Through the forest the Pandavas made their way to Ekachakrapura. Bhima watched over them when they slept. A demon named Hidimb lived in the forest, grabbing and eating all passers-by. He had a sister, Hidimba, who could change herself into a beautiful form. He would send her to look for his victims. One day, she saw Bhima and fell in love with him. She wished to marry him. So, she told him all about her brother and said she would help him and his family escape. Hidimb was enraged by his sister’s love for Bhima. There was a ferocious combat between Bhima and Hidimb, in which Hidimb was killed. With Kunti’s blessings, Bhima married Hidimba and lived with her in the forest, continuing to protect his mother and brothers at night too. They had a strong and great warrior son, Ghatotkacha, who would later help his father during the war at Kurukshetra.
Hidimba
