Chapter 28: Bhīma’s Marriage to Hiḍimbā, the Birth of Ghaṭotkaca, and Vyāsa’s Guidance to the Pāṇḍavas
Vaiśampāyana said: (KUMB: 1-167-0क्ष्)
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She, the sister of that Rakshasa, quickly approached them. But without saying anything to the Pandavas, the Rakshasi Hidimba… (KUMB: 1-167-1)
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She then saluted Kunti and the Pandava king Yudhishthira, paid homage to them all, and addressed Bhimasena: (KUMB: 1-167-2)
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At the mere sight of you, I fell under the sway of love. Abandoning my brother’s cruel command and not opposing you... (KUMB: 1-167-3)
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I saw how you dealt with the fearsome-looking Rakshasa. Eager to serve you, I long to enjoy your body. (KUMB: 1-167-4)
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Bhimasena said: (KUMB: 1-167-5क्ष्)
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Rakshasas remember their enmity and resort to bewildering illusion. Hidimba, take this path trodden by your brother. (KUMB: 1-167-5)
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Yudhishthira said: (KUMB: 1-167-6क्ष्)
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Though you are angry, Bhima, tiger among men, do not kill a woman. O Pandava, uphold dharma even above the preservation of your own body. (KUMB: 1-167-6)
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You killed that immensely powerful Rakshasa when he came intent on killing. What will his sister do to us in her anger? (KUMB: 1-167-7)
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Vaiśampāyana said: (KUMB: 1-167-8क्ष्)
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Then Hiḍimbā, having saluted Kuntī and Yudhiṣṭhira, the son of Kuntī, with joined hands, spoke these words: (KUMB: 1-167-8)
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Noble lady, you know the anguish that women here suffer from love. That anguish has now come upon me because of Bhimasena, gracious lady. (KUMB: 1-167-9)
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I have endured that supreme anguish while awaiting the appointed time. Now that time has come, and happiness will dawn for me. (KUMB: 1-167-10)
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For I abandoned my friends, my duty, and my own people, and chose your son, this tiger among men, as my husband, fair lady. (KUMB: 1-167-11)
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Rejected in this way by this hero and by you as well, illustrious woman, I shall not live. I tell you this truly. (KUMB: 1-167-12)
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Fair lady, if you see fit to show me compassion, then, whether you regard me as foolish, devoted to you, or your follower... (KUMB: 1-167-13)
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Noble lady, unite me with your son as my husband. Let me take this godlike man wherever I please; I shall bring him back again. Trust me, fair lady. (KUMB: 1-167-14)
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For I shall obtain him at the appointed time, before my lawless brother does. Then, at night, he rushed forward, intent on killing Bhimasena. (KUMB: 1-167-15)
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The farther she advanced and the closer she came to her enemy, the more she was overcome by desire as she approached the Pandava. (KUMB: 1-167-16)
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I am no demoness, noble lady, nor am I a night-roaming creature. I am powerful, for I am the Rakshasa’s sister, Śālakaṭaṅkaṭī, O queen. (KUMB: 1-167-17)
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Once united with your son, I, a young woman of divine appearance, shall serve all of you, with Vrikodara foremost. (KUMB: 1-167-18)
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Ever vigilant when you are off guard and always eager to serve, I shall carry you through danger like a servant, O best of men. (KUMB: 1-167-19)
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I shall carry you on my back as a celestial chariot carries the virtuous. Grant me this favor: let Bhimasena accept me. (KUMB: 1-167-20)
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If, after speaking thus, I am refused in this matter, I shall surely go to the worlds of evildoers beneath the earth. (KUMB: 1-167-21)
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For by reflecting in my mind, I shall always understand everything. I shall preserve my life through this adversity without anyone’s help. (KUMB: 1-167-22)
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Taking everything into account, one who keeps dharma in view should act. Whoever preserves his life in times of distress is truly the foremost knower of dharma. (KUMB: 1-167-23)
