Duryodhana vs Bhima a analysis.

I don't believe Bhima cheated.
1) Yes Gandhari did not ever open her eyes to look at Duryodhana's body but Duryodhana's body was still made of vajra (lightning/thunderbolt/adamantine/indestructible material).
Narrative:

In days of old. O king, we have obtained thee, by ascetic austerities from Maheswara. The upper part of thy body is wholly made of an assemblage of Vajras, and is, therefore, invulnerable to weapons of every description, O sinless one. The lower part of thy body, capable of captivating the female heart by its comeliness was made of flowers by the goddess herself--the wife of Mahadeva. Thy body is thus, O best of kings, the creation of Maheswara himself and his goddess. Therefore, O tiger among kings, thou art of celestial origin, not human.

Source: http://www.sacred-texts.com/hin/m03/m03250.htm
Bori's version

Analysis: The critical edition also includes this. So it must be true.
Source: Vana Parva Section 240
2) Did Hanuman ever support Bhima in his battles?
Yes but all he did was utter roars, these roars would rob enemies of their lives. But we do not know (who) these enemies were.
KMG
Quote:

Even by thy prowess shall we conquer all foes." Thus addressed, Hanuman said unto Bhimasena, 'From fraternal feeling and affection, I will do good unto thee, by diving into the army of thy foes copiously furnished with arrows and javelins. And, O highly powerful one, O hero, when thou shall give leonine roars, then shall I with my own, add force to shouts. Remaining on the flagstaff of Arjuna's car will I emit fierce shouts that will damp the energy of thy foes. Thereby ye will slay them easily.'

Analysis: Have we ever read any time in the Kurukshetra war that any of Bhima's enemies died due to a roar of Hanuman? No. So we can say that Hanuman was not telling the truth. This is different from BORI CE, because BORI says that the roars will kill people, in kmg it is said that Hanuman's roar will damp the energy of Bhima's enemies. Then Bhima can slay them with ease. But even that is not true as in the main wars none of these roars of Hanuman ever happened.
Source: http://www.sacred-texts.com/hin/m03/m03150.htm
BORI CE

Vana Parva Section 150
Hanuman said that his roars would rob the enemies of their lives.
Look at Duryodhana's death (according to BORI CE).

This has no mention of the roar of Hanuman. It's safe to conclude that Hanuman was exaggerating or that KMG is more correct because it says that Hanuman's roars would help bhima slay them easier. So to see whether Kmg is right or not we will gave to see whether hanuman roared to weaken Duryodhana, but knowing the reality hanuman never ever roared even once during the final fight of Duryodhana. So hanuman supporting Bhima in battles is not true. Only the roars of Duryodhana are mentioned in the death battle.
3) Here is the full text of the mace fight from BORI Critical Edition
(Shalya Parva Section 55):

"The great-souled Pandava raised his club and rushed at the great-souled one. Vrikodara forcefully attacked Dhritarashtra’s son. The elephants present there trumpeted and the horses neighed. The Pandavas desired victory and their weapons blazed."

(Shalya Parva Section 56):
Part 1

"On seeing that Bhimasena had approached, Duryodhana was not distressed in his soul. He roared loudly and attacked him with force. Like horned bulls, they clashed against each other. As they struck each other, there were great and thunderous sounds. That tumultuous battle commenced and it made the body hair stand up. Wishing to triumph, they fought each other in that battle, like Indra and Prahlada.22 The spirited ones fought with clubs and blood covered all their limbs. The greatsouled ones looked like flowering kimshukas. That great and extremely terrible battle raged on. As they roamed around, the sky was beautiful, as if covered with swarms of fireflies.23 That fierce and tumultuous clash raged on for some time. As they fought, both scorchers of enemies were exhausted. Having rested for a short while, those scorchers of enemies again grasped their sparkling clubs and attacked each other. Those immensely valorous bulls among men looked like strong elephants, intolerant with pride and wishing to indulge in intercourse. With clubs in their hands, those infinitely valorous ones glanced towards each other. The gods, the gandharvas and the danavas were overcome by supreme wonder. On seeing Duryodhana and Vrikodara wield those clubs, all the beings were uncertain about who would be victorious. The brothers, supreme among strong ones, attacked each other again."

Part 2

"They circled around each other, seeking to detect a weakness in each other. O king! The spectators saw that they raised those heavy and terrible clubs, which were like Yama’s staff or Indra’s vajra. In that encounter, when Bhimasena struck with his club, in an instant, it produced a terrible and fierce sound. Dhritarashtra’s son saw that Pandava was striking dexterously and powerfully with his club and was astounded. O descendant of the Bharata lineage! As the brave Vrikodara roamed around, executing many different kinds of motions, he looked resplendent. They protected themselves and attacked each other. They repeatedly wounded each other, like hungry cats over food. Bhimasena moved around in many different kinds of motions. He executed circular motions in different spots, wonderful zigzag movements, advancing and retreating. He countered strikes, struck, avoided and chased. He adopted positions that were meant for attack. He defended, restrained himself, leapt up and leapt down. Both of them were skilled in fighting with clubs and wielded them, high and low. The best among the Kuru lineage roamed around in this way, striking each other and avoiding each other. The extremely strong ones sported, executing circular motions. With clubs in their hands, those powerful ones whirled around. O king! Dhritarashtra’s son struck from the right side. Bhimasena struck from the left side. O great king! As Bhima strode around in that field of battle, Duryodhana struck him on his flank. O descendant of the Bharata lineage! When Bhima was thus struck by your son, he whirled his heavy club, thinking about how he should strike. O great king! Bhimasena’s upraised and terrible club was seen to be like Indra’s vajra or like Yama’s staff."

Part 3

"On seeing that Bhimasena was whirling his club around, your son, the scorcher of enemies, raised his terrible club and struck him again. O descendant of the Bharata lineage! Your son’s club descended with the violence of a storm. A tumultuous sound was raised and sparks were generated. Suyodhana was energetic and radiant. As he roamed around and executed many kinds of circular motions, he again got the better of Bhima. When Bhima used his gigantic club to strike with great force, smoke and sparks of fire were generated and there was also a loud and terrible sound. On seeing that Bhimasena was whirling his club, the radiant Suyodhana whirled his heavy club, which possessed the essence of stone. The great-souled one’s club had the violence of a storm. Beholding this, all the Pandus and the Somakas were terrified. They were seen in that encounter, as if they were sporting in the field of battle. Those two scorchers of enemies violently struck each other with their clubs. They were like elephants, goring each other with their tusks. O great king! With blood flowing down, they were beautiful. Thus did the battle, terrible in form, rage on. At the end of the day, it was cruel, like that between Vritra and Vasava. On seeing that Bhima was stationed, your immensely strong son executed wonderful and colourful motions and attacked Kounteya. Bhima became angry. With great force, he struck that golddecorated club.24 O great king! Sparks began to fly and there was a clap, as if lightning was mixed with thunder. O great king! Hurled powerfully by Bhimasena, the club descended and made the earth tremble. Kouravya could not tolerate that his club should be countered in the clash. He was like a crazy elephant, angered at the sight of another elephant. O king! Enraged and having made up his mind, from the left, he powerfully struck Kounteya on the head with the club. O great king! Struck in this way by your son, Pandava Bhima did not tremble and it was extraordinary."

"O king! It was wonderful and all the soldiers honoured him. Despite being struck by the club, Bhima did not waver and did not retreat a step. Bhima, terrible in his valour, picked up a flaming club, decorated with gold, which was heavier and hurled this towards Duryodhana.25 However, displaying his dexterity, the immensely strong Duryodhana freed himself from that thrust and it was extremely wonderful. O king! The club hurled by Bhima was baffled and fell down with the loud noise of a storm and made the earth tremble. Repeatedly resorting to the koushika26 technique of jumping up and circling, he27 discerned when Bhimasena would strike down with the club and deceived him. Having thus deceived Bhima, the immensely strong one, supreme among the Kuru lineage, angrily struck him in the chest with the club. Struck by the club in that great encounter, Bhima was stupefied. Having been struck by your son, he did not know what he should do. O king! At that time, the Somakas and the Pandavas were severely distressed and miserable in their minds. Having been struck, he28 became as enraged as an elephant and attacked your son, like an elephant against another elephant."

