Editing Bhima (section)

===Conquest for Rajasuya===
[[File:Jarasangh Vadh.jpg|thumb|Bhima wrestles with Jarasandha, print by Ravi Varma Press]]
After their marriage to Draupadi, the Pandavas' survival was revealed in [[Hastinapura]], leading to the division of the kingdom and the founding of [[Indraprastha]]. Yudhishthira aspired to perform the [[Rajasuya]] Yajna, a royal sacrifice that required the allegiance of other kings. Bhima was tasked with subjugating the eastern kingdoms,<ref name=":1" /> as [[Bhishma]]—the Grandsire of the Kuru princes— thought the easterners were skilled in fighting from the backs of elephants and in fighting with bare arms. He deemed Bhima to be the most ideal person to wage wars in that region. Bhima first diplomatically won over the [[Pañcāla|Panchalas]], then defeated the Gandakas, [[Videha|Videhas]], and [[Dasarna kingdom|Dasarnas]], appointing King Sudharman of Dasarna as his commander after a fierce battle. His conquests continued with victories over Rochamana of Aswamedha, the kings of [[Pulinda]], Sukumara and Sumitra, and peaceful submission by [[Shishupala]] of [[Chedi kingdom|Chedi]]. He further subdued King Srenimat of Kumara, [[Brihadbala]] of [[Kosala kingdom|Kosala]], Dirghayaghna of [[Ayodhya (Ramayana)|Ayodhya]], and conquered Northern Kosalas, Gopalakaksha, and the Mallas, reaching the Bhallata and Suktimanta mountains.<ref name="Mahabharata Text" /><ref>{{Cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=tCAnrHq8r1kC&q=Shadeva+rajasuya&pg=PA319 |title=The Mystery of the Mahabharata: Vol.4 |publisher=India Research Press |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":2">{{Cite web |title=The Mahabharata, Book 2: Sabha Parva: Jarasandhta-badha Parva: Section XXVIII |url=https://sacred-texts.com/hin/m02/m02028.htm |access-date=2024-09-17 |website=sacred-texts.com}}</ref>

Bhima’s campaign expanded with the defeat of King Subahu of [[Kāśī (kingdom)|Kasi]] and King Kratha of Suparsa, followed by conquests in [[Matsya (tribe)|Matsya]], Maladas, Pasubhumi, Madahara, Mahidara, and the Somadheyas. He subdued Vatsabhumi, Bhargas, Nishadas, Manimat, Southern Mallas, and the Bhagauanta mountains. Through diplomacy, he gained the submission of the Sarmakas and Varmakas, and easily conquered King Janaka of [[Videha]]. Bhima also overcame the Sakas and several barbarian tribes, defeated seven Kirata kings near Indra mountain, and subjugated the Submas and Prasuhmas. En route to Magadha, he subdued Kings Danda and Dandadhara.<ref name="Mahabharata Text" />

The major obstacle was [[Jarasandha]] of [[Magadha]], a formidable foe allied against [[Krishna]]. Disguised as Brahmins, Krishna, Bhima, and Arjuna challenged him. Jarasandha chose Bhima for a wrestling duel, which lasted several days. Following Krishna's symbolic advice, Bhima tore Jarasandha’s body apart, killing him and liberating 100 imprisoned kings, who then pledged allegiance to Yudhishthira.<ref>{{cite web |title=Mahabharata Text |url=http://www.sacred-texts.com/hin/m02/m02024.htm}}</ref> Afterwards, Bhima conquered Anga by defeating its king [[Karna]] and slew the mighty ruler of Madagiri. He continued his conquests against Vasudeva of Pundra, Mahaujah of Kausika-kachchha, and the king of Vanga, also subduing Samudrasena, Chandrasena, Tamralipta, and the rulers of Karvatas and Suhmas. Bhima subdued the [[Mleccha|Mlechchha tribes]] along the coast, amassed wealth from Lohity, and returned to Indraprastha.<ref name="Mahabharata Text" />

Yudhishthira was able to perform the Rajasuya Yajna successfully. During the grand ceremony, Bhima's valor was acknowledged, and he played a prominent role in the various rituals and the protection of the sacrificial arena. However, the Rajasuya Yajna also sowed the seeds of future conflict. During the ceremony, a dispute arose regarding the distribution of royal honours. Bhima notably supported Krishna in the ensuing altercation with Shishupala, a vocal critic of Krishna and an antagonist to the Pandavas.<ref name=":1" /> Later, Duryodhana fell into a water pool, Bhima, along with the twins, laughed at him.<ref>{{Cite web |title=The Mahabharata, Book 2: Sabha Parva: Sisupala-badha Parva: Section XLVI |url=https://sacred-texts.com/hin/m02/m02046.htm |access-date=2024-09-17 |website=sacred-texts.com}}</ref>