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The disruption of dharma itself is said to be an emergency for the righteous. One sustains one’s life through merit, and sustaining life is indeed meritorious. (KUMB: 1-167-24)
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One should uphold dharma by whatever means possible; there is no blame in doing so. Save me too, a woman afflicted here by intense desire. (KUMB: 1-167-25)
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Good people show compassion in matters concerning virtue, prosperity, pleasure, and liberation; sages devoted to virtue declare that compassion to be virtue. (KUMB: 1-167-26)
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Through divine knowledge I know the past and the future. Therefore I shall tell you what is best for you: an excellent lake is nearby. (KUMB: 1-167-27)
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After reaching the lake today, bathing, and resting beneath a tree, tomorrow at dawn the great being who has appeared, the lord of the world... (KUMB: 1-167-28)
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When you see lotus-eyed Vyasa, you will cast off your grief. Your banishment by Dhritarashtra’s son and the burning at Varanavata… (KUMB: 1-167-29)
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And your rescue by Vidura is known to him through his eye of knowledge. At Shalihotra’s dwelling, he will arrange lodging for you. (KUMB: 1-167-30)
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For this sacred tree withstands rain, wind, and heat; and as soon as you drink the water, hunger and thirst disappear. (KUMB: 1-167-31)
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The lake and the tree were created by Śālihotra through his austerities. Kadamba geese, sāras cranes, swans, and female ospreys together with the males… (KUMB: 1-167-32)
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sing a sweet song mingled with the music of the Gandharvas. (KUMB: 1-167-33)
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Vaiśampāyana said: Hearing her words, Kuntī spoke to... (KUMB: 1-167-33क्ष्)
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to the exceedingly wise Yudhishthira, thoroughly versed in every dharma. (KUMB: 1-167-34)
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Kunti said, “You are the foremost of those who uphold dharma. Hear what I have to say, descendant of Bharata.” (KUMB: 1-167-34क्ष्)
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This rakshasi is indeed speaking rightly about dharma. Wicked by nature though she is, what can she do to Bhima? (KUMB: 1-167-35)
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If you wish, let her unite with the heroic Pandava for the sake of having a child. (KUMB: 1-167-36)
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Yudhishthira said, “It is exactly as you say, Hidimba; there is no doubt about it.” (KUMB: 1-167-36क्ष्)
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But you must abide by the rule I shall lay down, fair-waisted one: each day, having performed your daily rites, bathed, and purified yourself, and looking beautiful… (KUMB: 1-167-37)
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Dear lady, when the sun has risen, you should join Bhimasena after he has bathed, performed his daily rites, and completed the auspicious ceremonies. (KUMB: 1-167-38)
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By day, roam with him wherever you wish, O swift-as-thought one; but you must always bring this Bhimasena back at night. (KUMB: 1-167-39)
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He must be released before twilight and protected at all times. Thus take your pleasure with Bhima until you know that you are pregnant. (KUMB: 1-167-40)
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This is your obligation, fair lady: you must serve attentively and, always accommodating, do what is proper. (KUMB: 1-167-41)
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Vaiśampāyana said: (KUMB: 1-168-0क्ष्)
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Having heard Yudhishthira’s words, she lifted Kunti onto her hip and, walking between Bhima and Arjuna with the twins before her… (KUMB: 1-168-1)
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As Yudhishthira proceeded alongside, Hidimba, accompanying Bhima, reached the lovely Lake Shalihotra in search of water. (KUMB: 1-168-2)
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Going to the foot of a tree and sweeping it clean like a house, she made a dwelling of leaves for the Pandavas, and likewise… (KUMB: 1-168-3)
