Generally,
if any reader of the Mahabharata is asked, "Who is the hero of the
Mahabharata?", the majority will unanimously say that Arjuna is the hero,
while some clever individuals will consider Shrikrishna as the hero. One might
even find people who consider Karna and Duryodhana as heroes, but very few
would call Bhima the hero.
In the
Mahabharata, after the story of his birth, Bhima is primarily mentioned as a
strong and boisterous individual. The target of his boisterousness was, of
course, the Kaurava brothers. Sometimes, while swimming in the river, he would
hold their heads underwater until they were terrified, and then when they would
barely manage to lift their heads out of the water to breathe, they would see
Bhima laughing heartily, along with the other Pandavas who were amused by this
prank. Sometimes, after swimming, when the Kaurava brothers stood on the bank of
the river after change of clothes, he would jump into the water with a splash
from a nearby tree, soaking them, or come from behind and push them into the
water. At other times, in displays of strength, he would easily bring down four
Kauravas in sand at once in the wrestling arena. All these were Bhima's games,
like those of any ordinary strong boy, without any malice or intent to harm the
Kauravas. Duryodhana and his brothers, however, mostly viewed the Pandavas as
enemies, simply because they were rivals for power. It was natural for the
Kauravas to see Bhima as the biggest obstacle in their path to power. And with
an uncle like Shakuni, what more could one expect!
The
ability to single-handedly, without anyone's help, annihilate the enemy, was
only in Bhima, and Duryodhana was fully aware of this. Therefore, the Kauravas
made numerous attempts to kill Bhima through deceit. The most dangerous of
these was the poisoning of Bhima by the Kauravas. After Bhima became
unconscious due to the poison, Duryodhana and his associates tied him with
ropes and drowned him in the depths of the Ganges, and then returned innocently
back to Hastinapur. Fortunately for Bhima, or unfortunately for Kauravas, in
the depths of the Ganges, Aryaka (Kunti's paternal grandfather, the maternal
grandfather of Shurasena), who had come with Vasuki (the king of the Nagaloka-
world of Serpents), identified Bhima to Vasuki. Not only that, but Bhima was
also allowed to drink the nectar from Vasuki's Rasakunda (a pot of honey, the
consumption of which bestows unparalleled strength). As a result, Bhima
returned to Hastinapura even more powerful than before.
After
this incident, the Pandavas had no doubt about the Kauravas' intentions.
Therefore, Duryodhana could no longer deceive the Pandavas alone. Then, with
the help of the blind Dhritarashtra, who had lost his sense of right and wrong
due to his love for his son, he sent the Pandavas along with their mother Kunti
to Varanavata. The Kauravas' plot to burn the Pandavas alive in the Lakshagriha
(house of lac) failed due to Vidura's help, and instead, Purochana (a partner
in the conspiracy) and a family that had come for shelter that night perished
in the fire. Six charred bodies were found – five men and one woman. Since they
were unrecognizable, rumours spread that the Pandavas and Mother Kunti had died
in the fire. Aware of the danger to their lives, the Pandavas went into exile
in disguise, wandering as celibate Brahmins accompanied by their mother.
While
traveling as Brahmins, the Pandavas encountered the demon Hidimb in the forest
along their path. Bhima sent this demon, who had terrorized the forest by
devouring travellers, to the abode of Yama (the God of death). Later, while
living in the city of Ekachakra, Bhima killed the cannibalistic demon Baka, who
had become a tormentor of the city, and the residents were permanently freed
from Bakasura. All the Pandavas displayed valour in the great war of
Mahabharata in their own way, but there is no instance of anyone other than
Bhima risking their life for the welfare of the people.
After
killing Hidimb, Bhima married his sister Hidimba with Kunti's consent, and
their son, the mighty Ghatotkacha, fell in the great Mahabharata war. Bhima,
his father, was fully aware that the purpose of Ghatotkacha's sacrifice was to
force Karna to use his Vasavi Shakti (a divine weapon) and consequently save
Arjuna. For sake of his brother, the father sacrificed his son.
During
Draupadi's (Draupadi, daughter of Panchal King Drupada was also known as Krishna
due to her darkish complexion) Swayamvara (self-choice ceremony), where so many
Kshatriyas (warriors) were present, it was unbearable for them that a Brahmin
(they did not recognize Arjuna in Brahmin disguise) should win. After the
Swayamvara, obstruction arose against Arjuna. Then, Bhima alone stood against
Duryodhana, Shalya, Karna, and other Kshatriya heroes, clearing the way for
Arjuna to take Draupadi with him. Due to the alliance with the powerful
Panchala king, Drupada, the Pandavas gained an advantage and emerged (from their
incognito life) and returned to Hastinapura with great honour.
