Duryodhana and his encounter with Rakshashas

Mahabharata actually mentions two independent conflict. One conflict is very human, political. That was between Kouravas and Pandavas. It was regarding inheritance of property, kingdom, right to rule etc.

The other conflict which Mahabharata often mentions is about the conflict between Suras( Specially sons of Aditi) and Asuras (Specially sons of Diti, Danu). When it comes heaven or it’s prosperity Adityas led by Indra was considered to be natural inheritor of Heaven and it’s Prosperity and natural rulers of world due their natural qualities. But sons of Danu and Dita - Daityas and Danavas aspired them. They were large in numbers but lacked quality to be the natural inheritor or ruler of the world. But They wanted prosperity and power to enjoy but had no intent or quality to rule. So they used many tricks to become powerful - some times through boon etc (Either Brahma or Shiva). Once they became powerful they tried to dislodge the Adityas. Adityas on the other side used to become so prideful egoistic that they used to ignore Asuras or their intent. They were always too late to act out of their pride and ignorance as in general case Adityas always used to win. So once they were dislodged it was Vishnu who usually used to become savior for them.

Three example - As Nara and Narayana Vishnu fought against Asuras. As Mohini, Vishnu gave ambrosia to Gods and as Vamana Vishnu displaced Bali and gave throne to Indra.

This fight is eternal and it should be taken more of metaphor or philosophical way.

The fight between Pandavas and Kouravas was also loosely boxed into this philosophical fight of Gods and Asuras. Pandavas are sons of Gods, they met Gods several time. They were considered natural inheritor due to their qualities. They ruled the world justly, People were happy and but due to their ignorance, egoistic act they lost their hard earn prosperity to Kouravas. Later Krishna who plays the role of Vishnu or Nara / Narayana who helped Yudisthira to regain his throne.

On the other side Duryodhana was shown as Kali (a symbol of greed and jealousy) and his brothers were shown as sons of Pulastya. They were high in number and low on quality. With help of Shakuni, and with protection of powers like Bhishma, Kripa, Drona, Karna, Asvathamma they dislodged the Pandavas from their prosperity and took control over it.

Later Krishna used his wisdom to find holes in powers of Bhsima, Drona and others just like Vishnu find out ways to dislodge Bali or Vritra and put Indra back in throne.

This is the reason Duryodhana’s meeting with Danavas was mentioned. It was symbolic to show his inclination towards such behavior and characteristics. It was in parallel of Arjuna’s meeting with Shiva, Indra and other Gods, Bhima’s meeting with Hanuman or Yudisthira’s meeting with Dharma.

Such comparison shows up when Duryodhana took army of Krishna and Arjuna took Krishna.