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She did the same for herself and Kunti in a single place. Then the Pandavas bathed, purified themselves, and performed their twilight devotions… (KUMB: 1-168-4)
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Thirsty and tormented by hunger and thirst, they subsisted on water alone. Then Shalihotra, realizing that the Pandavas were afflicted by hunger... (KUMB: 1-168-5)
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He thought of abundant drink and food. Then all the Pandavas, having rested together with Pritha… (KUMB: 1-168-6)
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After various discussions of what had happened in the house of lac and what the Rakshasa had done, at the end of the conversation, to Pāṇḍu’s son… (KUMB: 1-168-7)
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Then Kunti, the king’s daughter, said to Bhimasena, “You must honor your elder brother Yudhishthira as you would Pandu.” (KUMB: 1-168-8)
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This knower of dharma honors me, and I am your superior. Therefore, young prince, for Pandu’s sake, do what is good for me. (KUMB: 1-168-9)
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I have been wronged by the sinful, foolish son of Dhritarashtra. I see no redress for his evil deed, Vrikodara. (KUMB: 1-168-10)
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Therefore, in a few days our security will be assured, so that we may safely complete this difficult sojourn. (KUMB: 1-168-11)
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This is another great hardship, a dilemma of dharma, Vrikodara: at the very sight of you, most wise one, she was impelled by desire… (KUMB: 1-168-12)
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She has duly made her request to both Yudhishthira and me. For the sake of dharma, give her a son; he will bring us good fortune. (KUMB: 1-168-13)
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But I will accept no refusal; do as the two of us ask. (KUMB: 1-168-14)
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Vaiśampāyana said: Having promised, “So be it,” Bhīmasena said this: (KUMB: 1-168-14क्ष्)
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“I shall obey your command as I would a Vedic injunction.” Then, in the presence of his brothers, he addressed the Rakshasi: (KUMB: 1-168-15)
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Listen, Rākṣasī. I truthfully state my condition to you: however long it takes to beget a son, fair one... (KUMB: 1-168-16)
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Until then I will live with you, slender-waisted woman. Above all, do not display any baseness in my presence. (KUMB: 1-168-17)
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Conduct yourself as one endowed with the virtues of a noble woman, O fair-complexioned one. (KUMB: 1-168-18)
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Vaiśampāyana said: “The Rākṣasī Hiḍimbā agreed, saying, ‘So be it,’ and then…” (KUMB: 1-168-18क्ष्)
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When the day was over, she brought food fit for a king to their resting places. Once, for recreation, the shape-shifting Hidimba… (KUMB: 1-168-19)
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Taking Bhimasena with her, she then rose aloft, amid lovely mountain peaks and sanctuaries of the gods... (KUMB: 1-168-20)
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In every delightful place frequented by deer and birds, having assumed a form of surpassing beauty and adorned herself with every ornament… (KUMB: 1-168-21)
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Speaking very sweetly, she delighted the Pandava, likewise in forest fastnesses and on mountain peaks and treetops… (KUMB: 1-168-22)
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in delightful lakes, in groves of lotuses and water lilies, in regions of river islands, and on sands of beryl… (KUMB: 1-168-23)
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in sacred groves of the gods, on mountain slopes, and in mountain rivers with fine fords, woods, and waters… (KUMB: 1-168-24)
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in regions of the ocean rich in jewels and gold, in the dwellings of the Guhyakas, and on the slopes of the great mountains; (KUMB: 1-168-25)
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Amid trees bearing fruit in every season and in the forests around Lake Mānasa, she displayed surpassing beauty and delighted the Pandava. (KUMB: 1-168-26)
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Just as a virtuous man delights greatly in heaven with an Apsaras, so the radiant hero, filled with the utmost joy, took his pleasure. (KUMB: 1-168-27)
