“Vaishampaayana said, ‘Awaken from sleep, those tigers
among men (remaining Pandavas), with their mother, seeing the extraordinary beauty of Hidimba, were
filled with wonder. Kunti, looking at her with wonder at her beauty, addressed
her sweetly and gave her every assurance. She asked, ‘O you of the splendour of
a daughter of Devas, whose are you and who are you? O you of the fairest complexion,
on what job have you come here and from where have you come? If you are the
deity of this forest (Vana Devata in Sanskrit) or an Apsara, tell me all regarding yourself and also why you stay
here?’
“Immediately Hidimba replied, ‘This extensive forest
that you see, of the colour of blue cloud, is the abode of a Raakshasa of the
name of Hidimba. O beautiful lady (Kunti), know me as the sister of that chief of
the Raakshasa. Respected lady (Kunti),
I had been sent by that brother of mine to kill you with all your children. But
on arriving here at the command of that cruel brother of mine, I saw your
mighty son (Bhimasena). Then, O
blessed lady, I was brought under the control of your son by Kaamadeva who occupies
the nature of every being, and I then (mentally) chose that mighty son of yours (Bhimasena) as my husband. I tried my best to convey you hence, but I could not (because
of your son Bhimasena’s opposition).
Then the Raakshasa (Hidimba), seeing
my delay, came here to kill all these your children. But he has been dragged
hence with force by that mighty and intelligent son of yours --my husband. Look
now that couple -- man and Raakshasa -- both endued with great strength and capabilities,
engaged in combat, grinding each other and filling the whole region with their
shouts.’
“Vaishampaayana continued, ‘Hearing those words of
hers, Yudhishthira suddenly rose up, also Arjuna, Nakula and Sahadeva of great
energy and they saw Bhima and the Raakshasa already engaged in fight, eager to
overcome each other and dragging each other with great force, like two lions
endued with great might. The dust raised by their feet in consequence of that
encounter looked like the smoke of a forest-fire. Covered with that dust their
huge bodies resembled two tall mountains enveloped in mist. Then Arjuna, seeing
Bhima rather oppressed in the fight by the Raakshasa, slowly, said with smiles
on his lips, ‘Fear not, O Bhima of mighty arms! We (had
been asleep and therefore) did not knew
that you were engaged with a terrible Raakshasa and tired in fight. Here do I
stand to help you, let me slay the Raakshasa, and let Nakula and Sahadeva
protect our mother.’
“Hearing him, Bhima said, ‘Look on this encounter, O
brother, like a stranger. Fear not for the result. Having come within the reach
of my arms, he shall not escape with life.’
“Then Arjuna said, ‘O Bhima, what is the need for
keeping the Raakshasa alive so long? O oppressor of enemies, we are to go
hence, and cannot stay here longer. The east is reddening, the morning twilight
(Sandhya kaal in Sanskrit) is about to set in. The Raakshasa became stronger by break of day,
therefore, quick, O Bhima! Play not (with your victim), but slay the terrible Raakshasa soon. During the two twilights Raakshasas
always put forth their powers of deception (Maayaa in Sanskrit). Use all the strength of your arms.
“Vaishampaayana continued, ‘At this speech of Arjuna,
Bhima blazing up with anger, called the might that Vaayu (his father) puts forth at
the time of the universal dissolution (Pralaya kaal in Hindi). Filled with anger, he quickly raised high
in the air the Raakshasa's body, blue as the clouds of heaven, and whirled it a
hundred times. Then addressing the Raakshasa, Bhima said, ‘O Raakshasa, your
intelligence was given you in vain, and in vain have you grown and thriven on
unpurified flesh. You therefore deserve an unholy death and I shall reduce you
today to nothing. I shall make this forest blessed today, like one without
prickly plants. O Raakshasa, you shall no longer slay human beings for your
food.’
“Arjuna at this juncture, said, ‘O Bhima, if you think
it a hard task for you to overcome this Raakshasa in combat, let me render you
help, else, slay him yourself without loss of time. Or, O Vrikodara (Bhimasena), let me alone
slay the Raakshasa. You are tired, and have almost finished the affair. Well you
do deserve rest.’
“Vaishampaayana continued, ‘Hearing these words of
Arjuna, Bhima was fired with anger and dashing the Raakshasa on the ground with
all his might slew him as if he were an animal. The Raakshasa, while dying,
sent forth a terrible yell that filled the whole forest, and was deep as the
sound of a wet drum. Then the mighty Bhima, holding the body with his hands,
bent it double, and breaking it in the middle, greatly satisfied his brothers. Seeing
Hidimba slain, they became exceedingly glad and lost no time in offering their
congratulations to Bhima – that punisher of all enemies. Then Arjuna
worshipping the respected Bhima of terrible courage, addressed him again and
said, ‘Respected senior, I think there is a town not far off from this forest.
Blessed be you, let us go hence soon, so that Duryodhana may not trace us.’
“Then
all those mighty chariot-warriors, those tigers among men (Pandavas),
saying, ‘So be it,’ proceeded along with their mother, followed by Hidimba –
the Raakshasi.’”
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