When Duryodhana proved more than a match for Bhima. Krishna patted his thigh to draw the attention of Bhima. Seeing this Bhima recollected his vow and struck Duryodhana’s thigh. As a result, Duryodhana’s thigh bone was broken. Duryodhana fell down and Bhima stamped on him. Duryodhana kept on crying in pain. Just then Balarama reached the site.
He condemned and insulted Bhima for breaking the rules of the battle. Krishna told Balarama clearly that he should not blame Bhima. The Pandavas were forced to deceive their enemies during the war as a result of Duryodhana’s own wrong actions, jealousy and hatred. Hearing these words Balarama went away from there. Thus the seventeenth day’s battle came to an end.
Learning of the miserable condition of Duryodhana, Ashwatthama reached him in the evening and said, “O Dear! I vow that I will slay all the five Pandavas tonight.” Duryodhana felt happy and appointed Ashwatthama commander-in-chief of the Kaurava army. Thereafter, he uttered, “I hope you will fulfil your promise and bring solace to me.”
Duryodhana Meets with His Nemesis
