WHEN the war was nearing its end, Bala- rama arrived at Kurukshetra after complet- ing his tour of holy places. He came just when Bhima and Duryodhana were engaged in their last mortal combat.

He saw Bhima aiming the deadly blow which broke Duryodhana's thighs, and his anger flamed up at this great breach of the rules of single combat.

"Fie upon you all! Would any Kshatriya hit below the navel? This Bhima has offended the law most disgracefully," he exclaimed and impatiently going up to his brother Krishna, shouted:

"You can look on and tolerate all this, but I cannot bear to see such unclean fighting!" Saying this he advanced towards the offending Bhima with upraised plough.

The plough was Balarama's weapon on supreme occasions, as the discus was Krishna's.Krishna was alarmed when he saw his elder brother advancing in a passion towards Bhima.