Pandavas & Krishna Families Admiration Thread # 1/DT's Nt pg 147 - Page 103

Bheem, Hidimbaa and Birth of Gatotkacha

Soon after Bheem had killed Hidimba, the sun rose and the brothers could see paths through the forest. They decided to continue south. They were bound to come to a town at some point.

As they walked off with Kunti between them, Hidimbaa followed behind. Bheem became concerned and said, "The Rakshasas are known to avenge themselves on their enemies. They use deceptions and illusions. Therefore, O Hidimbaa, you shall go the way your brother has gone."

Bheem turned menacingly toward Hidimbaa. He did not fear her in the least, but wished only to scare her away before she tried any trickery. But Yudhishthir stopped his younger brother. "O Bheem, you should never kill a woman even in anger. The attainment of virtue is always a higher duty than the protection of one's body. Besides this, what harm can this woman do to us? You have already slain her more powerful brother."

Hidimbaa folded her palms to Yudhishthir and thanked him. She approached Kunti and said with tears in her eyes, "Noble lady, you know well the suffering of a woman afflicted by desire. The god of love has pierced me with his shafts and I am consumed by desire for your son Bheem. If he does not accept me as his wife, I will not be able to live. Do not doubt this."

Hidimbaa begged Kunti to be merciful and allow her to marry Bheem. She would carry all of them to a celestial region where they could rest for some time. There she could sport alone with Bheem. Hidimbaa promised Kunti that she would always be available to serve the Pandavas. They had only to think of her and she would appear before them at once. Kneeling before Kunti, Hidimbaa said, "Please do not kill me by saying no. My request is in accord with virtue and indeed saving one's life by any means is always considered virtuous by the wise. Virtue itself protects and sustains life; therefore grant me my desire, for it is not sinful."

Yudhishthir smiled. He was impressed by Hidimbaa's knowledge of religion. She would be a good wife for Bheem, whom he had noted was not above her sidelong glances. Yudhishthir said, "You have spoken well. O highly attractive lady, it must be as you say. You shall become Bheem's wife. Remaining with him by day, you may sport with him as you please. At night, however, he should always be returned to our presence."

Hidimbaa's face blossomed with happiness. She looked at Bheem with eyes full of love. The prince smiled at her and said, "I agree to this union, but I shall make one condition. As soon as you obtain a son I shall depart and leave you alone. My brothers and I have much to achieve in order to win back our father's kingdom."

Hidimbaa agreed. Then, assuming a large form, she carried them all to a high mountain lake called Salivahana. In that beautiful woodland region the brothers constructed a wooden hut on the lake shore. There they lived peacefully. Hidimbaa took Bheem with her during the daytime. She soared through the sky to celestial places and showed Bheem the numerous exquisite gardens frequented by Siddhas and Gandharvas. There they lay together on the sandy banks of crystal streams covered with blue and red lotuses. Hidimbaa also took him to the land of the Guhakas, which was situated on the shore of the divine Manasa lake. Bheem saw beautiful towns full of shining mansions and palaces and groves of blossoming trees and heavenly flowers, whose fragrance completely enchanted the mind.

Hidimbaa was as dazzling as a goddess. She adorned herself with fine gems and gold ornaments and she constantly poured forth sweet song. Bhima was captivated by her and the seven months they enjoyed together seemed to pass as quickly as if it were seven days. At the end of the seven months she gave birth to a son named Ghatotkach. Within days of his birth the boy grew to youthhood and he took on the terrible form of a Rakshasa. His huge body was fearsome, with knotted muscles, a head as bald as a pot, terrible red eyes, a long pointed nose and ears like sharp arrows. His chest was broad and he stood as tall as a palm tree.

Although a Rakshasa by nature, Ghatotkach was inclined to virtue and he became a great favorite of the Pandavas. He was devoted to their service and they looked on him as a younger brother. Taught by the Pandavas, the boy quickly became proficient at weaponry and fighting. After a couple of months he asked permission from his parents to leave for the northern regions where Yak?as and Rakshasas dwell. He promised the Pandavas that they need only think of him and he would return to render them any service they required. After touching the feet of his mother and of all the Pandavas, he rose up to the sky and departed.

The time had come for Bhima to leave Hidimbaa. She embraced the Pandava tearfully and asked if she would ever again see him. Bhima assured her that in the future, after he and his brothers had overcome their obstacles and were free from danger, they could be reunited.

- Vijay B.