Chapter 21

Bhīma carries Kuntī and his brothers through the forest as the Pāṇḍavas flee south in concealment.

Determining their route at night by the stars, they headed south and, striving onward, entered a dense forest, O king. (BORI: 1-137-18)

[PV-KDV:01_027_1] (Bharata)

Then the sons of Pandu, exhausted, tormented by thirst, and blinded by sleep, again addressed these words to the mighty Bhimasena: (BORI: 1-137-19)

[PV-KDV:01_027_2] (Bharata)

What could be worse than this—that we are in a dense forest, do not know our bearings, and cannot go on? (BORI: 1-137-20)

[PV-KDV:01_027_3] (Bharata)

We do not know whether that wicked Purocana was burned. How can we escape this danger without being noticed? (BORI: 1-137-21)

[PV-KDV:01_027_4] (Bharata)

Take us up again and continue on in the same way, O Bharata. For you alone among us are as strong as the ever-moving wind. (BORI: 1-137-22)

[PV-KDV:01_027_5] (Bharata)

Thus addressed by King Dharma, the mighty Bhimasena swiftly set out, carrying Kunti and his brothers. (BORI: 1-137-23)

[PV-KDV:01_027_6] (Bharata)

Vaiśampāyana said:

[PV-KDV:01_027_100] (Bharata)

O king, as he rushed swiftly onward, the wind stirred by the speed of his thighs blew as it does at the coming of Śuci and Śukra. (BORI: 1-138-1)

[PV-KDV:01_027_101] (Bharata)

Crushing flowering and fruit-bearing trees and breaking the trees and shrubs growing near his path… (BORI: 1-138-2)

[PV-KDV:01_027_102] (Bharata)

Thus the warrior of immeasurable prowess went on, breaking trees; from the force of his speed, the Pandavas nearly fainted. (BORI: 1-138-3)

[PV-KDV:01_027_103] (Bharata)

After repeatedly swimming across broad rivers, using their arms as floats, they then traveled in concealment for fear of Dhritarashtra’s sons. (BORI: 1-138-4)

[PV-KDV:01_027_104] (Bharata)

But there, with difficulty, he carried on his back their delicate and illustrious mother alone, over the banks and across uneven ground. (BORI: 1-138-5)

[PV-KDV:01_027_105] (Bharata)

The exhausted Pāṇḍavas rest in the forest while Bhīma fetches water, laments their hardship, and keeps watch through the night.

At evening, those bulls of Bharata came to a terrible tract of forest with few roots, fruits, or sources of water, and inhabited by fierce birds and beasts. (BORI: 1-138-6)

[PV-KDV:01_027_106] (Bharata)

Twilight became dreadful, and the beasts and birds were fierce. Every direction was dark and swept by unseasonable winds. (BORI: 1-138-7)

[PV-KDV:01_027_107] (Bharata)

Then the Kauravas, tormented by exhaustion and thirst and overcome by deepening sleep, were unable to go on. (BORI: 1-138-8)

[PV-KDV:01_027_108] (Bharata)

Then Bhima entered the vast, fearsome, deserted forest and hastened toward a delightful banyan tree with ample shade. (BORI: 1-138-9)

[PV-KDV:01_027_109] (Bharata)

There he set them all down and said, “I will look for water here. Rest yourselves,” O lord of the Bharatas. (BORI: 1-138-10)

[PV-KDV:01_027_110] (Bharata)

These water-dwelling cranes are calling sweetly. Surely there is a large body of water here—so I think. (BORI: 1-138-11)

[PV-KDV:01_027_111] (Bharata)

With his elder brother’s permission to go, O Bharata, he went to the place where the waterbirds were calling. (BORI: 1-138-12)

[PV-KDV:01_027_112] (Bharata)

There he drank the water and bathed, O bull of the Bharatas; then, O king, he carried water back in his upper garment. (BORI: 1-138-13)

[PV-KDV:01_027_113] (Bharata)

Having hurried back from a distance of a gavyuti to his mother, Vrikodara saw her and his brothers asleep on the ground and lamented, overwhelmed with deep sorrow. (BORI: 1-138-14)

[PV-KDV:01_027_114] (Bharata)

Those who formerly, in Varanavata, could find no sleep on the finest beds now lie asleep upon the ground. (BORI: 1-138-15)

[PV-KDV:01_027_115] (Bharata)

Behold her lying here today on the ground—the most delicate of women, accustomed to a costly bed and wholly unsuited to this. (BORI: 1-138-18)

[PV-KDV:01_027_118] (Bharata)

She who bore these sons by Dharma, Indra, and Vayu now lies exhausted on the ground, in circumstances so unworthy of her. (BORI: 1-138-19)

