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Mahabharata
Hidimba-Vadha Parva
Colloquy of Hidimba and Bhima. Fight between Hidimba and Bhima. Killing of Hidimba. Birth of Ghatotkacha. Pandavas entered in Ekachakra city and meeting with Vyasa.
Vaishampayana said:
Nor far from the place where they (the Pandavas) slept there was a Rakshasas, named Hidimba, living on a Sala tree.
(He was) greatly energetic and powerful, black as the clouds of the rainy season, hungry and eager for human flesh of cruel and terrible visage, of long shanks and large belly, locks and beard, red in colour of shoulder broad as the neck of the large tree of ears like arrow and of features frightful and hideous. When casting his glance at pleasure all around (the place), he saw the great car warriors, the sons of Pandu.
Ugly featured, red eyed, fearful and terrible looking, hungry and thirsty he looked around at pleasure and he saw them in that state.
Yawning wistfully, shaking his dry and grizzly locks pointed upwards and scratching them with his finger the large mouthed cannibal repeatedly looked at the sleeping sons of Pandu. Of huge body and great strength of complexion like a mass of clouds, of teeth long and sharp pointed, of face emitting a sort of lustre, he was ever pleased with the human food. Smelling the scent of man, he spoke thus to his sister, "It is after a long time that my most favourite food has come to me. My tongue is moist with saliva in anticipating the relish of such food.
My eight teeth are sharp pointed and incapable of being resisted by anything. I shall dip them into the most delicious meat.
Attacking the human throat and (human) arteries also. I shall drink a plentiful quantity of hot, fresh and frothy blood.
Go and ascertain who these (men) are, lying asleep in this forest. The strong scent of man pleases my nostrils.
Killing all these men, bring them to me. They are asleep in my dominion. There is no fear for you.
Tearing a plentiful flesh from these men. We shall then both eat (the meat). You immediately obey my command.
Eating to our will the flesh of these men, we shall dance together to various tones."
Having been thus addressed by Hidimba in the forest, Hidimba. The female Rakshasas, went at the command of her brother, O best of the Bharata race, to the place where the Pandavas were. Going there she saw the Pandavas with Pritha asleep and the invincible Bhimasena sitting awake.
Seeing Bhimasena who resembled a Sala tree and who was matchless in beauty, the Rakshasi was filled with desire.
She thought, "His colour is like the heated gold; he is mighty armed, he is leonine shouldered, he is greatly effulgent, he is conch necked and he is lotus eyed, he is fit to be my husband.
I shall not away the cruel commands of my brother. A woman's love for her husband is greater then that of her brother. If I kill him, my brother's and my pleasure will be momentary, but if I do not kill him, I shall for ever enjoy with him."
She was capable of assuming any from at will. She assumed an excellent human form and came slowly to the mighty armed Bhimasena. Being decked with celestial ornaments, she came to Bhimasena in bashful demeanour and with smiles on her lips. She said, "O best of men, whence have you come here and who are you? Who are these celestial like men that are asleep here?
O sinless one, who is this delicate lady of transcendent beauty sleeping so trustfully here in this forest, as if she is in her own house?
Do you not know that this dense forest is the abode of Rakshasas. Here dwells the wicked-minded Rakshasas named Hidimba.
O celestial like man, I have been sent here by my brother, that Rakshasas, with the cruel intention of eating your flesh.
I tell you truly that seeing you as effulgent as a celestial, I do not desire anybody else to be my husband except you.
O learned man in all the precepts of virtue, do to me what is proper. My heart and body are both pierced by Kama (god of love). I am desirous of making you mine; make me yours.
O mighty armed hero, I shall rescue you from the Rakshasas who eats human flesh. O sinless one, become my husband, we shall live on the breasts of mountains.
I can travel in the sky and I do so at pleasure. You may enjoy with me incomparable pleasure in those place."
Bhima said:
O Rakshasi, like a self controlled Rishi, who can leave his mother, elder and younger brothers, sleeping happily (here)?
What man like me would leave his sleeping mother and brother and as food for a Rakshasas in order gratify his lust?
The Rakshasi said:
Awake them all. I shall do what is agreeable to you. I shall rescue you all from my cannibal brother.
Bhima said:
O Rakshasi, for the fear of your wicked minded brother, I shall not awaken my mother and brothers, sleeping comfortably in the forest.
O timid girl, the Rakshasas are never able to withstand my prowess. O beautiful eyed one, no man, no Gandharva and no Yaksha (can also withstand it).
