Vaishampayana said: -
1. Going there, he (Bhima) saw, near the Kailasha peak, that charming lake adorned with lotuses and surrounded by blessed woods and guarded by the Rakshasas.
2. It was made by (the waters of) the springs of the mountains near the abode of Kubera. It was charming, it had wide spreading shade, it was adorned with various trees and creepers.
3. It was covered with green lilies, it was filled with golden lotuses, it swarmed with various birds, its banks were beautiful and free from mud.
4. Situated on the mountain, this charming sheet of water was the wonder of the world; it was beautiful and delightful to behold.
5. The son of Kunti saw that ambrosial lake; its water was cool, light, clear and fresh. The Pandava (Bhima) drank much of its water.
6-7. That celestial lake was covered with heavenly Sugandhika lotuses. It was also filled with beautiful, variegated, charming and fragrant golden lotuses with beautiful stalks made of Vaidurya gems. Being disturbed by the swans and Karandavas, they were scattering fresh and pure farina.
8. It was the play-ground of the king of the kings, the high-souled Kubera. It was adorned by the Gandharvas, the Apsaras and the celestials.
9. It was frequented by the celestials Rishis, the Yakshas, the Kimpurushas, the Rakshasas and the Kimiras. It was well-protected by Vaishravana (Kuvera).
10. When the greatly powerful son of Kunti, Bhimasena saw that celestials lake, he became greatly delighted.
11. At the command of their king hundreds and thousands of Rakshasas, called Krodhavasas, clad in uniforms and armed with various weapons, were guarding it.
12-13. As that chastiser of foes, that son of Kunti, Bhima of fearful prowess clad in deer skins, wearing golden armlets and girding on his sword, fearlessly proceeded with the desire of gathering those lotuses, the Rakshasas saw him; and they immediately shouted out addressing one another.
14. “You should enquire why this foremost of men, clad in deer skins and armed with weapons, has come here.”
15. Thereupon they all came to the mighty-armed and effulgent Vrikodara (Bhima) and asked, “Who are you? you should answer our question.
16. We see, you are in the garb of an ascetic, but yet you are armed with weapons. O high-minded one, tell us why you have come (here).”
Thus ends the hundred and fifty-third chapter, gathering of the golden lotuses, in the Tirthayatra of the Vana Parva.