[PV-KDV:01_027_119] (Bharata)

What greater sorrow could I possibly behold than this, when today I see these tiger-like men asleep upon the ground? (BORI: 1-138-20)

[PV-KDV:01_027_120] (Bharata)

How can this king, who knows dharma and deserves sovereignty over the three worlds, now lie exhausted on the ground like an ordinary man? (BORI: 1-138-21)

[PV-KDV:01_027_121] (Bharata)

This man, dark as a blue rain cloud and without equal among men on earth, lies on the ground like a commoner. What could be more painful than this? (BORI: 1-138-22)

[PV-KDV:01_027_122] (Bharata)

These two, who in beauty resemble the Aśvins among the gods, now lie asleep upon the ground like common men. (BORI: 1-138-23)

[PV-KDV:01_027_123] (Bharata)

A man who had no troublesome relatives disgracing his family would live very happily in the world, like a solitary tree in a village. (BORI: 1-138-24)

[PV-KDV:01_027_124] (Bharata)

Indeed, a solitary tree in a village, laden with leaves and fruit, though without kin, becomes a sacred tree, worthy of worship and greatly revered. (BORI: 1-138-25)

[PV-KDV:01_027_125] (Bharata)

Those who have many valiant kinsmen devoted to righteousness live happily in the world and remain free from affliction. (BORI: 1-138-26)

[PV-KDV:01_027_126] (Bharata)

Strong and prosperous, bringing joy to their friends and kinsmen, they live in mutual reliance, like trees growing in a forest. (BORI: 1-138-27)

[PV-KDV:01_027_127] (Bharata)

But we were exiled by the wicked Dhritarashtra and his sons, and only narrowly escaped being burned at his command. (BORI: 1-138-28)

[PV-KDV:01_027_128] (Bharata)

Having escaped that fire, we have taken shelter beneath this tree. Afflicted by the utmost hardship, which way shall we go? (BORI: 1-138-29)

[PV-KDV:01_027_129] (Bharata)

I can see that a city is not very far from this forest. They are asleep when they should be keeping watch; very well, I shall keep watch myself. (BORI: 1-138-30)

[PV-KDV:01_027_130] (Bharata)

“Later, when they awaken refreshed, they will drink water.” Resolving this, Bhima himself remained awake then. (BORI: 1-138-31)

[PV-KDV:01_027_131] (Bharata)

Detecting a human scent, the Rākṣasa Hiḍimba sends his sister to bring him the flesh of the sleeping Pāṇḍavas.

Vaiśampāyana said:

[PV-KDV:01_027_160] (Bharata)

There, while they slept, a Rakshasa named Hidimba, who had taken shelter in a shala tree not far from that forest… (BORI: 1-139-1)

[PV-KDV:01_027_161] (Bharata)

Cruel, a devourer of human flesh, immensely valiant and powerful, hideous in form, tawny-eyed, grim, and terrifying to behold, he was hungry and craving flesh when he happened to see them. (BORI: 1-139-2)

[PV-KDV:01_027_162] (Bharata)

With fingers raised, scratching himself and tossing his coarse hair, the huge-mouthed creature yawned and looked around again and again… (BORI: 1-139-3)

[PV-KDV:01_027_163] (Bharata)

The wicked, gigantic, immensely strong man-eater caught the scent of a human and said this to his sister: (BORI: 1-139-4)

[PV-KDV:01_027_164] (Bharata)

Today, at long last, food dear to my heart has come my way. My mouth is watering, and my tongue moves eagerly around it. (BORI: 1-139-5)

[PV-KDV:01_027_165] (Bharata)

At long last, I shall sink my eight sharp-pointed fangs, whose strike is unbearable, into plump bodies and succulent flesh. (BORI: 1-139-6)

[PV-KDV:01_027_166] (Bharata)

Seizing a human throat and tearing open the artery, I shall drink my fill of abundant, warm, fresh, foaming blood. (BORI: 1-139-7)

[PV-KDV:01_027_167] (Bharata)

Go and find out who these are, sleeping here in the forest. The strong scent of humans seems to delight my nostrils. (BORI: 1-139-8)

[PV-KDV:01_027_168] (Bharata)

Kill all these men and bring them to me. You have nothing to fear from them while they sleep in our domain. (BORI: 1-139-9)

[PV-KDV:01_027_169] (Bharata)

After preparing the flesh of these humans as we please, we shall feast on it together. Quickly do as I say. (BORI: 1-139-10)

[PV-KDV:01_027_170] (Bharata)

Obeying her brother’s command, the Rākṣasī hurried to where the Pāṇḍavas were, O bull of the Bharatas. (BORI: 1-139-11)

[PV-KDV:01_027_171] (Bharata)

Hiḍimbā warns Bhīma, declares her desire for him, and offers protection; Bhīma refuses to abandon his family.

