Drona Prevents a Duel Between Bhima and Duryodhana
Bhima and Duryodhana descend into the arena, causing the spectators to divide into two roaring, partisan factions. Seeing the tension rise like a turbulent ocean, Drona acts swiftly to prevent a violent clash.
When the Kuru prince Duryodhana and Bhima, supreme among the strong, descended into the arena, the spectators divided. Some cried, “Look at the valorous Kuru prince!” Others cried, “Look at the valorous Bhima!” A great roar arose from their cheers, each faction partial towards its own favourite.
The place became like a turbulent ocean. Seeing this, the wise son of Bharadvaja, Drona, spoke to his beloved son Ashvatthama. He said, “Stop those two great warriors, both skilled. Let this crowd not become angered over Bhima and Duryodhana.”
Restrained by their preceptor’s son, the two champions stood with their clubs raised, like violent oceans lashed by tempests at the time of the world’s destruction. The immediate crisis was calmed, and the tournament could proceed.