gods. Tell me the truth.
Matali said This is the land of the daitya called Nivatkavach. By the powers of his meditation, he had captured a part of the heaven and made it his own. Indra spends sleepless nights thinking about him. Only you can put an end to him.

Arjuna said We should delay the slaying of this enemy of Indra. Drive the chariot towards the daitya.

Matali said The daitya has a huge army and you are alone. How will you fight the army? Let us tell Indra and get an army to accompany you.

Arjuna said I can easily defeat all Gods and Asuras alone. I will get rid of the enemy of the Gods alone.
Arjuna then started blowing on his conch and starting make a noise with the bow string of Gandiva. Daityas Kalkeya and Nivatkavach hearing this, rushed out to see who was making the noise. They started showering arrows at Arjuna and soon the sky was covered and the day looked like night. Arjuna invoking the fire weapon burned all the arrows. Arjuna invoked clouds which the daityas cut off with the wind weapon. The daityas then created a mountain which Arjuna cut off with a creascent weapon.
The daityas then hurled ten arrows at Arjuna which hit him on his chest. Arjuna fell on his chariot. Getting up and in pain, Arjuna started showering arrows at the army. The army seeing the weapons started fleeing. Seeing this, Nivatkavach cut off the weapons of Arjuna. Arjuna showered arrows at the daitya and he fainted on his chariot. Seeing this, his cahrioteer started fleeing. Regaining consciousness, he turned back. In the meanwhile, Kalkey and other daityas attacked Arjuna. Arjuna started showering arrows at them. Matali then told Arjuna to use the Pashupat weapon given to him by Shiva.
Arjuna invoked the weapon and released it.
The weapon, with fire blazing out of it, killed all the daityas.

A voice from the heaven said this weapon would continue its destruction, if not controlled.
Arjuna, then reciting the mantras recalled the weapon.

Arjuna goes around the heaven

Back in the heaven, Arjuna was being treated very well by Indra. He learnt all he could. He learnt how to use the powers of various weapons and the power of illusion. he learnt the arts of music and dance. When asked the celestial sages why Arjuna was there, Indra said there was a daitya called Nivatkavach. Only Arjuna had the powers to kill him. Indra had not told Arjuna about this and he had no plans to do so.
He sent for the charioteer Matali and asked him to take Arjuna around the heaven. While Matali knew that Indra wanted Arjuna to confront the daitya, he kept quiet.
The next day Indra sent for Arjuna and asked him to go with Matali and meet the Gods.

Arjuna taking the name of Govinda climbed on the chariot. He met the Gods and the celestials. Then he went and saw the wonderful gardens.

Arjuna then went and saw the abode of Yama where he saw the just being rewarded and the wicked being punished.

From there Matali took the chariot towards the land where the daityas lived.

Jatasura killed

Yudhistira said - It seems death has called you, and this is why you have come here. One who acts violently towards those who practice non violence always get punished. You are spoiling your own virtues by committing heinous acts.
Draupadi started calling out to Krishna for help. Then she started out to Bhima to come and help.
Bhima was far when he heard the cries. He recognized the voice of Draupadi and rushed to help.

Seeing the rakshasa carrying them, Bhima said Do not worry, I will kill this rakshasa soon.
Bhima uprooted a tree. Seeing that the rakshasa increased his speed. Bhima flung the tree which hit the asura on his head. In pain, the rakshasa released Yudhistira and the others and caught Bhima. With one hand he caught a tree, uprooted that and hit Bhima on his head. On touching Bhima's head, the tree broke. Bhima with his fist, punched the rakshasa hard, on his chest. In pain, the rakshasa released Bhima. The two began wrestling. Taking an opportunity, Bhima sat on Jatasura's chest and caught his neck. Using his feet, Bhima crushed the head of the rakshasa.

With the rakshasa dead, Bhima returned back to the mountain with all. 

Jatasura captures Yudhistira

One day, Bhima had gone inside the forest to hunt. The priest Dhaumya had gone for a bath and the sage Lomesh had gone inside the forest to get flowers. Yudhistira, Nakula , Sahadeva and Draupadi were alone. At that time, Jatasura came there. Jatasura was a friend of Bakasura and thus considered the Pandavas his enemies. Afraid of Bhima, he did not venture near the Pandavas. Seeing an opportunity, the rakshasa approached Yudhistira and said Hidimb and Baka were my dear friends. Your brother Bhima killed them. I have spending sleepless nights, thinking how to tackle you.Today I see the four of you, with Bhima and Arjuna not there to protect you. Bhima and Arjuna will die when they hear you are dead.

Saying this, the rakshasa captured the four and rose skywards.

