Bhima
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Bhima | |
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Kauravas (Paternal cousins) |
In the Hindu epic
After the event of
After the brothers founded the city of Indraprastha, Bhima went to Magadha and killed its mighty ruler, Jarasandha. Later Yudhishthira was invited by Duryodhana to play a game of dice, in which he lost. The Pandavas along with their wife, Draupadi, were sent into exile for thirteen years. During their exile, Bhima met his spiritual brother, Hanuman. For incognito, the Pandavas chose the Matsya Kingdom to hide. There Bhima disguised himself as a cook named Ballava. He also killed the general of the kingdom, Kichaka, as he tried to molest Draupadi. During the Kurukshetra War, Bhima alone killed a hundred Kaurava brothers in the battle. He was considered to have the physical strength of 10,000 elephants approximately.
Etymology
The word Bhīma in Sanskrit means "fearful", "terrific", "terrible", "awful", "formidable", "tremendous".[2]
Birth and early life
Along with other Pandava brothers, Bhima was trained in
Bhima and Hanuman were celestial brothers, as both of them are Vayu's children. He prayed to Vayu and idolized his brother Hanuman. He used to play practical jokes on the Kaurava brothers; he used to engage in wrestling bouts where he out-powered them with consummate ease.[5][6]
Bhima's antics against his cousins angered
Duryodhana, with his counsellor
After they escaped from the murder plot, Kunti suggests that they live incognito (agyatavasa) to avoid further problems from the Kauravas. During their stay at Ekachakra village (present-day Kaivara)[9] they came to know of a demon, Bakasura, who troubled people by eating members of their village and their provisions. Bhima brought his might to the fore and killed Bakasura, much to the delight of the villagers.[10][11]
Marriage and children
At the time Bhima kills the demon
The Pandavas attended the
Conquest for Rajasuya
When Yudhishthira became emperor of Indraprastha he sent his four younger brothers out in different directions to subjugate kingdoms for the rajasuya sacrifice. Bhima was sent out to the east, since Bhishma thought the easterners were skilled in fighting from the backs of elephants and in fighting with bare arms. He deemed Bhima to be the most ideal person to wage wars in that region. The Mahabharata mentions several kingdoms to the east of Indraprastha which were conquered by Bhima.[8][16] Key battles include his fights with:
- Jarasandha of the Magadha empire: Jarasandha was a major hurdle before Yudhishthira when the latter decided to perform the rajasuya yajna. As Jarasandha was a powerful warrior, it was extremely necessary for Pandavas to eliminate him. Krishna, Bhima and Arjuna disguised as Brahmins travelled to Magadha and met Jarasandha. After a formal meeting, Jarasandha enquired about their intentions. Krishna, Bhima and Arjuna revealed their actual identification. Krishna then challenged Jarasandha for a duel and gave him the freedom to choose any one belligerent. Jarasandha selected Bhima for a duel. Both Bhima and Jarasandha were accomplished wrestlers. The duel continued for several days and neither of them was willing to give up. Bhima overpowered Jarasandha after a long duel and almost took Jarasandha to death but Bhima was unable to kill Jarasandha. When Bhima looked at Krishna for guidance, Krishna picked a twig and dissected it into two halves and threw the parts in opposite directions. Bhima complied with his instructions and dissected the body of Jarasandha. He threw the dissected parts in opposite directions. Jarasandha was killed as two halves of the body could not conjoin. Jarasandha held 100 kings in prison and made them ready to sacrifice them. He was known to have a rivalry with Krishna and he wanted the 101st king to be given for the sacrifice. Since Bhima killed Jarasandha, the 100 kings became the supporters of Yudhishthira and accepted him as the Chakravarti (universal ruler).[17]
- Dasarnas: where the king called Sudharman with his bare arms fought a fierce battle with Bhima, who later appointed the mighty Sudharman as the first-in-command of his forces.
- Karna: Bhima encountered Karna with the help of his forces. Bhima then subjugated Karna and brought him under his sway.[18]
- Shishupala of Chedi Kingdom, (who welcomed Bhima and hosted him for thirty days)
- Nishadasand Manimat:
- Southern Mallasand the Bhagauanta mountain.