When she arrived there, she saw the Pandavas asleep with Pritha, while the unconquered Bhimasena kept watch. (BORI: 1-139-12)

[PV-KDV:01_027_172] (Bharata)

As soon as the Rakshasi saw Bhimasena, towering like the trunk of a shala tree and unmatched in beauty on earth, she desired him. (BORI: 1-139-13)

[PV-KDV:01_027_173] (Bharata)

This dark-complexioned, mighty-armed man, with a lion’s shoulders, splendid radiance, a conch-shaped neck, and lotus-like eyes, would make a fitting husband for me. (BORI: 1-139-14)

[PV-KDV:01_027_174] (Bharata)

I would never obey my brother’s cruel counsel. Love for a husband is exceedingly strong; affection for a brother is not so strong. (BORI: 1-139-15)

[PV-KDV:01_027_175] (Bharata)

If these men were killed, my brother and I would be satisfied for only a moment; but by not killing them, I shall rejoice for endless years. (BORI: 1-139-16)

[PV-KDV:01_027_176] (Bharata)

Able to assume any form, she took on a supremely beautiful human shape and slowly approached the mighty-armed Bhimasena. (BORI: 1-139-17)

[PV-KDV:01_027_177] (Bharata)

Adorned with celestial ornaments and seeming as bashful as a vine, she then addressed Bhimasena with a smile: (BORI: 1-139-18)

[PV-KDV:01_027_178] (Bharata)

Where have you come from, and who are you, foremost of men? And who are these godlike men lying here? (BORI: 1-139-19)

[PV-KDV:01_027_179] (Bharata)

And who is this tall, dark, delicate woman of yours, sinless one, sleeping so trustfully after entering this forest, as though in her own home? (BORI: 1-139-20)

[PV-KDV:01_027_180] (Bharata)

She does not know that this is a dense forest haunted by Rakshasas. For an evil Rakshasa named Hidimba lives here. (BORI: 1-139-21)

[PV-KDV:01_027_181] (Bharata)

O godlike one, I was sent by him—my evil-minded Rakshasa brother—who wishes to devour the flesh of all of you. (BORI: 1-139-22)

[PV-KDV:01_027_182] (Bharata)

But now that I have seen you, radiant as the child of a god, I desire no other husband. I tell you this truly. (BORI: 1-139-23)

[PV-KDV:01_027_183] (Bharata)

Knowing this, O knower of dharma, act toward me as is right. Love me in return, for I love you and my heart and body are overcome by desire. (BORI: 1-139-24)

[PV-KDV:01_027_184] (Bharata)

I will save you, mighty-armed one, from the man-eating Rakshasa. We shall dwell in mountain fastnesses; become my husband, blameless one. (BORI: 1-139-25)

[PV-KDV:01_027_185] (Bharata)

For I travel through the sky and roam wherever I please. Enjoy incomparable delight with me, wherever we may go. (BORI: 1-139-26)

[PV-KDV:01_027_186] (Bharata)

Bhima said:

[PV-KDV:01_027_187] (Bharata)

O Rakshasi, who, while still able to act, would now abandon his mother, his eldest brother, and these other younger brothers? (BORI: 1-139-27)

[PV-KDV:01_027_188] (Bharata)

For what man like me would abandon these sleeping brothers and his mother as food for a Rakshasa and go away like one tormented by desire? (BORI: 1-139-28)

[PV-KDV:01_027_189] (Bharata)

The Rakshasi said:

[PV-KDV:01_027_190] (Bharata)

I shall do whatever pleases you. Wake all of them; I will gladly free you from the man-eating Rakshasa. (BORI: 1-139-29)

[PV-KDV:01_027_191] (Bharata)

Bhima said:

[PV-KDV:01_027_192] (Bharata)

O Rākṣasī, I will not awaken my brothers and mother, who are sleeping peacefully in the forest, out of fear of your wicked brother. (BORI: 1-139-30)

[PV-KDV:01_027_193] (Bharata)

For neither Rakshasas, timid girl, nor men, Gandharvas, or Yakshas can withstand my might, lovely-eyed one. (BORI: 1-139-31)

[PV-KDV:01_027_194] (Bharata)

Go or stay, fair lady; do whatever you wish. Or send that man-eating brother of yours, slender one… (BORI: 1-139-32)

[PV-KDV:01_027_195] (Bharata)

Hiḍimba approaches in anger; Hiḍimbā offers to save the Pāṇḍavas, while Bhīma challenges Hiḍimba and prepares to fight.