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Bhimasena could not get enough of repeatedly caressing her lovely hips, adorned with a girdle of gems of matching hue. (KUMB: 1-168-28)
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Then, swift as thought, she delighted Bhima in one place after another; thrilled, she took her pleasure with him and was satisfied again and again. (KUMB: 1-168-29)
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She entertained the Pandava during the day, and at night brought him home and presented him to his mother. (KUMB: 1-168-30)
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The Pandava always slept with his brothers, spending the night by Kunti’s side while she attended upon Kunti. (KUMB: 1-168-31)
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She would bring food and whatever else they desired, including mouth perfumes. When that night had passed, the man of great vows arrived… (KUMB: 1-168-32)
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Parāśara’s son, profoundly wise, possessed of divine vision, and mighty in austerity. They all, together with Mādhavī and her daughter-in-law, saluted the noble and blessed Kṛṣṇa Dvaipāyana and stood with palms joined. (KUMB: 1-168-33)
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The venerable Vyasa said: (KUMB: 1-168-34क्ष्)
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I knew beforehand in my mind, O bulls of Bharata’s line, that you would be exiled by the sons of Dhritarashtra, who acted unrighteously. (KUMB: 1-168-34)
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Knowing this, I have come here, wishing to do you the greatest good. You must not despair, for all this is for your happiness. (KUMB: 1-168-35)
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O subduers of foes, an act committed in the past has brought about your separation from your friends. Its fruition has now come to pass; do not grieve, O scorches of foes. (KUMB: 1-168-36)
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Once that evil deed has run its course, you will undoubtedly live in your own kingdom together with your kinsmen. (KUMB: 1-168-37)
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Kinsmen show affection out of compassion and toward children; therefore my affection for you is now all the greater. (KUMB: 1-168-38)
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Hear what I wish to do for your good, out of affection. Remain here in hiding, awaiting my arrival. (KUMB: 1-168-39)
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This lake was created by Shalihotra through his austerities. Its delightful water dispels hunger, thirst, and fatigue. (KUMB: 1-168-40)
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But since you have a task to accomplish, remain here at your ease for six months. (KUMB: 1-168-41)
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Vaiśampāyana said: (KUMB: 1-168-42क्ष्)
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Having thus reassured the Pāṇḍavas, those subduers of foes, the mighty Vyāsa embraced Kuntī affectionately and comforted her. (KUMB: 1-168-42)
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“Daughter-in-law, do not weep, do not weep,” Vyasa said. “O mother of living sons, this son of yours, Yudhishthira, is ever devoted to dharma…” (KUMB: 1-168-43)
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As a righteous king, he will govern all the rulers on earth; righteous and self-controlled, having conquered the entire earth through righteousness… (KUMB: 1-168-44)
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Having brought the entire beautiful earth, with its mountains and forests, under his control, he will undoubtedly enjoy it through the might of Bhimasena and Arjuna. (KUMB: 1-168-45)
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These five sons of yours and Madri’s, renowned throughout the world, will then live happily and joyfully in their own kingdom. (KUMB: 1-168-46)
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After conquering this earth, those tigers among men will perform sacrifices such as the Rajasuya and the Ashvamedha, bestowing abundant sacrificial gifts. (KUMB: 1-168-47)
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After bestowing wealth and comfort on their circle of friends, your sons will take possession of the kingdom of their fathers and forefathers. (KUMB: 1-168-48)
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Your lotus-petal-eyed daughter-in-law, named Kamalapālikā, who is obedient to Bhīma, will bear him a son. (KUMB: 1-168-49)
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Through that son you will be delivered from hardships. Wait here for a month; I shall return. (KUMB: 1-168-50)
