Bhima Fights the Rakshasas at Kubera's Pond

The rakshasas guarding Kubera's pleasure garden saw Bhima wading into the lotus pond and moved to stop him. "O bull among men," they called out. "This is Kubera's beloved pleasure garden. One who is subject to the laws of mortal earth cannot sport here. Devarshis (divine sages), yakshas (celestial beings), and gods themselves have to seek the permission of the lord of the yakshas before they can drink or amuse themselves here. So do the gandharvas and the apsaras. If an evil-minded one sports here against these rules, insulting the lord of riches, there is no doubt that he will meet with destruction. Ignoring him, you wish to take these lotuses away by force. Why do you then describe yourself as Dharmaraja's brother?" Bhima did not stop. "I do not see the lord of riches anywhere near," he replied. "Even if I were to see the great king, I would not trouble him by asking. It is the eternal dharma that kings should not beg. I do not wish to deviate from the dharma of kshatriyas (warriors) by even a trifle. This beautiful lotus pond has been created from mountainous water springs. It is not part of the abode of the great-souled Kubera. It belongs equally to all beings, just as it does to Vaishravana (Kubera). Since this is the state of affairs, who should ask whom for permission?" He plunged in. The rakshasas rushed at him from all directions, shouting. "Grasp him! Bind him! Slash him! We will cook and feed on Bhimasena!" They raised their arms, distended their eyes, and came at him with spears, battleaxes, and other weapons. Bhima grasped his giant club, inlaid with gold, like Yama's staff of death. He hurled himself at them, shouting, "Stay there! Stay there!" The krodhavashas (wrathful beings) attacked with great force, encircling him. But Bhima was born in Kunti's womb from the wind god — swift, brave, the destroyer of his enemies, always devoted to truth and dharma. In valour, he was incapable of being vanquished by any foe. He used many techniques. He destroyed the weapons of his enemies. On the banks of that pond, the brave one slew hundreds of them, including the foremost among them. Seeing his valour and strength — the strength of his knowledge and the strength of his arms — they could not withstand him despite their numbers. They suddenly fled in all directions, the foremost ones having been slain. Crushed and shattered, bereft of their senses, they took to the sky and fled toward the peak of Kailasa. Bhima, victorious over his enemies like Shakra (Indra) himself, plunged back into the pond. He collected the sougandhika lotuses according to his desires. He drank the water, which was like amrita (the nectar of immortality), and his valour and energy were completely restored.