Duryodhana's First Plot Against Bhima

The five Pandava brothers started staying in Hastinapura with their mother, Kunti. They adapted well to the customs of the palace, and their behavior was cheerful and kind. While all the elders of the Kuru clan loved them, a rivalry developed between them and their cousins, the Kauravas. The Kauravas were the hundred sons of Dhritarashtra and Gandhari. Duryodhana, the eldest Kaurava, was especially annoyed with Bhima. Bhima, the mightiest of all the princes, would emerge victorious in all games and competitions.

The princes were taught skills such as throwing stones and casting a noose. They also practiced wrestling and boxing. As they grew older, they learned to identify animal cubs and count herds. Among them, Bhima enjoyed mocking the Kauravas and never missed an opportunity to show their inferiority. He could handle several Kaurava brothers by himself.

King Dhritarashtra often turned a blind eye to the antics of his eldest son, Duryodhana. After his brother Pandu left for the forest, Dhritarashtra managed the administrative affairs of Hastinapura. Initially, Dhritarashtra was temporarily made king due to Pandu's absence, but after reigning for a long time, he grew power-hungry. Duryodhana, influenced by his father, began to see himself as the rightful heir to the throne. Duryodhana's maternal uncle, Shakuni, a cunning and manipulative conspirator, told Dhritarashtra that he had been unfairly denied the throne of Hastinapura because of his blindness.

Duryodhan harbored one burning desire: I must kill Bhima. He has always been a thorn in my side. Without him, the other Pandavas won't be able to harm me.

Determined to eliminate Bhima, Duryodhana devised a plan. He had a grand mansion built on the banks of the Ganga and invited the Pandavas there for watersports. Knowing Bhima's voracious appetite, Duryodhan decided to exploit it. He had a feast prepared for Bhima, lacing the dishes with poison.

Duryodhana warmly welcomed all the Pandavas. When Bhima saw the delicious food, his mouth began to water. Duryodhana personally served the poisoned dishes to him. The other Pandavas, not feeling hungry, went for a stroll instead. Meanwhile, Bhima continued eating until he was full.

After finishing his meal, Bhima decided to take a nap on the riverbank. Duryodhana, seeing Bhima lying senseless on the ground, realized that the poison had taken effect. With the help of his brothers, he threw Bhima into the river. When the other Pandavas returned and did not find Bhima, they assumed he had already gone home. They then returned to Hastinapura with the Kauravas.