O amiable girl, go or stay or do what you like, or O delicate shaped lady, send your cannibal brother (to me.)
Vaishampayana said:
Seeing her delay (in returning), the king of the Rakshasas, Hidimba, got down from the tree and came where the Pandavas were.
(He was) of red eyed and strong arms, of standing hair and large mouth, of colour like clouds, of sharp teeth and fearful appearance.
Seeing this frightful creature alike from the tree, Hidimba became alarmed and thus spoke to Bhimasena-
"The wicked minded cannibal is coming in anger. Do with your brothers what I ask you.
O hero, endued as I am with the prowess of Rakshasas, I am capable of going anywhere at will. Get upon my hips; I shall carry you through the sky.
O chastiser of foes, awake your mother and others, sleeping in comfort. Taking them all, I shall go through the sky".
Bhima said:
O lady of fair hips, fear nothing. I am certain that so long I am here, there is no Rakshasa who can harm any of these (men). O lady of slender waist, I shall kill this (cannibal) before your very sight.
O timid girl, this worst of Rakshasas is not a worthy antagonist of mine, nay all the Rakshasas can never with stand my great prowess in battle.
Behold my arms each like a trunk of an elephant. (Behold) my thighs like two iron clubs. (Behold) my chest, broad and adamantine.
O beautiful girl, you shall see to day my Indra like prowess. O lady of fair hips, do not consider me weak, thinking that I am a human being.
Hidimba said:
O best of men, you are like a celestial. I do not consider you weak. but I have seen the prowess that Rakshasas exert on men.
Vaishampayana said:
O descendant of Bharata, the angry cannibal the Rakshasas hear these words of Bhima thus talking there.
He saw Hidimba in human form, her head decked with garlands of flowers and her face like the full moon. Her eyebrows, nose, eyes and ringlets were all of the handsome description and her nail and complexion were of the most delicate colour. She was decked with all kinds of ornaments and attired in fine transparent robes.
Seeing her in that charming human form the cannibal thought that she was lustful and became (very) angry.
O best of the Kurus, becoming angry with his sister, the Rakshasas expanded his large eyes and thus spoke to her, "What foolish creature throws obstacle on my way when I am hungry; O Hidimba, have you become so senseless as not to fear my anger?
O unchaste women, fie on you! you do me an injury out of lust! You are ready to sacrifice the honours of all the chief Rakshasas, your ancestors!
I shall kill you with all those for whose sake you are trying to do me a great injury."
Having addressed Hidimba thus Hidimba with red eyes, his teeth pressing against teeth, ran at her with the intention of killing her.
The best of all wielders of weapons Bhima, seeing him rush at her, reproached him by saying "stop, stop."
Vaishampayana said:
Seeing the Rakshasas angry with his sister, Bhimasena smiled (in scorn) and spoke thus,
"O Hidimba why do you awaken these (men) sleeping in comfort? O wicked-minded (Rakshasa), come to me first without loss of time.
Smite me first; you should not kill woman, specially when she has been sinned against instead of sinning.
This girl is not in her own control in becoming lustful towards me. She has been moved by the god of love who pervades every living form.
O wicked creature, O you the most infamous of your class, your sister came here at your command. Seeing my person, she desire me. The timid girl has done you no harm. It is the fault of the god of love and therefore, you should not injure her.
O wicked wretch, you should not kill a woman when I am here. O cannibal, come with me (to a distance) and fight singly with me.
I shall singly (fight with you) and send you to day to the land of the dead. O Rakshasa, your head will be pounded to pieces, being pressed by my strength.
As if pressed by the trend of a mighty elephant. When you will be killed by me in battle your body will be to day torn by hawks, herons and jackals, in glee.
I shall in a moment make this forest free of all Rakshasas, so long polluted by you by eating men.
O Rakshasas, your sister will see today that I shall drag you, huge though your are like a mountain, as a lion drags an elephant.
O worst of Rakshasas, when you will be killed by me men frequenting this forest will live safely and without fear.
Hidimba said:
O man, what is the need of your this vaunting and boasting? Accomplish all this first and then you my vaunt. Therefore, do not make any delay.
You know yourself to be strong and endued with prowess. In your encounter with me to-day, you shall now rightly know with what is your (real) strength. I shall not kill these (your brothers) till then. Let them sleep at their pleasure, o foolish man, I shall first kill you who speaks such evil words. After drinking your blood, I shall then kill these (your brothers) and then kill this (my sister) who has done me an injury.
