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SECTION CLIV
Vaisampayana said, "Then, O best of the Bharatas, Bhima began to collect
those rare unearthly, variegated and fresh flowers in abundance.
"And it came to pass that a high and violent wind, piercing to the
touch, and blowing about gravels, arose, portending battle. And
frightful meteors began to shoot, with thundering sounds. And being
enveloped by darkness, the sun became pale, his rays being obscured. And
on Bhima displaying his prowess, dreadful sounds of explosion rang
through the sky. And the earth began to tremble, and dust fell in
showers. And the points of the heavens became reddened. And beasts and
birds began to cry in shrill tones. And every thing became enveloped in
darkness; and nothing could be distinguished. And other evil omens
besides these appeared there. Witnessing these strange phenomena,
Dharma's son Yudhishthira, the foremost of speakers, said, 'Who is it
that will overcome us? Ye Pandavas who take delight in battle, good
betide you! Do ye equip yourselves. From what I see, I infer that the
time for the display of our prowess hath drawn nigh.' Having said this,
the king looked around. Then not finding Bhima, that represser of foes,
Dharma's son, Yudhishthira, enquired of Krishna and the twins standing
near regarding his brother, Bhima, the doer of dreadful deeds in battle,
saying, 'O Panchali, is Bhima intent upon performing some great feat, or
hath that one delighting in daring deeds already achieved some brave
deed? Portending some great danger, these omens have appeared all
around, indicating a fearful battle.
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