Yudhistira goes in search of Bhima

Yudhistira was disturbed. Bhima was not returning back. With both Arjuna and Bhima not there, he was afraid. He thought of Ghatotkacha, son of Bhima. Ghatotkacha appeared there and bowed before all.
Yudhistira said his father had gone in search of flowers and was not returning. He asked Ghatotkacha to carry them where Bhima was. Gahtotkacha asked them all climb up on his back.
They soon reached the spot where Bhima was. Bhima was pleased to see them all.  They all decided to stay in that beautiful spot for sometime.

Bhima finds the flowers

Bhima continued his journey northwards. Travelling for days he soon came across the mountain which he was searching for. It was a beautiful mountain with birds and animals roaming peacefully. Beautiful flowers were blooming everywhere. Following the scent of flowers, he soon across a lake. In the lake were golden lotuses over which countless bees were buzzing. There were ducks and swans swimming there in pairs. Bhima also saw the Yakshas who were guarding the lake.

Bhima had a bath in the lake. After worshiping his Gods, he began plucking the lotuses. The yakshas were wondering who this mortal was, who had no fear. They asked Bhima to leave. When Bhima did not, they asked him who was he, who had come to the lake of Kubera.Bhima said he was son of Pandu who had come to gather the flowers for his worship.

The yakshas then attacked Bhima, who started throwing trees at them. The yakshas ran to Kubera and said Bhima was plucking the flowers. Kubera said let him take as many flowers as he wants and let him go in peace. 

Bhima meets Hanumana

Janmajeya asked the sage - Please tell me what happened to the four Pandava brothers in the forest. When did they get united again with Arjuna?

The sage Vaishampayana said, the Pandavas listened to the sage Lomesh for six days.

One day a gentle breeze blew from the north. The breeze was very sweet smelling.

Yudhistira asked the sage Lomesh What was this wonderful smell that was coming? What flower was it that smelt so nice.

The sage said, in the north was a mountain called Gandhamadana. It had a lake there and in the lake bloomed many lotus flowers. These flowers were very dear to Kubera and he had people guarding the lake.

Hearing this Draupadi called Bhima. She said If you have some feeling for me, please get one hundred and eight of these flowers. I want to use them to worship the Gods. There is nothing that you cannot do.

Taking leave of Yudhistira, Bhima went in search of the flowers.

Going northwards, he entered a beautiful forest where he saw a big grove of banana trees. He saw the trees laden with ripe fruits. He plucked a few and started gulping them. In his hunger, he destroyed many trees and also ended up killing animals.

Hanumana resided in that forest. He sensed that his brother, Bhima, son of the wind God was there. He took the form of a sick old monkey and lay down on the path of Bhima.

Bhima, coming that way, saw the frail monkey lying there. He asked the monkey to move. He said he was in a hurry and had an important task to finish.

With great difficulty the sick monkey said, Who are you and where are you going? I do not have the strength to move my body. Please hop over me and continue your journey.

Bhima thought All beings had the Lord in them. It would not be fair to hop over them.

To the monkey, Bhima said It would be a sin for him to jump or hop over a living being.
The monkey said he was just an animal. How would he know what was fair.

Bhima then tried to move the monkey with his left hand, but he was not able to. Surprised, he tried with both his hands, but he was unable to move the monkey an inch. He kept trying with all his strength. He was sweating profusely, but the frail monkey had not moved a bit.

With folded hands, Bhima said - Who are you? A God or a demi God? Are you a Yaksha, a Gandharva or a Kinnara? I see you have come to me as I have been rash in my deeds. Please forgive me. Let me tell you who I am. In the Lunar dynasty, there was a king called Pandu. I am Bhima, his son. My elder brother is Yudhistira. We are five brothers, living in the guise of hermits, in the forests. I am on my way to get golden lotuses for the worship of Gods.

The monkey then said - I was born in the house of Kesari. I the son of the Wind God and my name is Hanumana. I am one who came to this earth to help Rama.

Hearing this, Bhima bowed down to Hanumana. He said You are my elder brother. Please forgive me. Please show me your real self.

Hanumana then smiled and took his real self. Bhima asked Hanumana to help when the Pandavas would go to war with the Kauravas. Saying this, Bhima took leave of Hanumana. 

The king cuts off his flesh

The king arranged for weighing scales. He put the dove on one side of the scales and he then cut off flesh from his thigh and put that on the other side of the scales. He kept adding his own flesh, but he was not able to equal the weight of the dove, who was none other than Agni.
Seeing that it was not working, the king took the name of Hari and got on the scales himself.

The eagle then said I am Indra, the king of Gods, The dove is Agni. We have come here to see how just and noble you are. We are truly pleased with you. Your body will become whole again. You will be able to attain heaven. Come with us, leave this world proceed towards heaven with us.

From the heavens, Gods started showering flowers. A chariot came, and the king with Indra and Agni went towards heaven.