भीम
Bhima, the second Pandava, was born to Kunti through the blessings of Vayu, the Wind God. His strength, inherited from his divine father, was unparalleled. His might was often compared to the great forces of nature, and he was destined to fulfill a prophecy that foretold of five men of equal strength, one of whom would eventually kill the other four. These five were Bhima, Jarasandha, Duryodhana, Bakasura, and Keechaka, and indeed, Bhima emerged as the one who would ultimately eliminate the other four.
Early Life and Education
Bhima’s strength was apparent from a young age, and he quickly became a defender of his family. During the Pandavas’ childhood, he constantly protected his brothers from their cousin Duryodhana’s schemes. Duryodhana, jealous of Bhima’s might and favor, even attempted to poison him and drown him in the river Ganga. However, Bhima survived this attempt, gaining a new vigor as he drank from a mystical river and received the strength of a thousand elephants. Later, Bhima learned the art of fighting with the mace under the tutelage of Balarama, the elder brother of Krishna. Duryodhana, who was also a pupil of Balarama, became Bhima’s lifelong rival, and the two often clashed in matters of strength and skill.
Marriages and Family
Bhima had several significant relationships and marriages throughout his life. His first marriage was to the Rakshasa maiden Hidimbi, whom he encountered in the forest. After he killed her brother, Hidimba, who had planned to harm the Pandavas, Hidimbi expressed her love for Bhima. Though reluctant at first, he married her at his mother Kunti’s encouragement. Together, they had a powerful son, Ghatotkacha, who grew up with the traits of his Rakshasa lineage, including his father’s strength and a fierce loyalty to the Pandavas. Ghatotkacha would later play a critical role in the Kurukshetra war, meeting his end at the hands of Karna, who used the deadly Shakti weapon gifted to him by Indra specifically for that battle.
Bhima’s second marriage was to Draupadi, shared with his brothers. Draupadi bore him a son named Sutasoma, one of the five Upa-Pandavas (sons of the Pandavas by Draupadi). Each of the Pandavas had a son with Draupadi, but Sutasoma, like his father, was known for his bravery and determination on the battlefield.
Major Feats and the Fulfillment of Prophecy
Bhima’s strength and valor are immortalized in his encounters with his destined foes:
- Jarasandha – Bhima’s first great feat was the defeat of Jarasandha, the powerful king of Magadha who had imprisoned numerous kings. Jarasandha was considered invincible due to a boon that allowed him to rejoin his body parts even after being torn apart. With guidance from Krishna, Bhima tore Jarasandha’s body into two and threw the halves in opposite directions, preventing them from reuniting. This victory marked Bhima’s fulfillment of the first part of the prophecy.
- Bakasura – During the Pandavas’ exile, Bhima came across Bakasura, a powerful Rakshasa who terrorized the people of Ekachakra by demanding food and human sacrifices. Bhima volunteered to deliver the offering in place of a helpless villager, confronting and ultimately killing Bakasura in a fierce battle.
- Keechaka – While living incognito in the kingdom of Matsya, Bhima came face to face with Keechaka, the brother-in-law of King Virata and commander of Matsya’s army. Keechaka, infamous for his arrogance and lust, tried to force himself on Draupadi. Bhima lured him into a trap and killed him in a brutal fight, fulfilling the third part of the prophecy.
- Duryodhana – Bhima’s final and most personal adversary was Duryodhana, his cousin and nemesis. During the Kurukshetra war, Bhima had vowed to kill each of the Kaurava brothers and, one by one, he defeated them. In the climactic mace duel, he faced Duryodhana, using all his skill learned under Balarama. Despite the rules of fair combat, Bhima struck Duryodhana on the thigh, shattering it and sealing his fate. Thus, Bhima fulfilled the prophecy by killing all his powerful rivals.
The Kurukshetra War and Bhima’s Prowess
During the Kurukshetra war, Bhima was a terror to the Kaurava forces. He fought with unmatched ferocity, destroying entire battalions and slaying many notable warriors, including all 99 of Duryodhana’s brothers. He held a deep-seated hatred for Duryodhana and his allies, due to the Kauravas’ injustices toward his family, particularly the dishonoring of Draupadi. Bhima’s powerful blows and devastating attacks brought fear into the hearts of his enemies, solidifying his reputation as the mightiest warrior of the Pandava army.
Names and Titles
Bhima is known by several names, each reflecting his personality and deeds:
| Name | Meaning | Significance |
|---|---|---|
| Bhima | Terrifying | Reflects his fierce and formidable nature on the battlefield. |
| Vrikodara | Wolf-bellied | Describes his insatiable appetite, as well as his relentless hunger for justice against the Kauravas. |
| Gada-Yuddha | Master of the Mace | Refers to his unmatched skill in mace combat, which he honed under the guidance of Balarama. |
Legacy and Symbolism
Bhima’s legacy is that of strength, loyalty, and justice. His story highlights themes of righteousness, protection, and the power of divine blessings. He exemplifies the role of a warrior devoted to protecting his family and upholding dharma, even against overwhelming odds. His loyalty to his family and his adherence to duty made him an iconic figure in Hindu mythology.
Through his encounters, Bhima also illustrates the balance between human strength and divine guidance, for many of his victories were achieved through Krishna’s counsel. His relationship with Krishna is one of mutual respect and devotion, as seen in Krishna’s continuous support for Bhima and the other Pandavas.
Bhima’s life is woven deeply into the larger fabric of the Mahabharata, where he stands as a towering figure, embodying courage, strength, and justice. His role in fulfilling the prophecy against his rivals symbolizes the inevitable triumph of dharma (righteousness) over adharma (injustice), and his devotion to family and duty remains an enduring inspiration within Hindu mythology.