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Thus, knowing the proper place and time, you will attain supreme joy. (KUMB: 1-168-51)
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Vaiśampāyana said: (KUMB: 1-168-52क्ष्)
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O king, when they all stood with joined palms and said, “So be it,” the blessed sage Vyasa, the mighty lord, departed as he had come. (KUMB: 1-168-52)
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Vaiśampāyana said: (KUMB: 1-169-0क्ष्)
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After the blessed Vyasa had departed, the Pandavas, free from distress, lived there by the banyan tree for six months at their ease. (KUMB: 1-169-1)
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The Pandavas, subsisting on greens, roots, and fruits, practiced austerities. Then, with permission, O great king, Kamalapalika… (KUMB: 1-169-2)
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swift as thought, always delighting Bhima from place to place, adorned with divine ornaments and garments, garlands, and unguents… (KUMB: 1-169-3)
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Thus, for Bhimasena’s sake, Hidimba—the shape-shifting rakshasi—lodged the Pandava brothers in the forest for seven months. (KUMB: 1-169-4)
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Bhima passed that time in happy enjoyment. Then the shape-shifting Rakshasi became pregnant. (KUMB: 1-169-5)
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Still unsated by Bhimasena, after seven months the Rakshasi gave birth to a son by the mighty Bhimasena. (KUMB: 1-169-6)
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misshapen-eyed, huge-mouthed, spike-eared, terrifying, fearsome in form, with bright copper-red eyes and sharp fangs, and a great chariot-warrior… (KUMB: 1-169-7)
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a great bowman, immensely valiant and strong, exceedingly swift, huge-bodied and very dark, with a massive neck and mighty arms… (KUMB: 1-169-8)
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superhuman though born of a human, terrifyingly swift and a subduer of foes. Surpassing the other Piśācas, he also surpassed human beings. (KUMB: 1-169-9)
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Though still a child, he attained great prowess among men, O king. The hero became preeminent in the use of every weapon and immensely strong. (KUMB: 1-169-10)
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For female Rakshasas conceive and give birth at once, and Rakshasas can assume forms at will and take on many shapes. (KUMB: 1-169-11)
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The bald-headed, supreme archer bowed and clasped the feet of his father and mother. The two of them then gave him a name. (KUMB: 1-169-12)
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“His bald head is like a pot,” his mother said to him. From this he came to be named Ghatotkacha. (KUMB: 1-169-13)
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Ghatotkacha was devoted to those Pandavas, and was always as dear to them as their own selves. (KUMB: 1-169-14)
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After duly saluting the Pandavas and Pritha, the huge-bodied Ghatotkacha addressed them and said: (KUMB: 1-169-15)
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“What may I do for you, noble ones? Tell me without hesitation, O blameless ones.” As Bhīmasena’s son spoke thus, Kuntī said to him: (KUMB: 1-169-16)
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You were born into the Kuru line and are indeed the equal of Bhima himself. You are the eldest son of the five; come to their aid, my child. (KUMB: 1-169-17)
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Vaiśampāyana said: (KUMB: 1-169-18क्ष्)
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Thus addressed by Pritha, he bowed and said: “Like Rāvaṇa and mighty Indrajit, I have become their equal in stature and prowess in the world and preeminent among men…” (KUMB: 1-169-18)
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“When the time for action comes, I shall present myself before you, my fathers.” With these words, Ghaṭotkaca, foremost of the Rakshasas, took his leave and departed northward. (KUMB: 1-169-19)
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For the great-souled Lord had created that mighty chariot-warrior for the sake of the spear, to oppose the class whose prowess was unrivalled. (KUMB: 1-169-20)
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Bhima said: (KUMB: 1-169-21क्ष्)
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“Kamalapalika, I have now lived with you long enough. You will see us again when we are established in a kingdom,” he then told her. (KUMB: 1-169-21)