"The proud Bhima attacked your son with the club. He rushed forward with force, like a lion against a wild elephant. O king! He was skilled in releasing the club. Approaching the king, he used the club to strike in your son’s direction. Duryodhana was struck in the flank by Bhimasena. He was stupefied by this blow and sank down on his knees on the ground. O lord of the earth! At this, the Srinjayas let out a loud roar. O best of the Bharata lineage! On hearing the roar of the Srinjayas, your son, bull among men, became angry. The mighty-armed one raised himself, like an angry serpent that was sighing. He glanced towards Bhimasena and burnt him down with his sight. With the club in his hand, the great-souled one, best among the Bharata lineage, attacked and, in that clash, struck the great-souled Bhimasena on his head. Bhima was terrible in his valour. Though he was struck on his head, he did not waver, like a mountain. O king! Struck by the club in that encounter, blood began to flow from Partha and he was as beautiful as an elephant with a shattered temple."

Part 4

"Dhananjaya’s brave elder brother then picked up a club that was made out of iron and was capable of slaying heroes. It made a sound like that of the vajra. The destroyer of enemies struck powerfully with this. Struck in this way by Bhimasena, your son fell down, with his body trembling. He was like a blossoming shala tree in a large forest, whirled around by the force of a storm. On seeing that your son had fallen down on the ground, the Pandavas roared in delight. Your son recovered his senses and rose, like an elephant from a lake. The king was always intolerant. He skilfully circled around and struck Pandava, who was stationed before him, making him lose control over his limbs and fall down on the ground. In that encounter, on seeing that the infinitely energetic Bhima had fallen down on the ground, Kourava roared like a lion. Though he29 was like the thunder in his energy, the descent of the club shattered his body armour. At this, a loud roar was heard in the firmament, made by the residents of heaven and the apsaras. The immortals showered down many kinds of excellent flowers. On seeing that the supreme among men had fallen down on the ground, great fear entered the hearts of the enemies. Because of the force of Kourava’s blow, the firm armour had been shattered. However, he30 recovered his senses in a short while and wiped away the blood from his face. Resorting to his fortitude and recovering his strength, Vrikodara dilated his eyes and steadied himself."

(Shalya Parva Section 57):
Part 1

"Understanding the sign, Bhima roamed around with his club in the battle. He executed wonderful circular motions and doubled back. He circled to the right and the left and alternated between the two. O king! Pandava roamed around confounding the enemy. In that fashion, your son was also skilled in executing motions with the club. Wishing to kill Bhimasena, he roamed around, executing dexterous and wonderful motions. They whirled terrible clubs that had been smeared with sandalwood paste and unguents. They were like two angry Yamas, wishing to bring an end to the hostility. Those foremost ones, bulls among men, wished to kill each other. They fought like two Garudas who were after the same serpent. O king! Both of them executed wonderful circular motions."

Part 2

"Because of the descent of the clubs, sparks of fire were generated there. In the encounter, those brave and powerful ones struck each other equally. O king! They were like two oceans agitated by storms. Like crazy elephants, they struck each other equally. Thunderous sounds were generated from the blows of the clubs. That fierce and terrible clash continued. As they fought, both scorchers of enemies were exhausted. Having rested for some time, those scorchers of enemies again angrily grasped their giant clubs and attacked. O Indra among kings! They fought a terrible battle with the descending clubs and severely wounded each other. With eyes like bulls, they spiritedly rushed towards each other. Those brave ones fiercely struck each other, like buffaloes stuck in mud. All their limbs were mangled and they were covered with blood. They looked like two flowering kimshukas on the Himalayas."

Part 3

"Partha showed Duryodhana a weakness and smiling, he suddenly extended himself forwards.34 Vrikodara was learned about fighting. On seeing the advance, the strong one powerfully hurled the club. O lord of the earth! Seeing that the club had been hurled, your son moved from the spot and baffled, it fell down on the ground. Having respectfully warded off that blow, your son, supreme among the Kuru lineage, struck Bhimasena with the club. Struck severely by that blow and with blood flowing down, the infinitely energetic one was stupefied. However, in that encounter, Duryodhana did not realize that Pandava was afflicted. Though his body suffered great pain, Bhima bore himself. He35 thought that he was still steady and ready to strike back in the encounter. That is the reason your son did not strike him again. O king! Having rested for a while, the powerful Bhimasena attacked Duryodhana, who was stationed before him, with force. O bull among the Bharata lineage! On seeing that the angry and infinitely energetic one was attacking, he wished to save himself from the blow."

Part 4

Your great-minded son made up his mind to take a stand. O king! He leapt up, wishing to deceive Vrikodara. However, Bhimasena understood what the king wished to do. He dashed forward, roaring like a lion. O king! As the king leapt up to avoid the blow, Pandava powerfully struck him on the thighs with the club. He was terrible in his deeds and struck with a force like that of the vajra. Duryodhana’s handsome thighs were fractured. The tiger among men fell down, making the earth resound. O lord of the earth! Your son’s thighs were fractured by Bhimasena.

Analysis: In section 56 it is written that Duryodhana deceived Bhima. So rules were already broken by Duryodhana, no one cares if he struck the thighs (it is Duryodhana's job to protect his thighs).
Both Duryodhana and Bhima rested 2 times while the mace fight was continuing to go on and on and on, but Bhima rested a 3rd time.
Bhima was stupified twice. Duryodhana was stupefied twice. Duryodhana got the better of Bhima twice. Ultimately Bhima is the one who won & fought smarter. He took a defensive position but made Duryodhana believe that Bhima was attacking instead of defending. Bhima is the better fighter and defeated Duryodhana, but Duryodhana did perform well, that's all.
Krishna & Arjuna's conversation about this:

Arjuna spoke to the illustrious Vasudeva. ‘Between those two brave ones who are fighting, who do you think is superior? O Janardana! Who possesses the greater qualities? Tell me. Vasudeva replied, ‘They are equal in what they have learnt, but Bhima is stronger. However, Dhritarashtra’s son is superior to Vrikodara because of the efforts that he has undertaken. Using dharma, Bhimasena will not be able to win this encounter. He will be able to kill Suyodhana only if he fights through unfair means. It has been heard that the gods defeated the asuras through the use of maya. The slayer of Bala robbed Vritra of his energy through maya. O Dhananjaya! At the time of gambling with the dice, Bhima took a pledge that in the encounter, he would shatter Suyodhana’s thighs with a club. This destroyer of enemies needs to accomplish that pledge. The king uses maya31 and has to be brought down through maya.

Having made up his mind, he has practised with the club for thirteen years. Wishing to kill Bhimasena, he leaps up and moves diagonally. If the mighty-armed one does not slay him through unfair means, Kourava, Dhritarashtra’s son, will be the king.’ ‘ “Hearing Keshava’s words, the great-souled Dhananjaya glanced in Bhimasena’s direction and slapped his thigh with his hand.33

Analysis: Krishna says that they are equal in knowledge, bhima is superior in strength, Duryodhana ais superior due to his effort. krishna also said that Duryodhana uses deception (maya) to fight, so he can only be defeated by unfair means. Their is nothing wrong in defeating a unfair fighter through unfair methods.
About the roars of hanuman: None of the text states that Hanuman ever roared.
According to Adi parva their was a battle and not just meeting between hanuman and Bhima: "his consequent battle with the mighty Rakshasas and the Yakshas of great prowess including Hanuman;" "Then is narrated the ascent on the hills of Kailasa by Bhimasena, his terrific battle with the mighty Yakshas headed by Hanuman;"
https://www.sacred-texts.com/hin/m01/m01003.htm

Bhima's feats according to BORI

Bhima was actually primarily an archer. Those who say that he was more used to the mace are wrong and dont know what they are talking about.

• Kurukshetra war
• Bhishma Parva
• Bhima defeated Bhisma

Bori CE Section 84 Bhishma Parva :

"In that encounter, he was the one who engaged Bhishma. There was a terrible battle between Bhishma and Bhima and an extremely terrible and fearful roar arose from all the soldiers.306 The delighted Pandavas also roared like lions. Surrounded by his brothers, King Duryodhana protected Bhishma in that battle, which resulted in a destruction of men. Bhishma was supreme among rathas. But Bhima slew his charioteer. The horses were no longer controlled and dragged the chariot away in all directions."

