A story · Mahabharata — Stories

Bhima and Hidimva

Mahabharata, Adi Parva 157

The story · English

Bhima saw Hidimva following them and warned her that Rakshasas use deceptive tricks to revenge themselves on their enemies. He told her to go the way her brother had gone, meaning the path to death. However, Yudhishthira saw Bhima's rage and intervened. He told Bhima that even when enraged, a man must not slay a woman. He reminded his brother that the observance of virtue is a higher duty than the protection of life. Since Bhima had already killed Hidimva's brother, Yudhishthira questioned what harm this woman could possibly do to them, even if she were angry. He urged Bhima to maintain his virtue despite the circumstances.

Hidimva approached Kunti and Yudhishthira with joined palms and a respectful greeting. She spoke of the pangs of love that had been caused by Bhimasena and explained that she had borne these feelings in secret, waiting for the moment she could be with him. She told Kunti that she had chosen Bhima as her husband, casting aside the customs of her race and her own relations. She pleaded for mercy, stating that if she were rejected by Bhima or Kunti, she could no longer bear to live. She begged Kunti to unite her with Bhima, promising that she would be an obedient servant to the family.

Hidimva offered a deal to the family. She asked to take Bhima with her wherever she liked, promising to bring him back to the Pandavas whenever they wished. She claimed she could rescue them from all dangers and carry them across difficult, uneven regions on her back if they ever needed to move with speed. She argued that in times of distress, one must protect their life by any means, and that the means used to secure virtue or duty are not censurable. Yudhishthira agreed with her logic, acknowledging that she spoke the truth about the nature of survival and virtue.

Yudhishthira granted Hidimva's request but set a strict condition. He told her that Bhima would first wash himself, say his prayers, and perform the necessary rites. After that, Bhima would spend time with her until the sun set. He told Hidimva that she could sport with Bhima as she pleased during the day, given her supernatural speed, but she must bring Bhimasena back to the group every night at nightfall. Bhima expressed his assent to these terms and told Hidimva that he would stay with her until she had obtained a son. Hidimva accepted the agreement, and she took Bhima away on her body.

Hidimva took Bhima to picturesque mountain peaks, sacred regions, and forests filled with blossoming trees and crystal pools. She assumed her most beautiful form and used her melodies to make him happy. They visited islands, pebb pebbly banks of rivers, and the shores of the sea shining with pearls. They traveled through Himalayan bowers and the regions of ascetics, including the banks of Manasarovara. In time, she conceived and gave birth to a mighty son. This child was terrible to behold, with a large mouth, copper-brown lips, and sharp teeth. He possessed excessive strength and prowess, excelling all Rakshasas and Pisachas in his power.

The child grew into a youth the very hour he was born, as is the way of Rakshasa women. He became a master of all weapons and a mighty bowman. Because his head was bald like a water-pot, his parents named him Ghatotkacha. After bowing to his parents, Ghatotkacha became a great favorite among the Pandavas. Eventually, Hidimva knew the time of her stay with Bhima had ended. She saluted the Pandavas and departed. Ghatotkacha also promised his father he would return whenever needed for business, and he traveled northward. It is said Indra helped create him to be a fit opponent for Karna.

The Pandavas continued their wanderings through the forests, hunting deer and animals for food. They passed through the countries of the Matsyas, the Trigartas, the Panchalas, and the Kichakas. They lived as ascetics, wearing matted locks and clothes made of tree bark and animal skins. Kunti remained in their company. At times they moved in haste, carrying their mother on their backs, and at other times they traveled in disguise. During this time, they studied the Rik Veda, the Vedangas, and the sciences of politics and morals. Eventually, the Pandavas met their grandfather, the Rishi Vyasa.

Vyasa told the Pandavas that he knew of their deceitful exile and had come to help them. He told them not to grieve, as these hardships were for their ultimate happiness. He led them to the town of Ekachakra, telling them to live there in disguise until his return. He comforted Kunti, prophesying that Yudhishthira would eventually rule the earth with justice, supported by the prowess of Bhima and Arjuna. He predicted they would perform great sacrifices and restore the luxury of their ancestral kingdom. Vyasa placed them in the home of a Brahmana and departed, leaving them to adapt to the country.

कथा · हिन्दी

In this book

• Before: The House of Lac · Mahabharata, Adi Parva 148
• Next: Vaka the Demon · Mahabharata, Adi Parva 165
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