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Hiḍimbā said: (KUMB: 1-169-22क्ष्)
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When you think of me, my beloved lord, wishing to make love in private, I shall quickly come and place myself at your disposal, descendant of Bharata. (KUMB: 1-169-22)
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Having said this, she quickly departed, her heart set on the Pandava. Remembering the agreement, Hidimba went her own way. (KUMB: 1-169-23)
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Vaiśampāyana said: (KUMB: 1-170-0क्ष्)
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Then all the Pandavas, having been honored in Śālihotra’s hermitage by that forest-dweller, took leave of him, the great sage, and… (KUMB: 1-170-1)
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All those noble men, together with Kunti, wore their hair in matted locks and dressed in bark and deerskins, bearing the appearance of ascetics… (KUMB: 1-170-2)
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The Pandavas, versed in dharma, studying the sacred Veda, all the Vedāṅgas in full, the science of polity, and the science of logic… (KUMB: 1-170-3)
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Having acquired it through Śālihotra’s favor and found satisfaction, they went from forest to forest, killing many herds of deer. Then, O king, the great chariot-warriors departed and hurried onward. (KUMB: 1-170-4)
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through the lands of the Matsyas, Trigartas, Panchalas, and Kichakas, gazing upon delightful stretches of forest and lakes... (KUMB: 1-170-5)
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At times the great chariot-warriors hurried along carrying their mother; at times, weary in the wilderness, they rested; and at times they stood rejoicing. (KUMB: 1-170-6)
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Sometimes they traveled at their leisure, and then again they pressed on rapidly. On the road, they all saw Dvaipayana, their grandfather. (KUMB: 1-170-7)
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Then those scorcher of foes all saluted the great-souled Krishna Dvaipayana and stood before him with joined palms, together with their mother. (KUMB: 1-170-8)
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Vyasa said: (KUMB: 1-170-9क्ष्)
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I learned of your departure from that hermitage, O bulls among men, and my joy grew when I learned of Ghaṭotkaca’s birth. (KUMB: 1-170-9)
[PV-KDV:01_028_144]
Nearby is a pleasant, salubrious city. Live there in disguise, awaiting my arrival. (KUMB: 1-170-10)
[PV-KDV:01_028_145]
Vaiśampāyana said: (KUMB: 1-170-11क्ष्)
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After thus reassuring the Pārthas, those conquerors of foes, the lord Vyāsa reassured Kuntī, who had come to Ekacakrā. (KUMB: 1-170-11)
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The venerable Vyasa said: (KUMB: 1-170-12क्ष्)
[PV-PAN:01_028_148]
A man does not do only what is right, but also what is wrong; in this world there is no one who does not perform both good and evil deeds. (KUMB: 1-170-12)
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A person inevitably reaps the fruits of both good and evil deeds. This great calamity has come solely as the fruit of an evil deed. (KUMB: 1-170-13)
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Therefore, Madhavi, worthy of honor, do not give your mind over to grief. (KUMB: 1-170-14)
[PV-PAN:01_028_151]
Vaiśampāyana said: Having spoken thus and settled them in the Brahmin’s dwelling... (KUMB: 1-170-14क्ष्)
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the blessed sage Vyasa, the mighty seer, departed at his pleasure. (KUMB: 1-170-15)
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Bhima said:
[PV-SVO:01_028_154]
Rakshasas bear grudges and resort to delusive magic. Hiḍimbā, you too follow the path taken by your brother. (BORI: 01-143-1)
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Yudhishthira said:
[PV-SVO:01_028_156]
Though you are angry, tiger among men, Bhima, do not kill a woman. Pandava, protect dharma even more carefully than you protect your own body. (BORI: 01-143-2)
[PV-SVO:01_028_157]
You killed that immensely powerful one when he came intent on killing. What will the enraged sister of that Rakshasa do to us? (BORI: 01-143-3)
[PV-SVO:01_028_158]
Vaiśampāyana said:
[PV-SVO:01_028_159]
Then Hiḍimbā respectfully greeted Kuntī with joined palms and addressed these words to Yudhiṣṭhira, the son of Kuntī: (BORI: 01-143-4)