• Bhima killed twenty-nine kaurava brothers
• Drona parva
• Bhima killed eight maharathis:

Drona Parva Section 111 -

"They were Chitra, Upachitra, Chitraksha, Charuchitra, Sharasana, Chitrayudha, Chitravarma and Chitrayodhina. O king! In that battle, these maharathas suddenly advanced against Bhima. In that encounter, he killed them and their horses, charioteers, standards and brought them down on the ground, like trees uprooted by a storm. O king! On beholding that your maharatha sons had been killed, Karna’s eyes were filled with tears and his face was full of dejection."

• Bhima killed seven maharathis:

Drona Parva Section 112 -

"Bhimasena was oppressed by those seven angry maharathas, like seven planets afflicting the moon at the time of destruction. O king! Pandava Kounteya drew the well-decorated and firm bow with his left hand and held it in his hand.360 Knowing that they were only men,361 the lord affixed and released seven arrows that were as bright as the rays of the sun. O great king! Bhimasena remembered the earlier enmity and took away the lives from the bodies of your sons."

• Bhima defeated Karna

Defeat 1

Drona Parva Section 104 -

"O venerable one! He then fixed an arrow to his bow and pierced Bhima. He again shot hundreds and thousands of arrows. He was suddenly enveloped by Karna, the one with the firm bow. However, the descendant of the Pandu lineage smiled and quickly severed the string of his304 bow. With a broad-headed arrow, he dispatched the charioteer to Yama’s abode. In that battle, the maharatha deprived the four horses of their lives. O lord of the earth! With the horses slain, Karna descended from the chariot. The maharatha ascended Vrishasena’s chariot. Having vanquished Karna in the battle, the powerful Bhimasena let out a mighty roar that was like the thunder of rain clouds. O descendant of the Bharata lineage! On hearing this roar, Yudhishthira was delighted, since he deduced that Karna had been defeated by Bhimasena."

Defeat 2

Drona Parva Section 106 -

"In that great battle, Bhima again pierced the son of the suta, who was as valorous as an immortal, with sixty-eight arrows in his inner organs. The powerful and enraged Bhimasena quickly severed Karna’s bow and all his implements. He used swift arrows to slay the four horses and the charioteer. With iron arrows as radiant as the sun’s rays, he struck Karna in the chest. O venerable one! After having pierced Karna, all of them penetrated the earth. O king! It was as if the sun’s rays were penetrating the clouds. He322 was proud of his manliness. But his bow had been severed and he was afflicted with arrows. He was overcome by great despondency and went to another chariot."

Defeat 3

Drona Parva Section 109 -

"Karna was without a chariot and was again defeated by Bhima."

Defeat 4

Drona Parva Section 112 -

Your son, Duryodhana, quickly spoke to the kings and the princes, and especially to his brothers. "O fortunate ones! Advance towards Karna and save him from Vrikodara. Ahead of us, the arrows released by Bhima are striking Radheya. All of you great archers should make efforts to protect the son of the suta."

Defeat 5
Drona Parva Section 114 -
"Those arrows released from Gandiva penetrated like snakes. Dhananjaya drove the son of the suta away from Bhimasena. His bow had been severed by Bhima and he was afflicted by Dhananjaya’s arrows. Karna mounted his giant chariot and quickly fled from Bhima."
Defeat 6
Drona Parva Section 130 -

Karna hurled a golden javelin towards Pandava. However, Pandu’s son laughed and seized it.61 The invincible Vrikodara hurled it back towards Karna. While it was descending through the sky, Shakuni severed it with an arrow that had been soaked in oil. O king! Your sons62 advanced towards Bhima’s chariot. They enveloped Vrikodara with a mighty shower of arrows. In that battle, Bhima laughed at Durmada and used his arrows to send his horses and charioteer to Yama’s eternal abode. Durmada ascended Dushkarna’s chariot. Those two brothers, the scorchers of enemies, were mounted on the same chariot. In the forefront of that battle, they rushed against Bhima. They were like the lord of the waters63 and Mitra attacking Taraka, supreme among daityas. Your sons, Durmada and Dushkarna, were mounted on the same chariot and pierced Bhima with arrows. While Karna, Drona’s son, Duryodhana, Kripa, Somadatta and Bahlika looked on, Pandava, the scorcher of enemies, kicked the chariot of the brave Durmada and Dushkarna and made it sink into the ground. Extremely angry, he struck and crushed those powerful and brave sons of yours, Dushkarna and Durmada, with his fists and foot. Cries of woe arose among the soldiers. On seeing Bhima, the kings said, "The one who has grasped the sons of Dhritarashtra is Rudra in the form of Bhima." O descendant of the Bharata lineage! Having said this, all the kings fled. They lost their senses and urged their mounts, with no two of them running away together.

• Sequence of events

1. Karna hurled a javelin.
2. Bhima caught it and threw the same javelin back at karna.
3. Karna was just looking at it and it was Shakuni who saved him from the javelin.
4. Karna stared at bhima and did nothing when Bhima was slaying Kuru princes.
5. Karna decided to flee like usain bolt.

Defeat 7
Karna Parva Section 34 -
"Thus struck by Bhimasena, the son of the suta, the leader of an army, lost his senses and sank down on the floor of his chariot. On seeing that the son of the suta had lost his senses, the lord of Madra bore Karna, the adornment of a battle, away on the chariot. When Karna was defeated, the large army of the sons of Dhritarashtra was driven away by Bhimasena, like an army of the danavas by Indra."

• Bhima defeated Duryodhana

Defeat 1

Karna Parva Section 44 -

"Your son552 countered Bhimasena in the battle. But in an instant, Bhima deprived that lord of men of his horses, charioteer, chariot and standard. This satisfied the charanas. At this, he withdrew from Bhimasena’s presence."

Defeat 2

Drona Parva Section 25 -

"Duryodhana was enraged at this and pierced him with sharp arrows. Bhima’s eyes became red with rage and he wished to destroy the king in a short instant. So he pierced him with arrows. With arrows wounding all his limbs, he became angry and smilingly, pierced Pandava Bhimasena back with iron arrows that were as bright as the sun’s rays. The sign of a bejewelled elephant was on his83 standard, embellished with gems. Pandava used broad-headed arrows to swiftly sever this, together with his bow. O venerable one! On seeing that Duryodhana was thus afflicted by Bhima, the lord of Anga arrived there on an elephant, wishing to attack him."

Note: Bhima cut off Duryodhana's bow and flag.

Defeat 3

Bhishma Parva Section 76 -

"But Bhima penetrated it and wounded me with arrows that were like the staff of death. O king! On seeing him enraged, I was overcome with fear and lost my senses. I cannot find peace even now. You are truthful in your vows. Through your favours, I wish to obtain victory and slay the Pandavas.’ When he was thus addressed, Ganga’s great-souled son, foremost among the wielders of weapons, knew that Duryodhana was overcome by grief."

• Bhima killed 31 kaurava brothers in a single day

Quote:

Know about the great destruction that was brought about because of your bad policy. Thirty-one of your sons were brought down by Bhimasena. With Durmukha at the forefront, they were colourful in fighting.19

Analysis: And all karna fans do is just ignore or dismiss this these 31 brothers were killed in-front of karna and karna did not do anything but cry. Seems like karna fans dont care about the lives of kaurava brothers.

Source: Drona Parva Section 122
Drona Parva Section 112 -

"On seeing that thirty-one of your maharatha sons had been killed, Duryodhana remembered the words of Kshatta,364 which had been spoken at the time of the gambling match to your evil-minded son, when Karna had spoken harsh words to Krishna365 in the assembly hall."

• Bhima being a all-rounder
• Mace
• Broke Maniman's spear:

"Uttering a great roar, he flung it at Bhimasena with force. But the one who was skilled in fighting with clubs splintered the spear with the end of his club and rushed to destroy him, like Garuda against a serpent."

Vana Parva Section 157

• Killed Maniman

"He roared in battle and flung it. With the speed of the wind, like the vajra hurled by Indra, it struck the rakshasa. Having killed him, it fell down on the ground, like a shedemon.105 All the beings saw how the rakshasa, terrible in strength, was felled by Bhimasena, like a bull by a lion."