Vaiśampāyana said:

[PV-KDV:01_027_217] (Bharata)

Realizing that she had been gone a long time, Hidimba, lord of the Rakshasas, descended from that tree and approached the Pandavas. (BORI: 1-140-1)

[PV-KDV:01_027_218] (Bharata)

Red-eyed, mighty-armed, immensely strong, with hair standing on end, a body like a mass of storm clouds, and a fearsome face gleaming with sharp fangs… (BORI: 1-140-2)

[PV-KDV:01_027_219] (Bharata)

Seeing him rushing toward them, hideous in appearance, the terrified Hidimba said these words to Bhimasena: (BORI: 1-140-3)

[PV-KDV:01_027_220] (Bharata)

Here comes that wicked, enraged man-eater. Do as I tell you, together with your brothers. (BORI: 1-140-4)

[PV-KDV:01_027_221] (Bharata)

I can go wherever I wish, hero, and I possess the strength of a Rakshasa. Climb onto my hip, and I will carry you through the air. (BORI: 1-140-5)

[PV-KDV:01_027_222] (Bharata)

Awaken these men who are fast asleep, and your mother too, O scorcher of foes. I will take all of you and travel through the air. (BORI: 1-140-6)

[PV-KDV:01_027_223] (Bharata)

Bhima said:

[PV-KDV:01_027_224] (Bharata)

Do not be afraid, broad-hipped lady. While I am here, he is no one of consequence. I will kill him before your very eyes, slender-waisted one. (BORI: 1-140-7)

[PV-KDV:01_027_225] (Bharata)

This vile Rakshasa is no match for me, timid one; he cannot withstand my onslaught in battle—or, for that matter, neither could all the Rakshasas. (BORI: 1-140-8)

[PV-KDV:01_027_226] (Bharata)

Look at my two well-rounded arms, like elephants’ trunks, my thighs like iron bars, and my broad chest. (BORI: 1-140-9)

[PV-KDV:01_027_227] (Bharata)

Lovely one, today you will see that my prowess is like Indra’s. Broad-hipped one, do not underestimate me here, thinking me merely human. (BORI: 1-140-10)

[PV-KDV:01_027_228] (Bharata)

Hiḍimba said:

[PV-KDV:01_027_229] (Bharata)

I do not underestimate you, tiger among men, godlike as you are. I have witnessed your prowess: among humans, you are indeed a Rakshasa. (BORI: 1-140-11)

[PV-KDV:01_027_230] (Bharata)

Vaiśampāyana said:

[PV-KDV:01_027_231] (Bharata)

O Bharata, the enraged man-eating Rakshasa heard Bhimasena speaking those words. (BORI: 1-140-12)

[PV-KDV:01_027_232] (Bharata)

Hidimba, gazing at her human form—her hair adorned with garlands and her face resembling the full moon— (BORI: 1-140-13)

[PV-PAN:01_027_233] (Bharata)

with beautiful eyebrows, nose, eyes, and hair, delicate nails and skin, adorned with every ornament, and clad in very fine garments... (BORI: 1-140-14)

[PV-PAN:01_027_234] (Bharata)

The man-eater grew angry, suspecting her—who bore such an enchanting human form—of desiring a man. (BORI: 1-140-15)

[PV-KDV:01_027_235] (Bharata)

Enraged at his sister, the Rakshasa opened his large eyes wide, O best of the Kurus, and then said this to her: (BORI: 1-140-16)

[PV-KDV:01_027_236] (Bharata)

What fool is thwarting me when I am eager to feast? Hiḍimbā, have you no fear of my wrath? Have you lost your senses? (BORI: 1-140-17)

[PV-KDV:01_027_237] (Bharata)

Shame on you, wicked woman, lusting after a man, acting against my wishes and bringing disgrace upon all the former lords of the Rakshasas! (BORI: 1-140-18)

[PV-PAN:01_027_238] (Bharata)

All these men, by siding with whom you have done me this great wrong—I shall now indeed kill them, together with you. (BORI: 1-140-19)

[PV-KDV:01_027_239] (Bharata)

Having spoken thus to Hiḍimbā, the red-eyed Hiḍimba rushed upon her to kill her, grinding his teeth together. (BORI: 1-140-20)

[PV-KDV:01_027_240] (Bharata)

Seeing him rushing forward, mighty Bhima, foremost of warriors, rebuked him and cried, “Stop! Stop!” (BORI: 1-140-21)

[PV-KDV:01_027_241] (Bharata)