01.140
Core:Bhima comes to Hidimba's rescue.
Vaiśampāyana said:
Hiḍimba, the lord of the rākṣasas, having known that she had been gone a long time, descended from that tree and then came to the Pāṇḍavas.
He was red-eyed, strong-armed, with hair standing upward, of immense strength, with a form like a mass of clouds, sharp-toothed, and with a radiant face.
Seeing him rushing forth in such dreadful appearance, the frightened Hiḍimbā said these words to Bhīmasena.
This evil-minded man-eater is charging in rage; do as I say — you and your brothers.
I, O hero, who can travel at will and possess rākṣasa strength, will carry you through the sky—climb onto my hip.
Awaken these sleeping ones and your mother, O scorcher of foes; I will carry you all through the sky.
Bhīma said:
Do not fear, O broad-hipped one; while I am here, none can harm you. I will kill him as you watch, O slender-waisted one.
This lowborn rākṣasa is no match for me in battle, O timid one; nor are all the rākṣasas able to endure my strike.
Behold my well-formed arms, like elephant trunks, and my thighs like iron clubs, and also my firm chest.
O beautiful one, you will see today my prowess like that of Indra. Do not look down on me, O broad-hipped one, thinking me to be a mere man.
Hiḍimba said:
I do not despise you, O tiger among men, who has a divine form. I saw the footprints; this rākṣasa was indeed among humans.
Vaiśampāyana said:
O Bhārata, while Bhīmasena was speaking thus, the man-eating rākṣasa heard those words and became enraged.
Hiḍimba beheld her human form, with hair adorned with garlands and a face resembling the full moon.
With beautiful eyebrows, nose, eyes, and hair-tips; soft nails and skin; adorned with all ornaments, clothed in fine delicate garments.
Seeing her in that very charming human form, suspecting her of desiring a man, the man-eater became enraged.
O best of the Kurus, the rākṣasa, enraged, rolling his large eyes, then said this to his sister.
Who is this evil-minded one who creates an obstacle for me desiring to eat? Do you not fear, O Hiḍimbā? Are you deluded by my wrath?
Fie on you, O wicked one desiring a man, doer of harm to me, bringer of disgrace to all the former lords of rākṣasas.
Whatever these acts you have resorted to and greatly harmed me, I shall today slay them all along with you.
Having said thus to Hiḍimbā, the red-eyed Hiḍimba rushed toward her to kill, grinding his teeth against each other.
Seeing him rush forward, Bhīma, the best among warriors, rebuked him fiercely and said, “Stand still! Stand still!”