Vana Parva Section 157

• 
  
• Wrestling
• Sword
• Bhima killed 15 comrades of karna using a sword

Quote:

Bhima leapt down from his chariot, like Vinata’s son.123 With a supreme sword, he killed the fifteen who were guarding Karna’s flank. He then again ascended his chariot and grasped another bow. He pierced Karna with ten arrows and his charioteer and horses with five.

Analysis: Karna can never use a sword with as much proficiency as bhima did.

Source: Drona Parva Section 30

• Bhima's durablity

1) No pain from karna's arrows

2) No pain from Rakshasas/Yakshas wounds:

"Despite being wounded by the rakshasas, Bhima felt no fear or exhaustion."

Van Parv Section 158

3)

4)

• Armed with different weapons.

1) Vana Parva Section 157
"He grasped his gold-plated bow, his sword and his quivers. Like an insolent lion, or like a maddened elephant, the strong one rushed towards the mountain, free from fear or delusion."

2) Vana Parva Section 157
"All the beings saw him, wielding his arrows, sword and bow, like a king of the beasts,102 or a maddened elephant. The Pandava was devoid of fear or delusion. To increase Droupadi’s happiness, he grasped a club and penetrated the king of the mountains."

3) Vana Parva Section 158:

"The one with the mighty arms carried a club, a sword and a bow and was as radiant as Maghavan,109 after slaying all the danavas in battle."

4) Vana Parva Section 158:

"With a beautiful golden garland on his head and with arrows, sword and bow in his hand, Bhimasena looked at the lord of riches."

5) Van Parva Section 159:
"Vrikodara, bull among the Bharata lineage, then laid down his spear, his club, his sword and his bow."

Bhima killed karna's son

Quote:

Having picked up another bow that was firmer, Vrikodara, who was terrible in his valour, strung it and severed Sushena’s bow. He angrily pierced him with nine arrows and seemed to be dancing around. He swiftly pierced Karna with seventy-three sharp arrows. While all his well-wishers looked on, he struck Karna’s son, Satyasena, with ten arrows and brought him down, together with his horses, charioteer, standard and weapons. His beautiful face was like the full moon. The head was struck down with a kshurapra arrow and was like a lotus severed from its stalk. Having killed Karna’s son, Bhima again afflicted those on your side.

Analysis: Karna's son was a weak warrior just like Karna. So it should be no shock to people how easily he was slain by bhim.

Source: Karna Parva Section 32

• Bhima defeated Sakuni

Quote:

However, the powerful Bhimasena countered him with force. He angrily severed his bow and pierced him with sharp arrows. O lord of men! Powerfully and extremely severely pierced by the enemy, the afflicter of enemies fell down on the ground, with only a little bit of life left in him. O lord of the earth! On discerning that he had lost his senses, your son bore him away on his own chariot, while Bhimasena looked on. On seeing that the tiger among men was taken away on the chariot, the sons of Dhritarashtra retreated. They suffered from great fear on account of Bhima and, terrified, fled in different directions. O king! When the archer Bhimasena had defeated Soubala, your son, Duryodhana, was shattered by great fear.

Analysis: Although sakuni lost to Bhima he was actually a pretty good warrior. Sakuni was better than Karna as a archer and man.

Source: Karna Parva Section 55

• And same sakuni defeated satyaki while same satyaki defeated karna so the result is clear as water

Quote:

With a large army and together with Soubala, the brave ones from the land of Gandhara surrounded Satyaki and Abhimanyu in that battle. With many different kinds of weapons, the angry ones who were on Soubala’s side wrathfully cut down Varshneya’s supreme chariot into tiny fragments.136 In that extremely fearful battle, Satyaki abandoned his chariot and the scorcher of enemies swiftly ascended onto Abhimanyu’s chariot.

Analysis: If it was not for Abhimanyu then Satyaki may not have survived that day. Just like if it was not for Aswathama then Satyaki would have slain Karna on the 14th day.

Source: Bhishma Parva Section 54

1. Bhima

2. Sakuni

3. Satyaki

4. Karna

• Bhima conquered 3 aukshounis on the 17th day

Quote:

Three akshouhinis from the sons of Dhritarashtra united against him. However, Bhimasena, lion among men, angrily countered them.

Source: Karna Parva Section 43

• They retreated from Bhim

Quote:

On seeing that your army had retreated before Bhimasena, the powerful one made great efforts to rally it.

Analysis: It's clearly stated that the army was running away from Bhima it has to be the three aukshounis army that just encountered/lost to him in the previous section/quote.

Source: Karna Parva Section 44

• Accolades
• Bhisma
• Incident 1

Quote:

Even when they were children, all of them were superior to you in raising the club, shooting arrows, running, striking targets, eating and wrestling in the dust. Proud of their strength, like tigers, they will attack your army. They will destroy it in battle. Try to avoid the encounter with them. One by one, they can kill all the kings of the earth.

Analysis: According to Bhisma, bhima could slay all the kings on earth. That inclues the king of Anga aka karna. He even said that Bhima is a better club/mace fighter than every kaurava brother.

Source: Udyoga Parva section 166

• Incident 2 (Bhisma says Bhima is sixteen times more powerful than karna).

Quote:

Bhimasena has eight times the qualities of a ratha. That man is energetic and insolent and possesses the strength of ten thousand elephants.

Analysis: Bhima had the strength of 10,000 hathis. And while karna was considered a half ratha by Bhisma, Bhima was considered eight times a ratha by Bhisma. You do the math 0.5 = 1 8 = 16

Source: Udyoga Parva section 166

• Bhisma's views on karna

Quote:

He is not a full ratha. Nor is he an atiratha. Because he is always generous, he has been separated from the divine earrings he was born with. Because of Rama’s curse, the words of the brahmana and because he will be separated from his implements,25 it is my view that he is only half a ratha. When he meets Phalguna, he will not be able to escape with his life.’”

Analysis: Karna was only a half ratha and Bhisma brought up valuable points like his curses and the loss of his divine earrings. It's no wonder that this half ratha karna could not save his son vrishasena from the mighty Arjuna.

Source: Udyoga Parva section 165

• Balarama

Quote:

Without any weapons, the long-armed Vrikodara can slay a large army of enemies. On hearing his roars, soldiers release their bowels and their bladders. He suffers now from hunger and thirst and is emaciated from journeys. But when he meets them, he will have weapons and arrows in his hands. He will then remember the extremely terrible dwelling in the forest. I am certain that he will not leave any survivors. On this earth, there will be no one else who is his equal in valour and strength. He is now thin from cold, heat, wind and sun. But in battle, he will not leave any survivors. Atiratha Vrikodara conquered the kings of the east519 in battle, together with their followers, alone on a chariot and swiftly returned, unharmed, even though he is now miserable in the forest and is clad in barks.

Analysis: He said that Bhima defeated all kings of the east. The east includes anga/vanga/bihar which is karna's territory. So Balarama just said bhima defeated karna.

Source: Vana Parva Section 119

• Krishna
• Incident 1 (Udyog parv)

Quote:

I know your deeds and I am not trying to find fault with you. O Pandava! The qualities I see in you are a thousand times more than those you see yourself.

Analysis: Bhima has called himself to have the strength of ten thosuand elephants and that he can render the earth asunder, but krishna has said bhima is a thousand times better than he thinks he is. So bhima has the strength of ten million elephants not ten thousand. A 1,000 times 1,000 is 1,000,000.

Source: Udyoga Parva Section 75

• Incident 2 (Ghatotkaca's death)

Quote:

Hidimba, Baka and Kirmira have been brought down by Bhimasena. They were the equals of Ravana and destroyed the sacrifices of brahmanas.

Analysis: So if you believe krishna is god then you have to believe that Bhima was superior to Parshuram, Balarama, and Ramayan's Rama. As bhima killed multiple ravanas while rama could only kill one.

