Indeed, so great
was the force with which Bhima endued with the speed of Garuda or of Marut
(the god of wind), proceeded that the Pandavas seemed to faint in
consequence. Frequently swimming across streams difficult of being crossed,
the Pandavas disguised themselves on their way from fear of the sons of
Dhritarashtra. And Bhima carried on his shoulder his illustrious mother of
delicate sensibilities along the uneven banks of rivers. Towards the
evening, O bull of Bharata's race, Bhima (bearing his brothers and mother
on his back) reached a terrible forest where fruits and roots and water
were scarce and which resounded with the terrible cries of birds and
beasts. The twilight deepened the cries of birds and beasts became fiercer,
darkness shrouded everything from the view and untimely winds began to
blow that broke and laid low many a tree large and small and many creepers
with dry leaves and fruits. The Kaurava princes, afflicted with fatigue
and thirst, and heavy with sleep, were unable to proceed further. They
then all sat down in that forest without food and drink. Then Kunti,
smitten with thirst, said unto her sons, 'I am the mother of the five
Pandavas and am now in their midst. Yet I am burning with thirst!' Kunti
repeatedly said this unto her sons. Hearing these words, Bhima's heart,
from affection for his mother, was warmed by compassion and he resolved to
go (along as before). Then Bhima, proceeding through that terrible and
extensive forest without a living soul, saw a beautiful banian tree with
widespreading branches.
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