Section CLVI - Bhima slays Hidimva - Mahabharata story recap
Book index: Mahabharata (English)
This page contains a summary of the Mahabharata Section CLVI including examples of moral lessons in daily life. The Maha-Bharata is one of the largest epics ever written containing roughly 100,000 Sanskrit verses. It deals with the legendary history of ancient India and contains a large number of interwoven tales.
Short summary of the chapter:
Kunti and her sons, the Pandavas, encounter the beautiful Rakshasa woman Hidimva in the forest, who reveals she was sent by her brother to kill them but fell in love with Bhima and sought to marry him. Bhima and the Rakshasa engage in a fierce battle, with Arjuna eventually stepping in to help Bhima. Bhima, fueled by anger, finally overpowers and slays the Rakshasa, ending her threat to humans in the forest.
The Pandavas rejoice in their victory over Hidimva and decide to leave the forest quickly to avoid being traced by their enemies. Arjuna suggests finding a nearby town to seek refuge and rest. Bhima is praised for his immense strength and courage in defeating the Rakshasa and is revered by his brothers for his prowess in battle.
Hidimva, now deceased, is carried by Bhima's hands and disposed of with a great display of strength, causing her body to bend and break in the process. The brothers congratulate Bhima on his triumph over the Rakshasa and continue on their journey with their mother, accompanied by Hidimva's spirit. The Pandavas display their unity and support for each other in the face of danger and remain vigilant against any potential threats.
Full English translation:
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Section CLVI, online text
English translation by Kisari Mohan Ganguli.
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Mahabharata (English Summary)
by Kisari Mohan Ganguli | ISBN-10: 8121505933
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FAQ of Mahabharata, Section CLVI:
Who was Hidimva and why did she come to the Pandavas?
Hidimva was a Rakshasa sent to kill the Pandavas but fell in love with Bhima instead. She sought their help against her brother.
How did Bhima defeat the Rakshasa in combat?
Bhima, filled with rage and strength, raised and whirled the Rakshasa's body before slaying him forcefully.
What actions did the Pandavas take after defeating the Rakshasa?
The Pandavas, with their mother and Hidimva, decided to leave the forest swiftly to avoid being found by Duryodhana.
Daily life: Bhima slays Hidimva - Mahabharata story recap:
The story beautifully illustrates the virtues of courage, protection, unity, and discernment in the face of adversity. In our daily lives, we often encounter situations that may seem as daunting as facing a Rakshasa, symbolizing challenges or obstacles we must overcome. The lesson to draw is the importance of standing up against difficulties, not with brute force, but with the strength of character, wisdom, and the support of those who care about us.
Bhima, with the support of his brothers, faces the Rakshasa, teaching us that no matter how formidable a problem appears, with determination and the right support system, we can overcome it. Arjuna's offer to help Bhima, even when Bhima believes he can handle the situation alone, underscores the significance of offering help to others, even if they seem capable. It's a reminder of the strength found in unity and shared purpose.
Moreover, the way the characters discern the true nature of Hidimva and the decision to not harm her speaks to the value of judgment and understanding. It’s crucial in our lives to discern who our true challenges are versus misjudged situations or individuals. Just as the Pandavas adjusted their actions based on the true intent of Hidimva, we too must remain open to reassessing our perceptions and actions based on deeper understanding and empathy.
In summary, facing life's challenges with courage, seeking and offering support, and practicing discernment and empathy towards others can guide us through our most difficult times, just as it did for Bhima and his brothers.