Live the Bhāgavatam · SB 3.1.37
Īśānukathā· The Lord and His devoteesBhīma’s Strength and Long-Held Anger
“[Please tell me] whether the unconquerable Bhīma, who is like a cobra, has released his long-cherished anger upon the sinners? The field of battle could not tolerate even the wonderful playing of his club when he stepped on the path.”
What the purport teaches
- Vidura knew Bhīma’s great strength. His steps and skillful use of the club were unbearable for enemies on the battlefield.
- Although powerful, Bhīma had not acted against the sons of Dhṛtarāṣṭra for a long time. Vidura asks whether he has now released his long-held anger.
- Bhīma’s anger is compared to that of a suffering cobra. The comparison conveys how devastating its release would be.
Try this today
Reread the verse and identify one detail showing Bhīma’s strength and one showing his long delay before acting.
Ask yourself
What does the cobra comparison help me understand about Bhīma’s long-held anger?
Carry the question through the day, then answer it in your own words before sleep.
The study points, practice and question are short summaries drawn from Śrīla Prabhupāda's translation and purport. Read the full purport to go deeper.