01.139
Core:Bhima rejects Hidambi's offer.
Vaiśampāyana said:
There, while they were lying down, a demon named Hiḍimba, stationed near a śāla tree not far from that forest, was present.
He, cruel and eater of human flesh, of great strength and might, deformed in form, tawny-eyed, fierce-jawed, terrifying in sight, desiring flesh and tormented by hunger, saw them by chance.
With raised fingers, scratching and shaking his rough head hairs, yawning with a wide mouth, he kept gazing again and again.
The wicked, huge-bodied, and mighty eater of human flesh, having smelled human scent, said this to his sister.
Today, after a long time, my most desired prey has come — my tongue salivates and moves around my mouth.
After a long time, with my eight sharp-tipped fangs, I shall plunge into soft flesh and bodies — unbearable in attack.
Seizing a human throat and cutting the artery, I shall drink warm, fresh, foamy blood — in abundance.
Go and find out who these are lying in the forest — the strong human scent pleases my nose.
Kill all these humans and bring them near to me — while they sleep in our territory, you have no reason to fear them.
Prepare the meat of these humans as desired — we two shall eat it together. Quickly obey my words.
Having obeyed her brother's words, the demoness hastened as if eagerly and went to where the Pāṇḍavas were, O bull of the Bharatas.
Having gone there, she saw the Pāṇḍavas lying with Kuntī and Bhīmasena awake and unconquered.
Upon seeing Bhīmasena, risen like a śāla tree trunk, the demoness desired him, whose form was incomparable on earth.
This dark, broad-armed, lion-shouldered, radiant one with a conch-like neck and lotus eyes — he should be my husband.
I would never follow my brother’s cruel words; the love for a husband is stronger than affection for a brother.
Only momentary satisfaction would be had by my brother from slaying these, but without killing them I shall enjoy for eternal years.
That shape-shifting demoness, having assumed the most excellent human form, slowly approached the broad-armed Bhīmasena.
Appearing shy like a vine and adorned with divine ornaments, she smiled and then spoke this speech to Bhīmasena.
From where have you come, O bull among men? Who are you? And who are these divine-formed men lying here?
And who is this tall, dark, and delicate lady of yours, O sinless one, lying here in the forest as if in her own home, full of trust?
This dense forest is unknown to you, it is inhabited by Rākṣasas. Here dwells the evil-souled demon named Hiḍimba.
I was sent by my demon brother with wicked intent, desiring to devour your flesh, which is like that of immortals.
Having gazed upon you, radiant like a divine son, I desire no other husband. This I truly tell you.
Knowing this, O knower of dharma, act rightly toward me, who am overcome by desire and devotedly seeking you — accept me.
I shall protect you, O mighty-armed, from the man-eating demon. Let us dwell in mountain caves. Be my husband, O sinless one.
I am one who roams the skies at will. Obtain incomparable joy with me, here and there.
Bhīma said:
Who indeed today, even if powerful, O demoness, would abandon his mother, elder brother, and these younger ones?
What man like me, overcome by lust, would give his sleeping brothers and mother as food for a demon and depart?
The demoness said:
Whatever is dear to you, that I shall do. Awaken all these, I shall rescue you all fully from the man-eating demon.
Bhīma said:
O demoness, I shall not awaken my peacefully sleeping brothers and mother in the forest out of fear of your evil-souled brother.
No demons, O timid one, nor humans, Gandharvas, or Yakṣas are able to withstand my valor, O beautiful-eyed one.
Go or stay, O gentle one, do as you desire. Or send your man-eating brother, O slender-limbed one.
