01.142
Core:Bhima kills Hidimba.
Vaiśampāyana said:
Awakened, they saw Hiḍimbā's superhuman form and were amazed — those tiger-like men, along with Pṛthā.
Then Kuntī, astonished by her beauty, gently said this sweet and conciliatory speech.
O beautiful one who appears god-born, whose are you? What is your purpose, O graceful-hipped one? From where have you come?
If you are a goddess of this forest or a celestial nymph, then tell me all this — why do you remain here?
Hiḍimba said:
This great forest that you see, dark like rainclouds, is the dwelling of the rākṣasa Hiḍimba — and also mine.
Know me, O beautiful lady, to be the sister of that king of rākṣasas, who sent me to kill you and your sons, O noble one.
I, on his command, came here — that cruel-minded one — and I saw your powerful, golden-complexioned son.
Then, while I moved through the hearts of all beings, O auspicious one, I was overcome by Cupid, drawn to your son.
Your mighty son was chosen by me as husband, and though I tried to resist, I was not able.
Knowing I was delayed, the man-eater himself came to slay all your sons.
He was crushed with force and dragged away by my beloved — your wise and great-souled son.
See, in battle, those two — the man and the rākṣasa — of great speed and valor, dragging and roaring at each other.
Vaiśampāyana said:
Hearing her words, Yudhiṣṭhira at once sprang up, and so did Arjuna, Nakula, and mighty Sahadeva.
They saw those two locked in struggle, each dragging the other and desiring victory — fierce in battle like lions.
Embracing and dragging each other, they stirred up earthly dust like smoke from a forest fire.
Covered in earth-dust, the two shone like mountains enveloped in mist.
Seeing Bhīma struggling against the rākṣasa, Pārtha spoke these words gently with a smile.
Do not fear, O mighty-armed Bhīma. We, being wearied and asleep, did not perceive you engaged in such a fearsome form.
I stand ready to assist, O Pārtha; I shall fight the rākṣasa. Nakula and Sahadeva shall guard our mother.
Bhīma said:
Remain unconcerned and observe; you need not be agitated. This one shall never again live, having come within my arms.
Arjuna said:
Why let this sinful demon live long, O Bhīma? We should move; it is not possible to stay here long, O subduer of enemies.
The eastern sky will soon redden, twilight is about to begin; in this fierce hour, demons become powerful.
Hasten, Bhīma, do not play. Slay the dreadful demon before he uses illusion; apply your full strength through your arms.
Vaiśampāyana said:
Thus addressed by Arjuna, Bhīma swiftly lifted and whirled the fearsome demon’s body, whose strength exceeded a hundredfold.
Bhīma said:
Nourished in vain by useless flesh, aged and foolish in vain, you deserve a futile death. Today, you shall not be in vain again.
Arjuna said:
Or if you consider this demon a burden in battle, I shall assist you — let him be quickly slain.
Or else, I myself shall slay this one, O Vṛkodara. You are exhausted, having done your part. Rest for now.
Vaiśampāyana said:
Hearing that speech, the enraged Bhīmasena crushed him by force on the ground and killed the beast-slaying demon.
As Bhīma slew him, he roared a loud sound, filling the whole forest like a wet kettledrum.
The mighty son of Pāṇḍu bound him with his arms, broke him in the middle, and delighted the Pāṇḍavas.
Seeing Hidiṁba slain, the swift ones rejoiced and honored Bhīmasena, the tiger among men and subduer of enemies.
Having honored Bhīma, the great-souled and mighty one, Arjuna again addressed these words to Vṛkodara.
I believe the city is not far from this forest, O lord. Let us go quickly for your welfare, so that Suyodhana does not find us.
Then all the warriors, scorcher of foes, said "So be it" and departed with their mother, along with the demoness Hiḍimbā.