Source: Drona Parva Section 156

• Sanjaya

Quote:

He is extremely fearsome and is without fear. He is skilled in the use of weapons. He will slay the assembled enemy forces. He will counter an ocean of chariots on a single chariot. He will destroy a mass of infantry with his club. He will swiftly destroy many soldiers. That brave one will bring down the soldiers of Dhritarashtra’s son, like a forest sliced down with an axe. Then Dhritarashtra’s son will regret the war. Dhritarashtra’s son will see his mighty army scattered, like a village that is mostly made of straw burnt by a fire, or ripe grain burnt by lightning. With the foremost warriors dead, the terrified soldiers will be reluctant. They will mostly be in flight, with no one left with any enterprise. They will be burnt by Bhimasena’s weapons.

Analysis: According to Sanjaya Bhima was skilled in the use of weapons (astras).

Source: Udyoga parva Section 47

• Sanjaya talks about bhima's feats

Quote:

The Pandavas have gathered Bhimasena against you. There is no one on earth who is his equal in the strength of arms. That archer brought all the lords of the earth under his suzerainty. After escaping from the house of lac, Vrikodara, Kunti’s son, was their protector and saved them from the man-eating Hidimba.65 When Yajnaseni was abducted by the king of Sindhu, Vrikodara, Kunti’s son, was their protector.66 When all the Pandavas were being burnt in Varanavata, he is the one who freed them.67 He has been gathered against you. He is the one who killed the Krodhavashas and penetrated the uneven and terrible Mount Gandhamadana in order to please Krishna.68 The substance and valour of ten thousand elephants is in his arms. He has been gathered against you.

Analysis: So even Sanjaya says that physically Bhima is the strongest man alive. He even said that all the kings living on this earth were brought under his power. He had enough strength to penetrate a mountain.

Source: Udyoga Parva Section 49

Sanjaya says Bhima was an Atiratha class warrior:
Drona Parva Section 109
"Bhimasena stretched his bow, embellished in gold. In that battle, the atiratha was stationed like a blazing fire."

Karna's opinion on Bhima.

1:

It is my view that they will not retreat from the battle. The mighty-armed and infinitely energetic Vrikodara has already returned. This Kounteya is supreme among the best and he will kill the best of our rathas. With a sword, bow, javelin, horses, elephants, men, chariots39 and an iron staff, he will slay large numbers.

Analysis: So according to karna, bhima was a man that would never retreat from the battlefield as you karna fans claim that bhima retreated/fled from a weak man like karna. And also Bhima was an all rounder thus the mahabharata describes his use of multiple different weapons. Karna even called Bhima the best warrior. Was karna a joker?

Source: Drona Parva Section 21

• Incident 2 (karna accepts that he cannot defeat bhima)

Quote:

That army has King Yudhishthira, who is firmly devoted to the truth, Bhima, Arjuna, Vasudeva, Satyaki and the Srinjayas. I think that it cannot be defeated by the kings.

Analysis: Kings would include karna as he was also a king of anga.

Source: Drona Parva section 2

Incident 3

Quote:

"The brave archer Bhimasena is firm in his aim. In the battle, he has wounded me grievously with many nets of arrows. O one who grants honours! I have nevertheless been stationed in this battle. There is not a single limb of mine that has not been tormented by arrows in the encounter. O king! I will however fight in this battle, to the utmost of my capacity, so that the foremost among the Pandavas cannot kill Saindhava."

Analysis: As per Karna bhima was a archer not a mace fighter. And karna even accepted that bhim gave him a huge run for his money. All of his bones have been harassed by bhima's arrows.

Source: Drona Parva Section 120

• Incident 4

Quote:

‘O lord of Madra! O lord! There is no doubt that the words that you have spoken to me now about Bhimasena are true. Vrikodara is brave, valiant and angry. He is indifferent towards protecting his body and his life and is superior in strength.

Analysis: Karna himself admitted that bhima is stronger than him. Stronger than he is. Bhima >>>>>> karna.

Source: Karna Parva Section 34

Duryodhan's opinion
1) Drona Parva Section 127 -
"My warrior brothers, Chitrasena and the others, have encountered Bhimasena and were destroyed by him, while we evil-souled ones looked on."
[Duryodhana talking to karna]
2)


Dhritarashtra's views about Bhima.
1. Drona Parva Section 110

"There is no doubt that Ashvatthama, the king of Madra and Kripa, united with Karna, cannot stand before Bhima. He is extremely terrible and possesses the strength of ten thousand elephants. They know this and the cruelty and energy of Maruta’s347 son. Why did they anger the performer of cruel deeds, who is proud of his strength and valour and is like Yama at the end of a yuga, in the battle?"

2.
Dhritarashtra saying Bhima defeated Karna.
1st time

Drona Parva Section 106 -

"In the earlier encounter, Karna had been defeated by Bhimasena. How could maharatha Radheya progress against Bhima?"

2nd time

Drona Parva Section 107 -

"Dhritarashtra asked, “O Sanjaya! The hopes of my sons being victorious have always been vested in him. On seeing him retreat in the battle, what did Duryodhana say?"

3rd time

Drona Parva Section 108 -

"But having heard that Karna was repeatedly defeated in the battle by Bhimasena, terrible in his deeds, I have lost my senses. Because of the wicked policies of my son, I think that the Kouravas have already been destroyed. O Sanjaya! Karna will not be able to defeat those great archers, the Parthas. Whenever Karna has fought with the sons of Pandu, the Pandavas have always defeated him in the field of battle."

4th time
Drona Parva Section 110 -
"Having seen Karna defeated, Duhshasana and his brothers must be thinking about that and, out of fear, must have retreated from attacking Bhima."
5th time
Drona Parva Section 110 -

"It seems that Karna, the mighty-armed son of the suta, has depended on the strength of his arms alone and disregarding this,348 has chosen to fight with Bhimasena in the battle. Pandu’s son defeated Karna in the encounter, like Purandara against the asuras."

6th time

Drona Parva Section 110 -

"On seeing Karna deprived of his chariot and defeated by Bhima, there is no doubt that he must be severely repenting his refusal of Krishna.350"

7th time

Drona Parva Section 110 -

"On seeing this Karna defeated in the battle, like a snake that has lost its poison and has run away, what did Duryodhana say?"

8th time

Karna Parva Section 35 -

"On seeing that Radheya had been defeated by Bhima in the battle, what did my son, Duryodhana, do next?"
Bhima's appearance.
1) Vana Parva Section 157

"He was handsome and noble. His complexion was like that of gold. He was spirited and strong, powerful and proud. The brave Pandava’s eyes were red and his shoulders were wide. He was like a maddened elephant in his valour. His teeth were like a lion’s and his shoulders were expansive. He was as tall as a young shala tree. The greatsouled one was beautiful in all his limbs. His neck was like a conch shell101 and his arms were huge."

2) Vana Parva Section 157

"All the beings then saw the handsome Pandava enveloped by the rakshasas, like the sun with masses of clouds. But just as the sun penetrates everything with its rays, the mighty-armed and powerful one, with truth as his valour, penetrated all of them with his arrows."

3) Diguised as a cook:

On seeing me unconscious, Kaikeyi will arise and tell her women, "I think this affection is born out of this sweet-smiling one living with the cook and she sorrows when he fights with these immensely brave beings. Sairandhri is beautiful in form and Ballava is extremely handsome."

Virata Parva Section 18
4) Entry into Matsya desh:

"He was terrible in strength and his beauty was resplendent. His gait was as easy as that of a valorous lion. He held a spoon and a ladle in his hands. He also had an unsheathed black and iron sword that was devoid of any blemishes. He was in the form of a cook, but his radiance was supreme. He was like the sun illuminating the world."

Virata Parva Section 7
5) What Virat Raj thought when seeing Bhima:

"On seeing the supreme one arrive, the king spoke to the assembled citizens. “Who is this handsome and young one whom we see? He is like a bull among men. His shoulders are as large as that of a lion. I have not seen a man like him before. He is like the sun."

Virata Parva Section 7
6) Virata's opinion/words:

"You are one who offers honour. I do not believe that you are a cook. You seem to be the equal of the thousand-eyed one,54 in your radiance, your beauty and your valour. O son!55 You are radiant and supreme among men."

