Once the five Pandava princes and their mother Kunti were passing through the forest disguised as the Brahmins during their exile. In the forest, they reached a point where a demon named Hidimb and his sister Hidimba lived. Hidimb sensed the smell of human beings and asked Hidimba to go after them and fetch them. As soon as Hidimba saw the handsome Bhima, she fell in love with him. She took the form of a beautiful woman and went to him and told him that his demon brother was going to kill him and his brothers. Bhima replied that he was strong enough to defeat the demon. When Hidimba did not return for a long time, Hidimb went looking for her and saw her talking to Bhima. He was very angry and attacked Bhima. A fierce fight ensued between Bhima and Hidimb. At last, Hidimb was killed. Hidimba expressed her wish to marry Bhima. With Kunti’s permission the marriage took place. After some time, Hidimba gave birth to a son who was named Ghatotkacha. After a few years, Kunti and the Pandavas decided to take leave of Hidimba and Ghatotkacha as they had to move on.
BHIMA AND HIDIMBA