- Sarmakas and the Varmakas
Exile
Slaying Kirmira
Right at the start of the exile, in the woods of Kamyaka, the Pandavas encountered the demon Kirmira, the brother of Bakasura and a friend of Hidimba. A fierce battle ensued between Bhima and the demon, where the two equally matched fighters hurled rocks and trees at each other. Eventually, Bhima emerged victorious.[19]
Saugandhika's search and encounter with Hanuman
Draupadi requested that Bhima bring her some Saugandhika lotuses after witnessing it's beauty. Bhima sets out into the forest in search of the lotuses when he comes across Hanuman while the latter's tail is in his way. When requested to move the tail out of the way, Hanuman being sleepy asks Bhima to move around it or lift it out of his way, as a test of humility. Bhima tries to move Hanuman's tail out of the way and fails, upon which Hanuman reveals his identity and the fact that he is Bhima's half-brother since both of them are sons of Vayu, the God of Wind.[20]
Killing Jatasura
In another minor incident in the epic, Jatasura, a rakshasa disguised as a Brahmin abducted Yudhishthira, Draupadi and the twin brothers, Nakula, and Sahadeva during their stay at Badarikashrama. His objective was to seize the weapons of the Pandavas. Bhima, who was gone hunting during the abduction, was deeply upset when he came to know of Jatasura's evil act on his return. A fierce encounter followed between the two gigantic warriors, where Bhima emerged victorious by decapitating Jatasura and crushing his body.[21][22]
Cook at Virata's kingdom
Along with his brothers, Bhima spent his last year of exile in the kingdom of Virata. He disguised himself as a cook named Ballava (within themselves Pandavas called him Jayanta).[23] Once during a great festival, people from neighbouring countries had come to the Kingdom of Virata. There was a wrestling bout where a wrestler from a different state, Jimuta proved to be invincible. Much to the delight of King Virata and his subjects, Bhima challenged Jimuta and knocked him out in no time. This greatly enhanced the reputation of the Pandavas in unfamiliar territory.[24]
Kichaka Vadha
Kichaka, the army commander of Virata, tried to sexually assault Draupadi, who was under the guise of a maid named Sairindhri. Draupadi reported this incident to Bhima. Bhima covered himself with silk robes. He slew him the moment he tried to touch him. Kichaka was crushed and slaughtered into a meatball by Bhima. Later Kichaka's allies plotted to murder Sairindri, but Bhima vanquished all of them.[25]
During the Kurukshetra War
Before the battle had begun, Bhima suggested that Satyaki would lead the Pandava forces, as their general, but Yudhishthira and Arjuna opted for Dhrishtadyumna. The charioteer of Bhima's chariot was Vishoka while the flag bore the image of a gigantic lion in silver with its eyes made of lapis lazuli and his chariot was yoked to horses as black as bears or black antelopes.[26][27] He wielded a celestial bow named Vayavya- which was given by Vayu, had a massive conch named Paundra and also possessed a huge mace whose strength is equivalent to a hundred thousand maces (presented by Hanuman). Bhima distinguishes himself in battle several times throughout the war; some of Bhima's major engagements during the war include:
2nd day
Bhima defeated Duryodhana on the second day of the battle.[citation needed]
14th day
On the 14th day of the war, Bhima defeated Drona by smashing his chariot eleven times and penetrating the Kaurava formation in order to aid Arjuna in his quest to slay Jayadratha. Duryodhana sends a legion of elephants to check Bhima's advance, and Bhima thoroughly destroys the army, leaving a bloody trail of elephant entrails.
15th day
On the 15th day of the war Bhima attacked Karna in a group but he was quickly defeated and forced to retreat. Bhima's son Ghatotkacha was killed by Karna. Bhima saw the day as a failure as he failed to save his son from Karna.[31] Later, he killed an elephant called Ashwatthama as a plan for killing Drona. Later Bhima along with Satyaki even saved Dhrishtadyumna from Ashwatthama covering his escape. They attacked Ashwatthama together before ultimately retreating from the battlefield after being defeated by Kripi.