Virata Parva Section 7
7)
8)
9)
10)

The track record of demon Nikumbha

People like to use Harivamsa to bash Arjuna, even though Harivamsa is a non-canon source, as we should only consider Mahabharata. But fine here is the track record of Nikumbha. But i will use harivamsa to critique Nikumbha. Cause for karna fans harivamsa is only authentic for Arjuna vs Nikumbha but if it's Pradyumna defeating karna and using his physical strength to toss karna into a cave then it's not canon. Just because karna lost it cannot be considered canon, but if someone can swoon Arjuna then karna fans choose to consider it authentic.

• Defeated by mighty Jayanta (elder son of Indra)

Quote:

As he fell down on earth, jayanta, indra's son, (aindri) embraced him with his arms. When he realized that pravara was alive, he left him and quickly attacked the demons. He quickly ran towards nikumbha and struck him with his sword. Then the demon struck jayanta with iron bludgeon. I should fight with kR^iShNa, who is the enemy and killer of my kinsmen. Why should I receive strikes at the hands of the son of shakra (jayanta) in the battle? Deciding thus, he disappeared then and there and went to fight where kR^iShNa of great power was present.

Analysis: Leave aside Arjun.... even Jayant is more powerful than him (Nikumbha), he was a weak warrior. Arjuna was certainly better than both nikumbha and Jayanta.
Source: http://www.mahabharata-resources.org/harivamsa/vishnuparva/hv_2_085.html

• Indra is pleased at the retreat of Nikumbha

Quote:

The destroyer of bala (indra) mounted on airAvata, who had arrived with other deva-s to watch the battle, saw him and was happy. Happily he congratulated his son, saying, well done, well done, and caressed him. The one with righteous soul caressed pravara who had become conscious by then.

Analysis: Indra is stated as praising his son, and another name of indra is shakra.

Source: http://www.mahabharata-resources.org/harivamsa/vishnuparva/hv_2_085.html

• Nikumbha made Krishna unconscious

Quote:

O lord! (janamejaya! vaishampAyana continued) nikumbha struck kR^iShNa forcefully with the iron bludgeon. kR^iShNa also struck nikumbha forcefully with his mace. Being struck forcefully, both of them became unconscious and leaned to their sides. Seeing that the pANDava-s and yAdavAs are stunned (due to kR^iShNa becoming unconscious) the assembly of sages chanted desiring the benefit of kR^iShNa.

Analysis: Every karna fan seems to talk about how the saptarishis prayed for Arjuna in the saindhava war, they claim that the saptarishis saved him, but no karna fan bats an eye when it is shown that other sages chanted mantras to help krishna, no one says they saved krishna. I wonder why? Ah it's because of double standards and biasedness of the karna fanbase.

Source: http://www.mahabharata-resources.org/harivamsa/vishnuparva/hv_2_085.html

• Nikumbha cheated in his fight by hiding behind a woman

Quote:

O the best among kings! (janamejaya! vaishampAyana continued) For the safety of the maiden, neither kR^iShNa-s (kR^iShNa and arjuna), nor kAma (pradyumna) struck the great asura, nikumbha, without kindness.

Analysis: It was no ordinary maiden she was a member of arjuna & krishna's family.

Source: http://mahabharata-resources.org/harivamsa/vishnuparva/hv_2_090.html

• Pathetic defeat & retreat of Nikumbha at the hands of Arjuna.

Quote:

The best among the wielders of bow, the son of pR^itha (arjuna), expert in battle by all means, shot groups of arrows at the daitya, nikumbha, using the technique of nAgoShtra (see Note 1). arjuna shot many twelve finger long arrows at the dAnava, nikumbha, in the battle without harming the maiden, O the lord of earth! (janamejaya! vaishampAyana continued) with his art, logic and training. Then nikumbha vanished from there along with the maiden, using the illusory skill of demons. No one knew about this.

Analysis: Nikumbha ran away. He was scared of Arjuna's arrows, he chickened out. Yet people call this a defeat of Arjuna instead of a defeat of nikumbha.

Source: http://mahabharata-resources.org/harivamsa/vishnuparva/hv_2_090.html

• Nikumbha was a roadrunner, he contineud to flee from Arjuna & Krishna

Quote:

O king ! (janamejaya! vaishampAyana continued) The demon nikumbha, oppressed by the sharp arrows shot by kR^iShNa-s (kR^iShNa and arjuna), abandoned the north gokarNa and proceeded in the southern direction.

Analysis: He was running away to south india.

Source: http://mahabharata-resources.org/harivamsa/vishnuparva/hv_2_090.html

• Nikumbha makes Arjuna unconsious (his only claim to fame)

Quote:

O the ruler of earth! (janamejaya! vaishampAyana continued) As nikumbha came out of the cave, the son of pR^itha (arjuna) blocked all the ways by shooting arrows using the bow gANDIva. nikumbha, the best among the powerful, as he came out, struck the son of pR^itha (arjuna) on the head, with a terrible mace, full of thorns. nikumbha vanished. The valiant son of pR^itha (arjuna) who was struck on his head by the mace became unconscious. He vomited blood and became unconscious.

Analysis: I can accept this as a defeat of Nikumbha did not choose to run away, the fact remains that Arjuna defeated nikumbha twice. Arjuna was made unconscious just like krishna was made unconsious.

Source: http://mahabharata-resources.org/harivamsa/vishnuparva/hv_2_090.html

• Nikumbha swooned Pradyumna

Quote:

nikumbha having the power of illusion, struck pradyumna, the best of illusionists who was facing him and vanished. The valiant pradyumna, struck on his head became unconscious. Seeing arjuna and pradyumna becoming unconscious after being struck heavily, govinda (kR^iShNa) became highly angry and attacked nikumbha.

Analysis: It's clear that Pradyumna was also swooned by Nikumbha. So Nikumbha is the warrior that could make Krishna unconscious, Arjuna unconscious and even Pradyumna unconscious. Of course Nikumbha just hits you and then runs away reallly fast, he ahs a hit and run fighting style.

Source: http://mahabharata-resources.org/harivamsa/vishnuparva/hv_2_090.html

• Nikumbha makes krishna unconscious once again

Quote:

At that time, kR^iShNa also whirled his great mace and struck nikumbha on his head. hari (kR^iShNa) touched the ground with his mace kaumodakI, for a moment. Then the perceptor of the world, the one with intellect (kR^iShNa) became unconscious and fell on the earth. Then the entire world became distressed, O the lord of men (janamejaya! vaishampAyana continued) since the great soul, the son of vasudeva (kR^iShNa) became unconscious.

Analysis: This indeed happened (at-least in harivamsa) but it is not something knew for krishna as when he went to punish Salwa he was also made unconscious then too.

Source: http://mahabharata-resources.org/harivamsa/vishnuparva/hv_2_090.html

• Indra saves krishna

Quote:

The lord of deva-s, indra himself, sprinkled a mixture of nectar and the cold fragrant water of the divine ga~Nga on kR^iShNa.

Analysis: it is said after this that krishna did this through his own will but that's simply not true, only the opinion of the characters can truly be taken to granted, not the opinion of some translator who mistranslates a quote to say a character was mad eunconscious because he wanted that to happen.

Source: http://mahabharata-resources.org/harivamsa/vishnuparva/hv_2_090.html

• Nikumbha captured Arjuna

Quote:

Thousands (of nikumbha-s) fought with kR^iShNa, O the oppressor of enemies! (janamejaya! vaisampAyana continued), thousands fought with the son of pR^itha (arjuna) and thousands fought with the valiant son of rukmiNI. This was a wonder. Some of the great demons (nikumbha-s) held the bow of the pANDava (arjuna), some others held his hand, some other great demons held his feet. Holding the valiant (arjuna) in this manner, they rose up in the sky. Then there were crores of sons of pR^itha held this way.

Analysis: When your feet and hands are held then what do you expect Arjuna to do against thousands of nikumbhas? Besides Arjuna's bow was not at his hands at the moment. Pradyumna & Krishna were fighting from a distance, Arjuna was fighting up close in close quarters, he wasn't sitting back and shooting from distances. Holding is not defeating by the way. Nowhere is defeat mentioned.