At
Dhritarashtra's behest, the Pandavas set out for Khandavaprastha, the land
(part of Kuru Kingdom), Dhritarashtra had given them (Khandavaprastha – the
Khandava forest). By burning down the Khandava forest, the Pandavas established
a beautiful city like Indra's Amaravati, named Indraprastha with architect Maya
(Rakshas- demon, who Arjun had spared during the forest fire). On the advice of
their elders, Yudhishthira planned to perform the Rajasuya Yajna (a royal
consecration ceremony, offerings, sacrifice to the Sun God). Before the
Rajasuya Yajna could be successfully completed, it was necessary for the other
kings to acknowledge Yudhishthira's sovereignty and pay him tribute. The
biggest obstacle in his path was the mighty and tyrannical emperor of Magadha,
Jarasandha, the father-in-law of Kansa (who had been killed by Shrikrishna), Shrikrishna's
bitter enemy, and a supporter of the Kauravas. Jarasandha, the son of King Bruhadratha,
was so named because he was joined together by the Rakshasi (demoness) Jara.
Jarasandha had imprisoned many kings for his Nripayajna (a human sacrifice
ritual), so it was essential to end his reign. Only Bhima had the ability to
take on this challenge. Shrikrishna, along with Bhima and Arjuna, all of them in
disguise reached Jarasandha's palace in Girivraj (capital of Magadha).
Introducing themselves, Shrikrishna challenged Jarasandha to a duel with any
one of them. In accordance with his arrogant nature, Jarasandha chose the
powerful Bhima for the duel. Wielding his strength and might appropriately,
Bhima killed Jarasandha in a wrestling match. The path for Yudhishthira's
Rajasuya Yajna was cleared. Yudhishthira's four brothers went in four
directions and conquered the regions. In due course, the Rajasuya Yajna was
successfully completed, though the beheading of Shishupala by Shrikrishna, so
to say was a blemish on the majestic event.
The
burning envy of Duryodhana and others upon seeing the Pandavas' prosperity,
Duryodhana's humiliation in the Maya Sabha (hall of illusions), and
Dhritarashtra's consent to Shakuni's plot to gamble with the Pandavas led to invitation
through Vidura for Dyuta (game of dice). During the game of dice Yudhishthira
shamefully lost everything. The Kurukula's disgraceful incident of Draupadi's
disrobing followed. In all these situations, Bhima was the only one among the
Pandavas whose patience reached its limit, lost his temper, and asked Sahadeva
to bring fire. "Go, Sahadeva, bring fire, let me burn the hands of this
Dharmaraja (Yudhishthira) who has staked his own wife in the game of dice!"
The subsequent incident was averted due to Arjuna's intervention. But Bhima's
terrible vow, "I will tear open Dushasana's (who was responsible for
disrobing Draupadi) chest and drink his blood, and with my blood-stained hands,
I will tie Krishna's (Draupadi’s) hair," echoed in the court, sending
shivers down the spines of those who heard it. It is remarkable that despite
having five husbands, Draupadi's offenders were vowed to be punished by Bhima
alone. Bhima fulfilled this vow in the Mahabharata war.
Even
in such adverse circumstances, Draupadi, with her presence of mind, got her
husbands and all that they had lost in the dice game – their kingdom, wealth,
and prosperity – released from Dhritarashtra. Yudhishthira, while returning to
Indraprastha, received Dhritarashtra's invitation for Anudyuta (second game of dice)
on the way. Under the pretext that Kshatriya’s could not refuse the invitation
of Dyuta(game of dice) and that was their uncle's wish, Yudhishthira sat down
to play dice again and once more lost everything, leading the Pandavas to a
twelve-year exile in the forest and one year of living in disguise (incognito).
Furthermore, if they were recognized during the year of incognito, they would
have to undergo the same period of exile and remain incognito again.
During
their exile, the Pandavas decided to live in the Kamyaka forest. Along with the
Pandavas were the sage Dhaumya, many Brahmins, and other Rushis(sages). The
Pandavas, along with their group, reached the Kamyaka forest. The Kamyaka
forest was as if ruled by the demon Kirmira (Bakasura's brother). Due to fear
of the Kirmira demon, cowherds did not take their cattle into the forest.