Vaishampayana said:
Having said this, the cannibal, outstretching his arms, ran in great wrath towards that chastiser of foes, Bhimasena.
The greatly powerful Bhima soon sized the extended arms (of the rushing Rakshasas) with great force, as if in sport.
Then seizing the struggling Rakshasas with violence, Bhima dragged him away from that place full thirty two cubits, as a lion drags a small deer.
Thereupon the Rakshasas, becoming an angry, clasped the Pandava Bhima with great force and he sent forth a terrible yell.
The greatly strong Bhima then dragged him again (further away) with (great) force, so that his comfortably sleeping brothers might not awake by his yell.
Clasping and dragging each other with great force, both Bhimasena and Hidimba displayed their great prowess.
Fighting like two large elephants mad with rage, they broke down the trees and tore off the creepers that grew around.
By the great noise (of the fight) those best of men (the Pandavas) woke up with their mother and they saw Hidimba sitting before them.
Vaishampayana said:
Rising from sleep, those best of men (the Pandavas) with their mother were filled with astonishment on seeing the extraordinary beauty of Hidimba.
Thereupon being astonished with her beauty, Kunti slowly addressed in sweet orders and give her all assurance. "O celestial beautiful maid, O beautiful one, who and whose are you? For what business have you come here and from what place have you come?
Are you the deity of this forest or (are you) an Apsara? Tell me all why you are sitting here."
Hidimba said:
The blue cloud like great forest that you see is the abode of mine and that of my brother, Rakshasas Hidimba.
O amiable lady, know me as being the sister of the Rakshasas chief. O respected madam, I was sent by my brother to kill you with your sons.
Coming here at the command of that cruel-minded (Rakshasas), I saw your greatly powerful son of the colour of pure gold.
O blessed lady, I was brought under the control of your son by the god of love who pervades the nature of everything.
I then chose your greatly powerful son as my husband. Through I tried to suppress this passion, I could not.
Finding my delay, the cannibal, came in person here to kill all these your sons.
But he has been dragged away by your illustrious and intelligent son and my (chosen) husband.
Behold the man and the Rakshasas, both endued with great strength and prowess, (now) engaged in combat, pressing each other with great force and filling the whole region with their roars.
Vaishampayana said:
Hearing her these words, Yudhisthira, Arjuna, Nakula and the powerful Sahadeva hastily rose up.
They saw those two (Bhima and Hidimba) already engaged in fight; they were dragging each other, (both) eager to overcome each other like two greatly strong lions.
They clasped and pressed each other again and again. The dust of the earth rose like the smoke of the forest fire.
Covered with the dust of the earth, they, who were like mountains looked like two cliffs enveloped in mists.
Seeing Bhima oppressed by the Rakshasas, Partha, Arjuna, slowly said with smiles on his lips -
"O Bhima, O mighty armed (hero) fear nothing, we did not know that in the fight with the terrible Rakshasas you are tired.
O son of Pritha, I stand here to help you. I shall kill the Rakshasas. Nakula and Sahadeva will protect our mother.
Bhima said:
Look on this combat with unconcern. You need not take part in it. When he has come to my clutches, he will not escape with life.
Arjuna said:
O Bhima, what need is there to keep this wicked Rakshasas alive any longer? O chastiser of foes, we are to go from this place as soon as possible; and therefore we can stay here no longer.
The east is reddening; the morning twilight is about to set in. At Raudra Muhurata (Just at the break of day), the Rakshasas become most powerful.
O Bhima, be quick. Do not play (with him); kill the fierce Rakshasas. He can display Maya delusions, hereafter. Therefore, show the strength of you arms.
Vaishampayana said:
Having been thus addressed by Arjuna, Bhima blazed up in anger. He summoned the strength that Bahu puts forth at the time of the universal dissolution.
He quickly raised up the cloud like Rakshasas in anger and he then whirled him one hundred times.
Bhima said:
(O Rakshasas), your body has in vain grown and thriven on unsanctified meat. Your intelligence is in vain, your sense is in vain. You deserve, therefore, an unholy death. I shall reduce you today to nothing.
I shall make this forest blessed today, O Rakshasas, completely shorn of prickly plant (which you were in it); so that you shall no longer kill men in order to eat them.
Arjuna said:
If you think it a heavy task to kill the Rakshasas in battle, let me assist you. Kill him without (any further) loss of time.
O Vrikodara, let me kill him alone. You are tired and you have almost finished the work and you well deserve rest (now).