Source: http://mahabharata-resources.org/harivamsa/vishnuparva/hv_2_090.html

• Nikumbha had a boon of shiva

Quote:

Lord hara (shiva) agreeing to give boon to him, asked him. He asked for three forms which could not be destroyed by deva-s and demons. Then the great deva, lord shiva, having the bull as his flag told him: O great demon! If you do what is not liked by me, brahmins or viShNu, you will be killed by hari (viShNu - kR^iShNa) and not by others. I and viShNu, worshipped by brahmins are the last refuge of brahmins. O the son of pANDu! (kR^iShNa continued) That nikumbha cannot be killed by any weapon.

Analysis: "others" includes not just devas/demons but also humans like Arjuna.

Source: http://www.mahabharata-resources.org/harivamsa/vishnuparva/hv_2_085.html

Nikumbha was a good road runner, great warrior, achieved amazing feats in battle, but runs away alot. He never defeat Jayanta (a son of Indra).

And Nikumbha's existence is questionable as Harivamsa is not authentic/canon.

Warriors besides Arjuna who used a divine bow.

This post will be dedicated to discussing about other warriors whose name is not Arjuna, yet used divine bows like Gandiva, i will go in alphabetical order. It will not be restricted to Mahabharata characters, i will also consider Ramayana characters.
Arjuna used bows besides Gandiva.
It says "bow's" meaning more than one bow":
“As long, O son of Radha, as thou encounterest not in battle Partha with his arrows, conch, and bows and rushing to the combat on his car with Vasudeva in his company, so long mayest thou think so!”http://www.sacred-texts.com/hin/m05/m05196.htm
Droupadi Swayamvara bow:
Rangbhoomi bow:
A bow in Subhadra-haran:
A bow in Panchal Yudh:

• A
• Abhimanyu

Quote:

That excellent and best of bows, called the Raudra, which Rohini's son (Valadeva) had obtained, the latter gave unto the high-souled son of Subhadra, having been gratified with him.

Analysis: Abhimanyu gratifed Balaram (either in a fight or through display of his skills, we don't know as it is not stated) but Abhimanyu had this bow named after lord Rudra.

Source: http://sacred-texts.com/hin/m07/m07023.htm

• B
• Bhima

Quote:

In Yudhishthira's hands was the celestial bow called Mahendra; and in the hands of Bhimasena, O king, was the celestial bow called Vayavya.

Analysis: Bhima was actually more proficient with the bow than the mace, but this is not shown in false tv serials.

Source: http://sacred-texts.com/hin/m07/m07023.htm

• C
• D
• Dhrishtadyumna's bow

Quote:

the strong-armed Dhrishtadyumna gifted with great prowess--the (would-be) slayer of Drona--who was born with natural mail and sword and bow and arrows from the blazing fire, himself like unto the second Fire.

Analysis: The name of his bow is unknown but the fact is that he was born with one. Perhaps aswathama killed him because he did not have this bow....

Source: http://www.sacred-texts.com/hin/m01/m01187.htm

• Drona
• The bow that Angirasa gave him

Quote:

Then taking up another celestial bow that Angiras had given him, and certain arrows that resembled a Brahmana's curse, he continued to fight with Dhrishtadyumna.

Analysis: Perhaps he was no match to Dhrishtadyumna if he didn't have this bow.....

Source: http://www.sacred-texts.com/hin/m07/m07188.htm

• Druma
• Proof that Druma was the preceptor of the kimpurushas/rukmi, not Drona

Quote:

How, O son of Pandu, passing over Druma, the preceptor of the Kimpurusas, hast thou worshipped Krishna?

Analysis: This is the preceptor of the kimpurushas.

Source: http://www.sacred-texts.com/hin/m02/m02036.htm

• "Druma" is mistranslated as "Drona'

Quote:

And Rukmi was a disciple of that lion among the Kimpurushas who was known by the name of Drona, having his abode on the mountains of Gandhamadana.

Analysis:

Drona was never a kimpurusha.

Source: http://www.sacred-texts.com/hin/m05/m05159.htm

• Sisupala mentions Drona and Druma separately

Quote:

I do not behold, O Bhishma, the king that is equal in battle unto Drona or Aswatthaman. Why wishest thou not to praise them? Passing over Duryyodhana, that mighty-armed king of kings, who is unequalled in whole earth girt with her seas and king Jayadratha accomplished in weapons and endued with great prowess, and Druma the preceptor of the Kimpurushas and celebrated over the world for prowess, and Saradwata's son, old Kripa, the preceptor of the Bharata princes and endued with great energy, why dost thou praise Kesava?

Analysis: What more proof do you need to differentiate between Druma & Drona? One was preceptor of kimpurushas while the other was a preceptor in Hastinapur.

Source: http://www.sacred-texts.com/hin/m02/m02043.htm

• The bow of Druma

Quote:

The bow called Gandiva was obtained by Indra's son (Arjuna) from Agni on the occasion of the burning of Khandava, while the bow called Vijaya was obtained from Drona by Rukmi of great energy.

Analysis: The bow is from Druma not Drona, as Druma is mistranslated to Drona. This bow Vijaya was probably from Indra, how Druma got it is unknown.

Source: http://www.sacred-texts.com/hin/m05/m05159.htm

• E
• F
• G
• Ghatotkaca

Quote:

That celestial and terrible bow called the Paulastya, was held by Ghatotkacha.

Analysis: Was probably cut off by Aswathama. This is the same bow that was used by Ravan. But Ghatotkaca did not wield it in his encounter with karna.

Source: http://sacred-texts.com/hin/m07/m07023.htm

• H
• I
• Indra
• 1st bow

Quote:

My bow, called Vijaya, is the foremost of all weapons (of its kind). Desirous of doing what was agreeable (to Indra), it was made by Vishakarman (the celestial artificer) for Indra.

Analysis: The weapons of it's kind are the bows. So it's the foremost off all bows. Vijaya is the best bow.

Source: http://www.sacred-texts.com/hin/m08/m08031.htm

• 2nd bow

Quote:

And that mighty-armed warrior had obtained also the bow named Vijaya of celestial workmanship, belonging to the great Indra, and which was equal to Gandiva in energy and to also Sarnga (held by Krishna). There were three celestial bows owned by the denizens of heaven, viz., Gandiva owned by Varuna, the bow called Vijaya owned by Indra, and that other celestial bow of great energy said to have been owned by Vishnu.

Analysis: This bow was considered on par with the bow of vishnu (Sarnga) & the bow of Brahma (Gandiva as it was created by Brahma). It is a different bow despite having the same name.

Source: http://sacred-texts.com/hin/m05/m05159.htm

• J
• K
• Karna
• It's description

Quote:

I also have that excellent, celestial, and formidable bow called Vijaya.

Analysis: If he had this then he should have used it when Bhagadatta, Jayadratha and Drona were killed. I mean after all it's not like someone took away his bow in the Rajasuya now is it?

Lol.

Source: http://www.sacred-texts.com/hin/m08/m08031.htm

• It's use in battles
• 1st time

Quote:

Once on a time, while wandering for the sake of practising weapons on my bow called Vijaya, O king, I had, by shooting many fierce shafts of terrible forms, heedlessly struck the calf of a (brahmana's) homa cow with one of those shafts, and unwillingly killed it white it was wandering in a solitary forest.

Analysis: What a useless bow, it could not stop karna from killing animals by accident.

Source: http://www.sacred-texts.com/hin/m08/m08042.htm

• 2nd time

Quote:

Drawing his formidable bow called Vijaya that was decked with gold, the Suta's son of immeasurable soul began to resist the son of Pandu with his sharp shafts. With a couple of razor-headed arrows he slew in that encounter Candradeva and Dandadhara, the two Pancala princes, that protected the two car wheels of the high-souled Yudhishthira.

Analysis: Without this bow karna could not have killed any great panchala warrior.

Source: http://www.sacred-texts.com/hin/m08/m08049.htm

• 3rd time

Quote:

The mighty car-warrior Karna, filled with rage, shook his foremost of bows called Vijaya, and cutting off the bow of Dhrishtadyumna, as also his arrows resembling snakes of virulent poison assailed Dhrishtadyumna himself with nine arrows.

Analysis: He could only strike the bow of Dhrishtadyumn, he could not even kill Dhrishtadyumna. This bow is too weak to kill one great warrior like the son of Drupad.