Villagers and travellers did not frequent the Kamyaka forest. Being Bakasura's
brother, a cannibal, he blocked the Pandavas' path. Yudhishthira introduced
himself, his brothers, and his wife, and requested him to let them pass. Upon
hearing Bhima's name, Kirmira, eager to avenge his brother's death, attacked
Bhima, and a duel ensued between them. Its outcome was, of course, what it had
to be. Kirmira was killed, and the Kamyaka forest and its inhabitants were
freed from fear.
While
all five Pandavas had gone far into the forest for hunting, Draupadi was alone
in the hermitage with the sage Dhaumya. As she stood waiting for her husbands,
Jayadratha, who had come hunting with his retinue, saw her. Jayadratha (the
king of Sindhu, Shibi, and Sauvira countries, the son of Vridhakshatra, related
to both the Kauravas and the Pandavas as Duhshala's husband) enamoured by
Draupadi's beauty and, disregarding Draupadi's and Dhaumya Rishi's pleas and
threats, put her in his chariot and set off. As soon as the Pandavas learned of
this, they reached Jayadratha's retinue within no time. An unprecedented battle
began between Jayadratha's forces and the Pandavas. Arjuna and Bhima literally
scattered Jayadratha's army. Everyone was terrified just by looking at Bhima's
fierce form. Leaving Draupadi behind, Jayadratha tried to flee. The enraged
Bhima and Arjuna caught him. Bhima dragged him down from his chariot and
brought him before Dharma (Yudhishthira). Draupadi and Bhima had expected his
death. But the forgiving Yudhishthira, considering their relationship, pardoned
him. Bhima made Jayadratha acknowledge that he was a slave of the Pandavas and,
with a sharp weapon, partially shaved off the hair on his head as a sign of his
subjugation, before releasing him.
The
Pandavas realized that war was inevitable to regain their kingdom. As part of
the preparations for the war, on Vyasa's advice, Yudhishthira asked Arjuna to
go to Mahendra, Rudra, Varuna, Kubera, and Yama to obtain celestial, invincible
weapons. Following Yudhishthira's command, Arjuna left the Kamyaka forest and
set out for the Himalayas.
Jatasura,
who had joined the group of Brahmins with Yudhishthira in disguise as a
Brahmin, was waiting for an opportunity to abduct Draupadi. Arjuna had already
gone far away to acquire weapons. He was waiting for Bhima to go away. One day,
taking advantage of the time when Bhima had gone deep into the forest for
hunting, Jatasura assumed his enormous true form and swiftly set off, carrying
Yudhishthira, Nakula, and Sahadeva in one hand and Draupadi in the other. The
Pandavas did not even get a chance to resist. Sahadeva with great difficulty
freed himself and told Bhima what had happened. Bhima rushed with the speed of
the wind and stood before Jatasura, blocking his path. Jatasura saw death
itself standing before him. In the ensuing duel, the enraged Bhima sent
Jatasura to Yama's abode and freed Draupadi, Yudhishthira, and Nakula.
Traveling
through various forests, the Pandavas reached the foothills of Mount Kailash.
One day, a thousand-petaled celestial lotus flower with a divine fragrance,
carried by the wind from the north-east, fell at Krishna's feet. Enchanted by
its fragrance, Krishna insisted that Bhima brings her more such lotuses. To fulfil
Krishna's wish, Bhima immediately set out towards the north-east. Although he
was not aware of the origin of the lotus, except the direction it came from, like
a whirlwind, Bhima traversed forests after forests and mountains after
mountains. On the way, in a large banana grove, Hanuman blocked Bhima's path in
the form of a huge monkey. Unable to even move the monkey's tail aside, Bhima
bowed down before the monkey and, introducing himself, asked who he was.
Hanuman revealed his true identity to his brother (both were sons of the wind God).
Bhima told him his purpose and requested Hanuman to help the Pandavas. Hanuman
said that the thousand-petaled Lotuses could be found in Kubera's garden on
Gandhamadana mountain. Since Dharma (righteousness) was on the Pandavas' side,
Hanuman promised to stay on Arjuna's chariot flag to protect the chariot at all
times, ensuring that no weapon would affect it. Bhima bowed to Hanuman and
reached Gandhamadana mountain.
There
were countless thousand-petaled lotuses in Kubera's lake. The surroundings were
fragrant with their divine scent. As Bhima was about to pluck the lotuses, the
Krodhavasa Rakshasas (demon attendants of Kubera) stopped him. The army of
Rakshasas and Yakshas (demi-gods), led by Maniman (Kubera's friend), confronted
Bhima, and a fierce battle broke out. Displaying his valour and using all his
weapons, Bhima literally massacred the Krodhavasa Rakshasas and Yakshas.
