Maitreya curses Duryodhana

Maitreya made his appearance at the Kuru court. King Dhritarashtra, with his son, respectfully received that Muni, with offerings of the Arghya and other rites. The king respectfully addressed the sage:

“O holy one! Has your journey from the Kuru-jangala been a pleasant one? Are those heroes, the five Pandavas living happily? Do they intend to stay out their time? Will the brotherly affection of the Kauravas ever be impaired?”

Maitreya said:

“Setting out on a pilgrimage to the different shrines, I arrived at Kuru-jangala, and there I unexpectedly saw Yudhishthira in the woods of Kamyaka. Many Munis had come there to behold the high-souled Yudhishthira, dwelling in an ascetic Ashram, clad in deer-skin and wearing matted locks. It was there, that I heard of the grave error committed by your sons and the calamity and terrible danger arisen from dice that had overpowered them. Therefore, it is that I have come to you, for the good of the Kauravas, since, my affection is great for you and I am delighted with you! It is not fit that your sons should, on any account, quarrel with one another, yourself and Bhishma living. You are the stake at which bulls are tied, and you are competent to punish and reward! Why do you overlook then this great evil that is about to overtake all? For those wrongs that have been perpetrated in your court, which are even like the acts of wretched outcasts, you are not well-thought amongst the ascetics!”

Then turning to the wrathful prince Duryodhana, the illustrious Rishi Maitreya addressed him in these soft words:

“O mighty-armed Duryodhana! Listen to what I have to say for your good! Seek not to quarrel with the Pandavas! Consider your own good as also of the Pandavas, of the Kurus and of the world! All the Pandavas are heroes of high prowess in war, gifted with the strength of ten thousand elephants, with bodies hard as the thunderbolt, holding fast by their promises, and proud of their manliness! They have slain the enemies of the celestials, those Rakshasas capable of assuming any form at will, such as were headed by Hidimba and Kirmira! When they went from here, that fierce Rakshasa Kirmira obstructed their nocturnal path even like an immoveable hill. Even as a tiger slays a little deer, Bhima, that foremost of all endued with strength, and ever delighted in fight, slew that monster. Consider also, how, while out on his campaign of conquest, Bhima slew in battle that mighty warrior, Jarasandha, possessing the strength of ten thousand elephants. Related to Vasudeva and having the sons of king Drupada as their brothers-in-law, which human would undertake to cope with them in battle? Let there be peace between you and the Pandavas! Follow my counsels and do not surrender yourself to anger!”

Thus admonished by Maitreya, Duryodhana began to slap his thigh resembling the trunk of the elephant, and smilingly began to scratch the ground with his foot. The wicked wretch spoke not a word, but hung down his head. Beholding Duryodhana thus offer him a slight by scratching the earth silently, Maitreya became angry. As if commissioned by fate, Maitreya, the best of Munis, overwhelmed by wrath, set his mind upon cursing Duryodhana! Then, with eyes red in anger, Maitreya, touching water, cursed the evil-minded son of Dhritarashtra, saying:

“Since, slighting me you decline to act according to my words, you shall speedily reap the fruit of this your insolence! In the great war which shall spring out of the wrongs perpetrated by you, the mighty Bhima shall smash that thigh of yours with a stroke of his mace!”

When the Muni had spoken so, king Dhritarashtra began to pacify the sage, in order that what he had said might not happen. But Maitreya said:

“O king! If your son concludes peace with the Pandavas, this curse of mine, will not take effect, otherwise it must be as I have said!”

Desirous of ascertaining the might of Bhima, the father of Duryodhana, then asked Maitreya, saying:

“How was Kirmira slain by Bhima?”

Maitreya said:

“O king! I shall not speak to you again since my words are not regarded by your son. After I have gone away, Vidura will relate everything unto you!”

Saying this, Maitreya went away to the place whence he had come. Duryodhana also went out perturbed at the tidings of Kirmira's death.