Source: http://www.sacred-texts.com/hin/m08/m08059.htm

• 4th time

Quote:

Having said these words, the Suta's son of great valour, that hero, taking up his ancient and foremost of bows called Vijaya, stringed it and rubbed the string repeatedly. Bidding the troops stay on the field after having assured them upon his truth and by an oath, the mighty Karna of immeasurable soul fixed on his bow-string the weapon known by the name of Bhargava.

Analysis: After this incident their is no mention of the Vijaya bow. Are we to believe that he only used this bow four times in his whole entire life?

Source: http://www.sacred-texts.com/hin/m08/m08064.htm

• Krishna

Quote:

This last (Sarnga), capable of striking p. 304 fear into the hearts of hostile warriors, was held by Krishna.

Analysis: Their are only three good bows. Indra's bow (Vijaya), Arjuna's bow (Gandiva) and krishna's bow (Saranga).

Source: http://sacred-texts.com/hin/m05/m05159.htm

• L
• M
• N
• Nakula

Quote:

The Vaishnava bow was held by Nakula, and the bow called Aswina was held by Sahadeva.

Analysis: This bow was named after Vishnu. This bow only finds mention over here though, and even if Nakula used it in battle then his bows are mentioned as being cut off many times. He only lost to karna because he never had the Vaishnava bow with him at that time. 14th night, 16th dya, 17th day nakula etc did not have this bow.

Source 1: http://sacred-texts.com/hin/m07/m07023.htm
Source 2: http://sacred-texts.com/hin/m04/m04043.htm

• O
• P
• Q
• R
• Rama (Dasharath's son)
• 1st bow

Quote:

At this, Rama the son of Dasaratha, took in anger from the hands of Rama of Bhrigu's line that celestial bow that had dealt death to the foremost of Kshatriyas. And, O Bharata, the mighty hero smilingly strung that bow without the least exertion, and with its twang loud as the thunder-rattle, affrighted all creatures. And Rama, the son of Dasaratha, then, addressing Rama of Bhrigu's said, 'Here, I have strung this bow. What else, O Brahmana, shall I do for thee?'

Analysis: This is the same bow that was used by Parshurama to slay the mighty kshatriyas (pre-ramayana era).
Source: http://www.sacred-texts.com/hin/m03/m03099.htm

• 2nd bow

Quote:

"The bow, these two quivers, arrows, and the sword, oh, Rama, the endower of grace, receive and wield them to triumph over the demons as Indra would wield Thunderbolt. [3-12-36]

Analysis: Read the text preceding this passage and you will find that this was a bow of Vishnu that he used against the asuras. Should i say that he (Rama) only defeated demons like Kumbhakarna, Ravana, Doosan, Khara, Makaraksha etc because of this bow? No that would be just as foolish as saying Arjuna won his wars due to his celestial bow (Gandiva).

Source: http://www.valmikiramayan.net/utf8/aranya/sarga12/aranya_12_frame.htm

• 3rd bow
• Rukmin
• Description of the bow

Quote:

And that mighty-armed warrior had obtained also the bow named Vijaya of celestial workmanship, belonging to the great Indra, and which was equal to Gandiva in energy and to also Sarnga (held by Krishna). There were three celestial bows owned by the denizens of heaven, viz., Gandiva owned by Varuna, the bow called Vijaya owned by Indra, and that other celestial bow of great energy said to have been owned by Vishnu.

Analysis: So this is the only bow on par with Gandiva and Saranga.

Source: http://sacred-texts.com/hin/m05/m05159.htm

• Rama (Krishna's brother)

Quote:

That excellent and best of bows, called the Raudra, which Rohini's son (Valadeva) had obtained, the latter gave unto the high-souled son of Subhadra, having been gratified with him.

Analysis: We have no idea or reference on how he ever obtained this bow. But it was named after Rudra (a vedic diety who had a tishula and was different from shiva).

Source: http://sacred-texts.com/hin/m07/m07023.htm

• Rama (bhrigu vanshi)
• 1st bow

Quote:

It was then that Rama of Bhrigu's line, the son of Richika by Renuka, hearing of Rama the son of Dasaratha--of spotless deeds--went to Ayodhya, impelled by curiosity, and taking with him that celestial bow so fatal to the Kshatriyas, for ascertaining the prowess of Dasaratha's son.

Analysis: Parshuram probably took that bow that he used to kill Kshatriyas, would he have been able to do it without that bow?

Parshuram himself said it was "O king, O exalted one, string, if thou canst, with all thy mighty, this bow which in my hands was made the instrument of destroying the Kshatriya race." So vijaya bow of karna was not used for destruction of kshatriyas, i doubt parshuram used it. This bow continued to be used by Rama (dashrathi), no mention of "Vijaya".

Source: http://www.sacred-texts.com/hin/m03/m03099.htm

• 2nd bow

With that bow, O king, Indra had vanquished the Daityas. At its twang the Daityas beheld the ten points to be empty. That bow, respected by all, Sakra gave to Bhrigu's son (Rama).

Analysis: We do not know why Indra gave the bow to Parshuram but we do know that this was not the bow Parshuram used against Kshatriyas.

Source: http://www.sacred-texts.com/hin/m08/m08031.htm

• 3rd bow

Quote:

Rama was armed with bow and equipped with a quiver, and with fingers cased in leathern fences! Akritavrana, the dear friend of Bhargava, well-versed in the Vedas, did the duties of a car-driver for that warrior.

Bhisma's thoughts about it:

Speedily shall I cut off that bow of thine with a sharp shaft!--Saying this I shot at him, O bull of Bharata's race, a sharp broad-headed arrow, And cutting off one of the horns of his bow with it. I caused it to drop on the ground.

Analysis: Either this bow was not a celestial bow or it was an ordinary one. Just like karna forgot to bring his best bat at the game of cricket in virat yudh.....

Source: http://sacred-texts.com/hin/m05/m05182.htm

• 4th bow

Quote:

Taking up then another bow, Rama, filled with wrath, showered upon p. 351 me numerous arrows of excessive sharpness, furnished with golden wings.

Analysis: Was this bow the reason why he lost to a real man like Bhisma? After all parshuram did not bring his best bat to the game of cricket against Afghanistan. An angry parshuram lost to bhisma.

Source: http://sacred-texts.com/hin/m05/m05182.htm

• S
• Sahadeva

Quote:

The Vaishnava bow was held by Nakula, and the bow called Aswina was held by Sahadeva.

Analysis: Not much is stated about this bow. Even if Sahadeva used it, he either rarely used it or it was destroyed in the war. It is not a new thing for such bows.

Source: http://sacred-texts.com/hin/m07/m07023.htm

• Shiva

Quote:

The Deity armed with Pinaka hath been made the warrior who is to stand on it. (a few lines skipped) The illustrious deity, that Lord of the universe, then drawing that celestial bow, sped that shaft which represented the might of the whole universe, at the triple city.

Analysis: Shiva had brought his best bow which is why he won..... what if he used a different bow? Like an ordinary bow? And not the pinaka?

Source: http://www.sacred-texts.com/hin/m08/m08034.htm

• T
• U
• Vishnu
• 1st bow

Quote:

"This sacred bow that is decorated with gold and diamonds is crafted by the divine architect Vishvakarma pertains to Vishnu, and these unwasteful arrows equalling sun in their blaze are the gift of Brahma. [3-12-32, 33a] "By this bow, oh, Rama, once Vishnu eliminated horrible demons in war and brought back radiant prosperity to the celestials. [3-12-35]

Analysis: Vishnu also had wars, and over here we're talking about Vishnu himself not any of his incarnations. And he had to use a bow (dhanush) instead of the sudarshan chakra.

Source: http://www.valmikiramayan.net/utf8/aranya/sarga12/aranya_12_frame.htm

• W
• X
• Y
• Yudhishthira

Quote:

In Yudhishthira's hands was the celestial bow called Mahendra;

Analysis: Mahendra is another name for Indra. Although Yudhishthira's bows got cut off multiple/numerous times, and nowhere else is it mentioned that he had this bow.

Source: http://sacred-texts.com/hin/m07/m07023.htm

• Z

next time won't you sing with me....... All of these people were probably "nothing" without their bows huh? Oh please everybody was a great warrior without their bow. Arjuna, Abhimanyu, Krishna, Rama, Yudhishthira etc are not dependent on bows. How do you think they were even considered worthy for these bows?