Vaishampayana said:
Having heard these words (of Arjuna) Bhimasena was inflamed with rage; and dashing him on the ground with all his might, he kilted him like beast.
When he was thus killed by Bhima, he sent forth a terrible roar like the sound of a wet drum which filled the whole forest.
Then the strong son of Pandu (Bhima), holding the body with his hands, broke it in the middle and the mighty armed hero greatly pleased the Pandavas (by his this great deed).
Seeing Hidimba slain, they were filled with joy and lost on time to congratulate that best of men, that chastiser of foes, Bhimasena.
Thus congratulating the illustrious and greatly powerful Bhima, Arjuna thus again addressed Vrikodara, "O lord, I believe there is a town not far off from this forest. O blessed one, let us soon go from this place, so that Duryodhana may not trace us."
Those best of men (the Pandavas), those great car warriors, saying "Be it so," proceeded with their mother. And Rakshasi Hidimba also (followed them.)
Bhima said:
The Rakshasas revenge themselves on their enemy by alluring deceptions. Therefore, O Hidimba, go to the way that your brother has gone.
Yudhisthira said:
O best of men, O Bhima do not kill a woman even in anger. O Pandava, the attainment of virtue is a higher duty than the protection of body.
You have killed the greatly powerful (Rakshasas) who came with the purpose of killing us. She is (but) his sister, what can she do to us, even if she is angry?
Vaishampayana said:
Thereupon, Hidimba respectfully saluting Kunti and Yudhisthira with joined hands, spoke to Kunti thus, "O respected lady, you know the pangs that women suffer from the god of love. O blessed lady, I have received those (pangs) by Bhima.
I have suffered these great pangs and I wait for the time (when it will be assuaged). That time has now come, when I expect that my happiness would come.
O blessed lady, leaving my friends relatives and religion, I have chosen this best of men, this son of yours, as my husband.
O illustrious lady, if forsaken by this hero and yourself I shall not live any longer, I tell you this truly.
O greatly beautiful lady, you should show compassion towards me, considering me foolish or very obedient to you.
O greatly fortunate lady, unite me with my husband, your son. Let me go away at pleasure (wherever I like), taking this celestial like (hero). Trust me, O blessed lady, I shall bring him back to you all.
Whenever you will think of me I will immediately come to you and carry you wherever you will command. I shall rescue you from danger over even and uneven grounds. I shall carry you on my back whenever you will desire to proceed with speed. Be gracious to me and make Bhimasena accept me.
It is consonant with the precepts of religion that one should protect his life by any means. He, who seeks to do it, should not scruple about the means.
He who keeps his virtue (even) in distress in the foremost of all virtuous men. Distress is the greatest danger to virtue and virtuous men.
'It is virtue that protect life and therefore virtue is called the giver of life. The means by which virtue is secured can never be censurable.'
Yudhisthira said:
O Hidimba, there is no doubt of that what you say is true. O lady of slender waist, you must act as you have said (you want to do).
O blessed lady, when Bhimasena will finished ablutions, twilight prayer and the usual propitiatory rites you will then be adored by him till the sun sets.
O lady of mind like speed, sport with him at pleasure during the day. You must always bring Bhimasena back every night.
Vaishampayana said:
Having promised to do it by saying, "Be it so", Bhima said (to Hidimba), "O Rakshasi, listen to the agreement that I make with you.
O blessed lady, O lady of slender waist, I shall go (and stay) with you, so long you do not obtain a son."
Having promised this by saying, "Be it so," the Rakshasi Hidimba took Bhima upon her body and went up to the sky.
Assuming the handsomest form, decked with all ornaments and pouring forth at times sweet music, she sported with the Pandava (Bhima) on the mountain peaks of picturesque scenery and in regions sacred to the celestial, abounding with beasts and birds. Also in forests and mountain fastness, overgrown with blossoming trees, in beautiful lake; resplendent with lotuses and lilies. On island of rivers, on the pebbled banks of streamlets, in sylvan streamlets with beautiful banks and also in mountain streams. In beautiful woods with blossoming trees, in the Himalayan bowers and in various mountains caves. In the crystal water of the lakes, smiling with lotuses, on the shores of the sea shinning with gold and pearls. In beautiful towns and fine gardens, in woods sacred to the gods and on the breast of hills. In the land of the Guhyakas and the hermitages of the ascetics on the banks of the Manasa lake, abounding with fruits and flowers of every season. Assuming the handsome form, she sported with the Pandava (Bhima). The lady with the mind like speed sported with Bhima in these places.