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Noble lady, you know the anguish that women here suffer from the god of love. That very anguish has now befallen me because of Bhimasena, gracious lady. (BORI: 01-143-5)
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I endured that supreme anguish while awaiting the right time. Now that time has come, and it will surely bring me happiness. (BORI: 01-143-6)
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For I abandoned my friends, my own duty, and my family, and chose this tiger among men—your son—as my husband, fair lady. (BORI: 01-143-7)
[PV-SVO:01_028_163]
Yet when I spoke in this way, O illustrious lady, I was rejected in the matter of marriage both by this bridegroom and by you. (BORI: 01-143-8)
[PV-SVO:01_028_164]
Whether you regard me as foolish, devoted, or obedient, O fortunate lady, unite me with this son of yours as my husband. (BORI: 01-143-9)
[PV-SVO:01_028_165]
I shall take this godlike man with me and go wherever I please; then I shall return. Trust me, fair lady. (BORI: 01-143-10)
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For whenever you think of me, I shall always carry you all; I shall see you, bulls among men, safely through adversity and difficult places. (BORI: 01-143-11)
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I will carry you on my back, since you desire to travel swiftly. Do me this favor: let Bhimasena ride upon me. (BORI: 01-143-12)
[PV-SVO:01_028_168]
To overcome adversity, one should preserve one’s life by whatever means possible; one who follows dharma should carefully do whatever is necessary. (BORI: 01-143-13)
[PV-SVO:01_028_169]
He who upholds dharma in times of calamity is the foremost knower of dharma; for the impairment of dharma itself is said to be a calamity for the righteous. (BORI: 01-143-14)
[PV-SVO:01_028_170]
Merit sustains life and is said to be life-giving. Whatever means one uses to practice dharma, no blame attaches to it. (BORI: 01-143-15)
[PV-SVO:01_028_171]
Yudhishthira said:
[PV-SVO:01_028_172]
What you have said is indeed so, Hiḍimbā; there is no doubt about it. But you must abide by this condition, fair-waisted woman, as I shall tell you: (BORI: 01-143-16)
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Fair lady, once Bhimasena has bathed, performed his daily rites, and completed the auspicious ceremonies, you may be with him until sunset. (BORI: 01-143-17)
[PV-SVO:01_028_174]
Roam with him during the day as you please, you who are swift as thought; but you must always bring Bhimasena back at night. (BORI: 01-143-18)
[PV-SVO:01_028_175]
Vaiśampāyana said:
[PV-SVO:01_028_176]
Having promised, “So be it,” the Rakshasi Hidimba took Bhimasena with her and then rose into the air. (BORI: 01-143-19)
[PV-SVO:01_028_177]
On lovely mountain peaks and at shrines of the gods, in places always delightful and resounding with animals and birds... (BORI: 01-143-20)
[PV-SVO:01_028_178]
Assuming a supremely beautiful form, adorned with every ornament, she delighted the Pandava with her sweet conversation. (BORI: 01-143-21)
[PV-SVO:01_028_179]
Likewise, in forest fastnesses, on slopes covered with flowering trees, and by delightful lakes filled with lotuses and water lilies… (BORI: 01-143-22)
[PV-SVO:01_028_180]
in river-island regions, on sands of beryl, and likewise in mountain rivers with excellent fords and forest waters... (BORI: 01-143-23)
[PV-SVO:01_028_181]
in Sagara’s territories, adorned with jewels and gold; in delightful cities and forests of great śāla trees… (BORI: 01-143-24)
[PV-SVO:01_028_182]
in the sacred forests of the gods, on mountain slopes, in the dwellings of the Guhyakas, and in ascetics’ hermitages... (BORI: 01-143-25)
[PV-SVO:01_028_183]
Amid fruits and flowers of every season and at the Mānasa lakes, she assumed a supremely beautiful form and delighted the Pandava. (BORI: 01-143-26)
[PV-SVO:01_028_184]
As she thus delighted Bhima in place after place, the thought-swift Rakshasi bore a son of immense strength by Bhimasena. (BORI: 01-143-27)
[PV-SVO:01_028_185]
misshapen-eyed, huge-mouthed, spike-eared, terrifying, fearsome in form, with copper-red lips and sharp fangs, and immensely strong... (BORI: 01-143-28)
[PV-SVO:01_028_186]
a great archer of immense prowess and courage, mighty-armed, exceedingly swift, huge-bodied, possessed of great magical powers, and a subduer of foes; (BORI: 01-143-29)
[PV-SVO:01_028_187]
a nonhuman born of a human, terrifyingly swift and immensely strong, who greatly surpassed the other Pisachas—and humans even more. (BORI: 01-143-30)
[PV-SVO:01_028_188]
Though still a child, he reached manhood, O lord of peoples; strong and heroic, he attained supreme proficiency in every weapon among humans. (BORI: 01-143-31)