16th day
Bhima was the only warrior who refused to submit to the invincible Narayanastra weapon launched by Ashwatthama on the 15th day of the war and was quickly defeated by it.
On the 16th day of the war,
Bhima defeated and brutally killed Dushasana on the sixteenth day of the war in front of Duryodhana. Bhima killed Dushasana by separating and cutting his hands from the body. Bhima beat Dushasana in the heart region. Bhima squeezed blood from Dushasana's heart and dressed Draupadi's hair. Bhima also drank the remaining blood.[35]
Death of Duryodhana
After 18 days of the war, Duryodhana went and hid under a lake. After given the option to choose the opponent, Duryodhana chose Bhima as his opponent. Bhima clashed with Duryodhana in a mace duel. Though Bhima had superior strength, Duryodhana had superior skills. Krishna reminded Arjuna about Bhima's oath to smash Duryodhana's thigh during the duel. Arjuna signaled to Bhima by slapping his thigh. Understanding that sign, Bhima threw his mace towards Duryodhana's thigh while the latter was in mid-air during a jump.[36] After defeating Duryodhana, Bhima taunted Duryodhana by kicking his head repeatedly and dancing madly.[37] Enraged at this sight, Balarama grabbing his plough attempted to attack Bhima, but was stopped by Krishna. Krishna convinced his brother by reminding him of Bhima's oath and the encroaching onset of the Kali Yuga.[38]
Later years and death
Yudhishthira appointed Bhima as the commander-in-chief of Hastinapura.[39] Upon the onset of the Kali Yuga, Bhima and the other Pandavas retired. Giving up all their belongings and ties, the Pandavas made their final journey of pilgrimage to the Himalayas.
On the journey, the group, one by one, begins to fall. When Bhima tires and falls down, he asks his elder brother why he, Bhima, is unable to complete the journey to heaven. Yudhishthira explains his brother's vice of gluttony. In some versions of the story, Yudhishthira points out Bhima's boastfulness, pride, and battle-lust as the reasons for his fall.
Outside Indian subcontinent
Indonesia
Bhima also has clothes that symbolize greatness, namely: Gelung Pudaksategal, Fertilizer Jarot Asem, Sumping Surengpati, Kelatbahu Candrakirana, Nagabanda Belt and Cinde Udaraga Pants. Some of the divine gifts he received included: Kampuh Cloth or Poleng Bintuluaji, Candrakirana Bracelets, Nagasasra Necklaces, Surengpati Sumping Fertilizer and Jarot Asem Pudak Fertilizers.[40]
Bhima is popular among Javanese Muslims.[41]
Wayang story
After Bharatayuddha war was over, the Pandavas came to see King Destarastra and the other Astina elders. It turned out that Destarastra still held a grudge against Werkudara who heard that many of his sons had died at the hands of Werkudara, especially Dursasana who he killed cruelly. When the Pandavas came to pay homage to Destarastra, Destarastra secretly recited the Aji Lebursaketi mantra to destroy Werkudara, however, Prabu Kresna who knew about it pushed Werkudara aside so that the stone statue was affected by the aji-aji. Immediately, the statue was crushed to ashes. Destarastra later admitted his mistake and he withdrew from society and lived as a hermit in the forest with his wife and Dewi Kunti. Some puppet standards say that Prabu Destarastra was killed before the Baratayuda war broke out when Krishna became the Pandavas' ambassador to Astina. At that time he was trampled to death by his sons who were running for fear of the anger of King Krishna who had become a Brahala.[42]
In popular culture
- Central character in Randamoozham novel written by M T Vasudevan Nair
- In the Hindi film Mahabharat (1965), Dara Singh portrayed the character.
- In Hindi television series Praveen Kumarportrayed the character.
- In the Hindi television series Shri Krishna(1993), Mahendra Ghule portrayed the character.
- In the Hindi television series Draupadi (2001), Vindu Dara Singhplayed the character.
- In the Hindi television series Kahaani Hamaaray Mahaabhaarat Ki (2008), Chetan Hansraj played the character.
- The character of Bheem from the Indian animation series Chhota Bheem is inspired by Mahabharata's character.
