With the terrible omens, a voice from the heavens thundered a threat to destroy Duhshasana with lightning. Terrified, he fled. But Duryodhana was beyond any possibility of change. He patted his thigh and invited Draupadi to sit on it. Bhima was already in a rage and he vowed to break Duryodhana’s thigh in combat. He also vowed to wash Draupadi’s hair with Duhshasana’s blood. Hearing this Duryodhana also fled from the court. Draupadi swore her hair would remain loose to remind everyone of her shame and she would tie it only after Bhima had avenged the disgrace she had been subjected to. Bhima’s vow horrified all those who were present, and the weak Dhritarashtra was frightened out of his wits. Realizing that his sons were going to be punished, Dhritarashtra stopped them from any more insult and talked sweetly to Draupadi. Asking the Pandavas to forgive and forget his sons’ conduct, he ordered everything be returned to the Pandavas and sent them to Indraprastha.
A Terrifying Vow