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For Rakshasa women become pregnant and give birth at once, and their offspring can assume forms at will and take many shapes. (BORI: 01-143-32)
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Bowing down, the hairless great archer then clasped the feet of his father and mother, and the two gave him a name. (BORI: 01-143-33)
[PV-SVO:01_028_191]
“My bald head looks like a pot,” he said to his mother. For that reason, his name came to be Ghatotkacha. (BORI: 01-143-34)
[PV-SVO:01_028_192]
Ghaṭotkaca was devoted to the Pāṇḍavas, and he was always dear to them, like one of their own. (BORI: 01-143-35)
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Then Hiḍimbā said to him, “The appointed time for our life together has ended.” Having made an agreement, she went her own way. (BORI: 01-143-36)
[PV-SVO:01_028_194]
“When the time for action comes, I shall present myself before my fathers,” said Ghaṭotkaca. Taking his leave, the foremost of the Rākṣasas then departed northward. (BORI: 01-143-37)
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For he had been created by the great-souled Maghavan, because of the spear, for the destruction of great-souled Karna, whose prowess was irresistible. (BORI: 01-143-38)
[PV-SVO:01_028_196]
Vaiśampāyana said:
[PV-SVO:01_028_197]
Those heroic great chariot-warriors, hastening through forest after forest and killing many herds of deer, departed and journeyed on, O king… (BORI: 01-144-1)
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passing through the Matsyas, Trigartas, Panchalas, and Kichakas, while gazing at delightful stretches of forest and lakes. (BORI: 01-144-2)
[PV-SVO:01_028_199]
All the great-souled men, together with Kunti, their hair in matted locks, clad in bark and deerskins, and bearing the appearance of ascetics... (BORI: 01-144-3)
[PV-SVO:01_028_200]
At times the great chariot-warriors hurried along carrying their mother; at other times, traveling as they pleased, they again pressed swiftly onward. (BORI: 01-144-4)
[PV-SVO:01_028_201]
While studying the sacred Veda, all the Vedāṅgas in full, and the science of polity, they, who knew dharma, saw their grandfather. (BORI: 01-144-5)
[PV-SVO:01_028_202]
Then those scorcher-of-foes saluted the great-souled Kṛṣṇa Dvaipāyana and all stood with joined palms beside their mother. (BORI: 01-144-6)
[PV-SVO:01_028_203]
Vyāsa said:
[PV-SVO:01_028_204]
I had foreseen this, O foremost Bharatas: that you would be driven into exile by the sons of Dhritarashtra, who were committed to unrighteousness. (BORI: 01-144-7)
[PV-SVO:01_028_205]
Knowing this, I have come here, wishing to do you the greatest good. You should not despair over this; all of it is for your happiness. (BORI: 01-144-8)
[PV-SVO:01_028_206]
They are all equal in my eyes, and so are all of you—there is no doubt. Kinsmen show affection out of concern for your helplessness and youth. (BORI: 01-144-9)
[PV-SVO:01_028_207]
Therefore my affection for you is now all the greater. Out of affection, I wish to act for your welfare; hear what I have to say. (BORI: 01-144-10)
[PV-SVO:01_028_208]
A pleasant and safe town is nearby. Stay there in concealment, awaiting my arrival. (BORI: 01-144-11)
[PV-SVO:01_028_209]
Vaiśampāyana said:
[PV-SVO:01_028_210]
Having thus reassured those foe-subduing sons of Pritha, the lord Vyasa went to Ekachakra and reassured Kunti. (BORI: 01-144-12)
[PV-SVO:01_028_211]
Your sons will live. This son of yours, Yudhishthira, the son of Dharma, will rule over all the kings on earth as a righteous sovereign. (BORI: 01-144-13)
[PV-SVO:01_028_212]
Having conquered the entire earth through righteousness, this self-controlled knower of dharma will undoubtedly rule it by the might of Bhimasena and Arjuna. (BORI: 01-144-14)
[PV-SVO:01_028_213]
Then all your sons and Madri’s, mighty chariot-warriors, will live happily and in good spirits in their own kingdom. (BORI: 01-144-15)
[PV-SVO:01_028_214]
After conquering this earth, those tigers among men will perform sacrifices such as the Rājasūya and Aśvamedha, with abundant gifts to the priests. (BORI: 01-144-16)
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Having provided their friends and allies with wealth and comforts, those sons of yours will enjoy here the kingdom inherited from their fathers and forefathers. (BORI: 01-144-17)
[PV-SVO:01_028_216]
Having spoken thus and settled them in a Brahmin’s dwelling, the sage Dvaipayana then said to the foremost of kings: (BORI: 01-144-18)
[PV-SVO:01_028_217]
Wait here for me. I shall return, and when the time and place are right, you will experience supreme joy. (BORI: 01-144-19)
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When they had all respectfully replied, “So be it,” the venerable sage Vyasa, the mighty lord, departed at will, O king. (BORI: 01-144-20)
[PV-SVO:01_028_219]