- In the Hindi television series Mahabharat (2013), Saurav Gurjar portrayed the character.
- Sunny Deol has also voiced the character in the Hindi animation film Mahabharat.[43]
- In the Hindi television series Dharmakshetra (2014) Dinesh Mehta played the character.
- In the Hindi television series Suryaputra Karn (2015) Ketan Karande portrayed the character.
- In the Hindi television series RadhaKrishn, Zuber Ali is currently portraying the character.
- In the mobile game Fate/Grand Order, Bhima exists as a playable character
References
- ^ a b "The Mahabharata, Book 1: Adi Parva: Sambhava Parva: Section XCV". Archived from the original on 16 January 2010.
- ISBN 978-81-208-3105-6.
- ^ "Mahabharata Text".
- ISBN 9788177552577.
- ISBN 9788125022800.
- ISBN 9780595401871.
- ISBN 9780595401871.
- ^ a b "Mahabharata Text".
- ^ "Kaivara | Chikkaballapur District, Government of Karnataka | India". Retrieved 4 June 2023.
- ^ "Mahabharata Text".
- ^ "Seven little known facts from the Mahabharata (4)". 10 August 2012.
- ^ Nabanita Maji (17 February 2019). "The strange story of Manali Hidimba Devi Temple". Soulveda. Retrieved 14 May 2020.
- ^ Kumar Gourav (4 November 2018). "पांडव परिवार: द्रौपदी के अलावा युधिष्ठिर की एक, भीम की दो और अर्जुन की थीं तीन पत्नियां". newstrend.news. Newstrend. Retrieved 14 May 2020.
- ^ "The Mahabharata, Book 7: Drona Parva: Ghatotkacha-badha Parva: Section CLXXIX". www.sacred-texts.com. Retrieved 10 June 2020.
- ISBN 978-3-7438-2228-3.
- ^ The Mystery of the Mahabharata: Vol.4. India Research Press.
- ^ "Mahabharata Text".
- ^ "The Mahabharata, Book 2: Sabha Parva: Jarasandhta-badha Parva: Section XXIX". www.sacred-texts.com. Retrieved 22 September 2020.
- ^ "Mahabharata Text".
- ^ "Mahabharata Text".
- ^ "Mahabharata Text".
- ISBN 9788179752487.
- ISBN 9788177552577.
- ^ "Mahabharata Text".
- ISBN 9780595401871.
- ^ "Mahabharata Text".
- ISBN 9788177552713.
- ^ <"The Mahabharata, Book 7: Drona Parva: Jayadratha-Vadha Parva Parva: Section CXXXVI". www.sacred-texts.com. Retrieved 8 November 2022.
- ^ "The Mahabharata, Book 7: Drona Parva: Jayadratha-Vadha Parva: Section CXXXVIII".
- ^ "The Mahabharata, Book 7: Drona parva : Section 188". www.sacred-texts.com. Retrieved 11 August 2021.
- ^ "The Mahabharata, Book 7: Drona parva : Section 188". Retrieved 11 August 2021.
- ^ "Conversation between Dhritarashtra and Sanjaya". www.sacred-texts.com. Retrieved 11 August 2021.
- ^ "Bhima's Defeat of Ashwathama". 17 March 2019.
- ^ "The Mahabharata, Book 8: Karna Parva Index".
- ^ "The Mahabharata, Book 8: Karna Parva: Section 4". www.sacred-texts.com. Retrieved 6 September 2020.
- ^ "The Mahabharata, Book 9: Shalya Parva: Section 58".
- ^ "The Mahabharata, Book 9: Shalya Parva: Section 59".
- ^ "The Mahabharata, Book 9: Shalya Parva: Section 60".
- ^ "Mahabharata Text".
- ^ ""Bima Ngaji", Maknai Asal Dan Tujuan Hidup Manusia". Kembdikbud. Retrieved 27 January 2021.
- ISBN 978-0-670-02270-0.
- ISBN 9789794562130
- ^ "Sunny Deol as Bheem in Mahabharat – Times of India". The Times of India. Retrieved 15 June 2020.