She then gave birth by Bhima a greatly strong son of terrible eyes and large mouth, of ears like arrows and of appearance fearful.
Of roaring voice, of lips brown as copper, of teeth sharp and keen. He was mighty armed, greatly energetic, exceedingly powerful and a great car warrior. Having long nose, broad chest, frightfully swelling calves, celerity of motion and excessive strength, he had nothing human in him, though born of a man. He excelled all the Pishachas and other such creatures and also the Rakshasas.
He grew up to be a youth when he was a boy and that mighty hero soon acquainted high proficiency in all arms and weapons known amongst mankind.
The Rakshasas women give birth on the very day they conceive; they are capable of assuming any form at will and they change their forms (at will).
That bad featured child, that mighty bowman, soon after his birth, bowed down to his mother and also to his father and touched their feet. They then named him.
His mother said, "This child's head is like a Ghata (water pot)." They then gave him the name of Ghatotkacha.
Ghatotkacha was (very much) attached to the Pandavas. he became a great favourite with them, almost one of them.
Knowing that the period of her stay with the (Pandava) had come to an end, Hidimba making another agreement with them went away wherever she like.
Thereafter giant Ghatotkacha bowed down to the Pandavas with Kunti, and told them, O sinless great men, you may tell me what I have to do. Thus addressed by him, Kunti spoke to the son of Bhima.
You are born in the race of Kuru and are the same as Bhima. You are the eldest son of five. O son! help us.
Vaishampayana said: Thus addressed by Kunti, he replied respectfully- Just as there are in this world Ravana and Meghanada who were very strong, so also I am gigantic and valorous among the men of this world; in fact I am greater than any.
That best Rakshasas, Ghatotkacha, promising to come when required for business, went away towards the north.
That great car warrior (Ghatotkacha) was created by the illustrious Indra as a proper antagonist of Karna of matchless power in consequence of the weapon (he gave him).
Vaishampayana said:
O king, those mighty car-warriors the heroes (the Pandavas), went from forest of forest, killing many beasts. In course of their travel and they crossed many forests (came to).
The countries of the Matsyas, Trigartas and Panchalas, then to that of the Kichakas, where they saw mane beautiful woods and lakes.
They all made matted locks and wore the barks of trees. Those illustrious (heroes) assumed the form of ascetics with their mother. Those car-warriors some times proceeded in haste, carrying their mother, (on their back) sometimes they proceeded slowly; they then went in great haste.
They studied the Brahma (Rik) and the Vedangas and all other sciences of morals. (When they were thus engaged), they saw their grandfather (Vyasa).
Having respectfully saluted the illustrious Krishna Dvaipayana those chastisers of foes with their mother stood before him with joined hands.
Vyasa said:
O best of the Bharata race, I knew beforehand of your this affection, your this unjust banishment by the sons of Dhritarashtra. Knowing this I have come to do you some great good. You ought not to grieve. Know all this is for your (future) happiness.
There is no doubt that you and they all are equal in my eyes; but men love more those that are in misfortune or in tender years. Therefore my love for you is now greater (then before) and in consequence of the love, I wish to do you some good. Listen to me. Not far from this place there is a beautiful town which is a safe place for you. There live you all in disguise, waiting for my return.
Vaishampayana said:
Having thus comforted them, the son of a Satyavati, Vyasa, led them to (the town of) Ekachakra. The lord (Vyasa) comforted Kunti also.
Vyasa said:
O daughter, live your this son, the illustrious and the best of men, Yudhisthira, ever devoted to virtue, conquering the word by his virtue will virtuously rule over all the kings of the world.
Conquering the whole earth bounded by the belt of the sea by the prowess of Bhima and Arjuna, there is no doubt (he will rule the world).
Your sons and those of Madri, all great car warriors, will sport in their own kingdom at pleasure.
Conquering the whole world, these best of men will perform Rajasuya and Ashvamedha and other sacrifices in which Dakshina (presents to the Brahmanas) will be very large.
Maintaining their friends and relatives in luxury and affluence, these your so will rule over the kingdom of their forefathers.
Vaishampayana said:
Having said this, he took them to the house of a Brahmana and then Rishi Dvaipayana spoke thus to the eldest Pandava -
"Wait here for me. I shall come back to you. You will be able to obtain great happiness by adopting yourself to the place and time (in which you are now)."
O king, they all said with joined hands, "Be it so." (Thereupon) the illustrious lord, the Rishi Vyasa, went away from whence he came.
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