Maitreya's curse to Duryodhan

Mahabharata Vanaparva Aranyakaparva Section X

Sri Sadgurubhyoh Namah

Dhritarashtra says to Vyasa " O exalted muni, what you adviced is known to be true by me and other kings here. I was adviced same by Bhishma, and Drona and Vidura and know it to be true. If you are kind enough can you advice my son Duryodhan". Vyasa says "sage Maitreya is coming from the woods after meeting with Yudhistir and he will admonish Duryodhan and advice him to change his ways in the benefit of Kuru race. If Duryodhan listens to Maitreya the Kuru race will be saved , otherwise the sage will curse your son out of anger" and leaves. Meanwhile, sage Maitreya visits the kingdom after meeting exiled king Yudhistir in kuru-jangala woods.

King Dhritarashtra recieves sage Maitreya with respect, gives him arghya to wash his feet and asks him "Tell me respected muni, are the Pandavas living happily? Has your travel been pleasant ? Are Pandavas going to complete their exile ? ".

Sage Maitreya said "O King, I was travelling and accidentally met exiled king Yudhistir the just in kuru-jangala woods. He was clad in deer skin as an ascetic and having matted hair. I came to know the grave mistake that your sons did to him by decieving him in a game of dice and came to warn you and your race for the calamity that is going to fall on you. O King, you are competent to punish or reward your subjects. Why then have you overlooked the heinous act committed in your court, for which you are not held in high regard among ascetics." Then the sage Maitreya turns to Duryodhan and gives him an advice in soft voice "O mighty-armed prince, heed my words, as I speak for the good of you. Dont quarrel with Pandavas, who are great warriors. Pandavas are mighty warriors, and they have slain many Rakshasas (demons) headed by Hidimba and Kirmira in the woods. Bhima slayed them as if he is swatting a fly. Ever ready for a fight, Bhima has also slain the mighty Jarasandha in battle. Pandavas have the mighty Drupada kingdom as relatives and who in their right mind would want to pick a fight with Pandavas. Make peace with Pandavas for the good of Kuru race."

Duryodhan smiling hung down his head without speaking a word and start to slap his thigh and ignored the words of sage.

Muni Maitreya gets angry at the behaviour of Duryodhan and curses him "Duryodhan, you are very arrogant, in the coming battle Bhima will break your thigh and slay you". King Dhritarashtra tries to pacify the Sage, and pleads with him to take back his curse. Muni Maitreya says "If Duryodhan makes peace with Pandavas, then this curse will not come true, otherwise what I said will come true in the battle". 

Desirous to know the might of Bhima, King Dhritarashtra asks Maitreya, "Please tell me about the death of Kirmira". Sage refuses to answer as his son Duryodhan did not heed to his advice and asks him to know the details from Vidura, and leaves the palace.

Duryodhan also leaves , worrying about Kirmira's death at the hands of Bhima.

Hari Om