This story is a part of Pandvas in Exile series which talks about the Bhima and Hidimba.

Story of Bhima and Hidimba son

In the middle of the sleepy forest, all the Pandavas were taking rest as they were searching for food the whole day. But lesser they know that this was not an ordinary forest; this was a Rakshasavana, that belonged to Hidimb Rakshasa.

Hidimb was skilled in hand – to- hand Combats, he was so giant that no one would ever dare to fight with; he possessed immense physical power and beyond this he was a Possessor of several magical tricks. He had sharp teeth and claws. His red piercing eyes glowed in the dark. He was a Cannibalistic Rakshasa.

The first meeting of Bhima and Hidimba

That unfateful night Hidimb grew hungry as from a distant area he could smell the fresh human flesh & blood. He asked to his sister Hidimba to rush to the direction where that air heavily filled with metallic scent of blood was coming.

Hidimba on the other hand was a Rakshasi who possessed many great qualities like Gentleness, Love, shape Shifting and all. She could transform herself in which ever being she wanted to. Apart from this she was a devoted & loyal sister of Hidimb.

So, she searched high & low for the perfect dinner meal as its been ages since they both had not tasted human meat.

After a while she reached at the site where all Pandava Princes were napping with their mother Kunti. 

Hidimba took a curious glance at all of them but her eyes came to rest upon Bhima and his wonderful physique.  She could not take her Eyes off the sleeping prince. There was no doubt that she was smitten with his charming personality. So, she shape shifted herself into an alluring princess and approached Bhima.

Bhima was awakened with a gentle nudge from Hidimba. As he regained consciousness, his mind raced with astonishment as he saw an enchanted beauty in this dark forest.

Bhima inquired graciously about her, to which she measured her words and said, “I am Hidimba, a Rakshashi and the sister of Rakshas Hidimb, the King of this forest “. He had sent me to check that whether you all are perfect for dinner or not, he is planning to kill you and will satisfy his hunger….! But Bhima was not afraid of Hidimb and asked Hidimba to take him to her brother.

The battle of Bhima and Hidimb

Bhima wanted to convince Hidimb to let them go otherwise he has to face unforeseen outcomes, but Hidamb was unwilling to hear his plea.

Instead he challenged Bhima to have a physical combat with him and Bhima accepted it with bravery.

A brutal clash began between Bhima and Hidamb Rakshasa. They exchanged blows and throws in an intense struggle  they both were good in showing off their strength and agility.

To end the battle Bhima gripped Rakshasa’s leg and swept him in the air then knocked him out and finally killed Hidamb. Bhima stood victorious with feet apart. 

Bhima and Hidimba son

After witnessing all this and discovering that it was Rakshasi Hidimba who actually saved their lives, Kunti the mother of Pandavas, granted Hidimba a wish and in return the Hindmba, who was already smitten by Bhima, showed her desire to marry him.

Kunti smiled and approved their wedding.

Bhima tied the knot with Hidimba, as he was also delighted by her bravery and loyalty.

Following a period of several months they got ‘Ghatotkach’ who was Bhima and Hidimba son, a half human and half Rakshasha.

Ghatotkach had great mystical energies and remarkable muscular ability.

He fought the Mahabharat yudh with pandavas against Kauravas after few years exile and lost his life in a courageous and honourable manner.

Author of the Story

Swati Kaushik

More stories by Swati

Ms Swati Kaushik has written a whole series Pandavas in Exile. YOu may read more of her stories here

• The tale of Prince Uttar and Virat Nagar