The Iron Bhima
“Overcome with grief and rage, Dhritarashtra attempts to crush Bhima, but Krishna's divine intervention saves the day with an iron statue.”
Contains: Violence and attempted harm, Grief and rage, Emotional trauma, Mature themes
Story Summary
After Vidura's consolation, the Pandavas arrive in Hastinapura to pay respects to their uncle Dhritarashtra. The old blind king, still reeling from the loss of all his sons, is overcome with grief and rage when Bhima approaches. Remembering that Bhima killed his beloved firstborn Duryodhana, Dhritarashtra's anger overwhelms him, and he attempts to crush Bhima with his powerful embrace. Krishna, ever watchful and compassionate, sees the danger and acts instantly. With divine intervention, he replaces Bhima with an iron statue just as Dhritarashtra crushes it, thinking it is his nephew. When Dhritarashtra realizes what happened, he is filled with remorse and repents his violent impulse. Krishna explains his intervention with compassion, and Dhritarashtra forgives, accepting his fate and the consequences of the war. This critical canonical event demonstrates Krishna's divine protection and the power of forgiveness over vengeance.