01.143
Core:Bhima weds Hidimbaa and Ghatotkacha is born.
He said to Bhīma:
Demons remember enmity, resorting to deluding illusion. O Hiḍimbā, go by the path frequented by your brother.
Yudhiṣṭhira said:
Even if enraged, O tiger among men Bhīma, do not kill a woman. Protect dharma, which is greater than bodily protection, O Pāṇḍava.
You killed the mighty one who came to kill. What can his sister do to us in anger?
Vaiśampāyana said:
Then Hiḍimbā, bowing to Kuntī with joined palms, spoke these words to Yudhiṣṭhira, the son of Kuntī.
O noble lady, you know the sorrow women suffer from love — that has now come upon me, caused by Bhīmasena, O auspicious one.
I endured that great sorrow by awaiting the right time. Now that time has come — it will bring me happiness indeed.
Having abandoned friends, duty, and kin, I have chosen this tiger among men — your son — as husband, O auspicious one.
Though granted by boon by him and also by you, O illustrious one, I was denied union even while pleading thus.
Whether you think me deluded, or a devotee, or a follower — O greatly fortunate one, unite me with your son as wife to this husband.
Taking this godlike one with me, I will go as I wish and shall return again — place trust in me, O auspicious one.
Indeed, when meditated upon, I will always lead all of you. I will rescue the best of men in dangers and difficulties.
I will carry you all swiftly on my back as desired. Grant your favor, and let Bhīmasena accept me.
By whatever means one preserves life in calamity, everything should be respectfully done — such is the dharma for the follower.
He who upholds dharma even in calamities is the best knower of dharma. Affliction to dharma is said to be the true calamity for the righteous.
Virtue sustains life, and the giver of life is called virtuous. By whatever means one follows dharma, there is no reproach therein.
Yudhiṣṭhira said:
What you have said is true, O Hiḍimbā, there is no doubt. But you must remain established in dharma as I would instruct, O slender-waisted one.
After bathing, performing daily rites, and completing the auspicious ceremony, you may unite with Bhīmasena before sunset, O auspicious one.
Roam with him by day as you wish, O swift one. But by night, Bhīmasena must be brought back to you always.
Vaiśampāyana said:
Saying “so be it,” and making her vow, the rākṣasī Hiḍimbā then took up Bhīmasena and ascended upward.
In lovely mountain peaks, in temples of the gods, in places filled with cries of animals and birds — always in beautiful spots—
Having assumed a supreme form, adorned with all ornaments, and speaking very sweetly, she delighted the Pāṇḍava.
Likewise, on flower-laden forest slopes and in delightful lakes filled with lotuses and water-lilies—
In river-island regions with beryl sands, in sacred forest waters, and in mountain streams—
In ocean regions adorned with jewels and gold, in delightful towns and great shāla forests—
In sacred divine forests, on mountain slopes, in celestial dwellings, and in hermitages—
In places bearing fruits and flowers of all seasons, in Mānasa and other lakes, assuming a supreme form, she delighted the Pāṇḍava.
Delighting Bhīma here and there, swift as thought, the demoness gave birth to a son of great strength from Bhīmasena.
Misshapen-eyed, large-mouthed, conical-eared, terrifying, fearsome in form, with red lips and sharp fangs — he was immensely strong.
He was a great archer, possessed of immense energy, spirit, mighty arms, speed, a vast body, great illusion, and a subduer of enemies.
Superhuman yet human-born, of Bhīma-like speed and immense strength, he surpassed even demons and other men.
Though a child, he attained youth among men, O lord of men, and as a mighty warrior, he reached excellence in all weapons.
Demonesses conceive and give birth instantly, and they take on forms at will, becoming beings of many shapes.
Bowing down, the young boy grasped the feet of his father and mother, the supreme archer. The two then gave him his name.
Seeing his bald head shining like a pot, he was addressed thus by his mother. From that he became known as Ghaṭotkaca, it is said.
Ghaṭotkaca was devoted to the Pāṇḍavas and became ever dear to them, as one of their own.
She said to him that the time of union had expired. Hiḍimbā, having fulfilled the agreement, returned to her own path.
“When the time comes, I will return to attend to my fathers,” said Ghaṭotkaca. Bidding farewell, the best of rākṣasas departed to the north.
He was indeed created by Indra, the great soul, for the purpose of destroying the mighty Karṇa of unmatched valor through the śakti weapon.