Maniman challenged Bhima to a mace fight, and a terrible battle ensued between
these evenly matched warriors, ultimately resulting in Maniman's death. The
remaining Yakshas and Rakshasas, fearing for their lives, went to Kubera and
told him what had happened. Kubera himself came forward to meet Bhima. Kubera
not only gave Bhima the lotuses but also thanked him for freeing Maniman and
the other Yakshas, Rakshasas, and consequently Kubera himself, from the curse
of the sage Agastya. (As the story goes, while the sage Agastya was absorbed in
penance, Maniman, in Kubera's presence, had insulted him. The enraged sage
cursed Maniman's servants in front of Kubera, saying that these Yakshas and
Rakshasas would only attain liberation upon death at the hands of a mortal
human, which even Kubera could not grant – how could a mortal human reach
Gandhamadana mountain? Kubera thought this would never happen, but it was
accomplished by Bhima). Bhima effortlessly completed the extraordinary task of
bringing the thousand-petaled lotuses from Kubera's garden and fulfilled the
wish of his beloved wife.
After
the twelve years of exile ended, the Pandavas chose the Matsya kingdom for
their year of living in disguise. They decided to live in Virata's service in
different forms. Yudhishthira became a Brahmin named Kanka in Virata's court,
Bhima became a cook named Ballava in Virata's kitchen, Arjuna, fulfilling the
curse of Urvashi, became a transgender dance teacher named Brihannada in the
dance school, Nakula became a stable keeper named Granthika in the horse
stables, and Sahadeva became a cowherd named Tantripala in Virata's cowshed.
Draupadi decided to live as a Sairandhri (a female attendant) in the palace of
Sudeshna, Virata's wife and the queen of the Matsya kingdom. According to their
plan, the Pandavas easily mingled and lived in the Matsya kingdom, in Virata's
court and palace, as decided.
Virata's
commander-in-chief, Kichaka, was extremely powerful. Virata completely depended
on him for the protection of his kingdom. Infatuated by Sairandhri's beauty,
Kichaka tried every means to win her over, and if that did not work, he
intended to force her. Draupadi told him that she was the wife of five mighty
Gandharvas (celestial beings). Still, Kichaka did not leave her alone. In
Virata's court, in front of Yudhishthira, he insulted Sairandhri, and
Yudhishthira sat with his head bowed. That same night, Draupadi woke up Bhima,
who was sleeping in the kitchen, and with tearful eyes narrated what had
happened. Then, the inevitable happened. At Bhima's suggestion, Sairandhri
invited Kichaka alone to the dance hall at night. The lustful Kichaka reached
the dance hall without giving it a second thought. The mighty Kichaka was no
match for Bhima. Bhima killed Kichaka and went back to sleep in the kitchen as
if nothing had happened. Seeing the completely mangled body of the mighty
Kichaka, people were convinced that only Gandharvas could have done this. The
news of Kichaka being killed by Sairandhri's Gandharva husbands reached
Hastinapura through spies. The Kauravas were still searching for the Pandavas.
Duryodhana, Karna, etc., after Kichaka's death, under the pretence that no one
could now protect the Matsya kingdom, also involved Bhishma, Kripa, and Drona
in their plot to steal Virata's cattle. Susharma, the king of Trigarta, also
joined Duryodhana with his mighty Trigarta army. It was this Susharma whom Kichaka
had defeated many times before.
It was
decided that Susharma (the Trigartas) would attack from the South-West with his
army to steal the cattle. In absence of Kichaka, Virata himself would have to
engage in the battle and while he was occupied there, the Kauravas would attack
from the North. The idea was, if Pandavas were staying in hiding at Virata’s
palace they would come out in open to defend Virata from this dual attack and
once recognised, as per the condition of the game of dice Pandavas would go
back to exile.
Except
for Arjuna (Brihannada), the other Pandavas joined Virata's side. Virata's army
could not withstand the Trigarta army, and Susharma almost took Virata captive.
Taking Yudhishthira's command, Bhima fell upon the Trigartas like that was
their end of time. In no time, the army, the Trigartas, were routed, and Bhima
pounced on Susharma, rescued Virata, and dragged the Trigarta king down from
his chariot, pulling him along to Yudhishthira. Yudhishthira, of course, spared
Susharma's life. Virata's cattle were saved from the Trigarta attack.
As
planned Kauravas attacked from the North, in Virata's absence, the
responsibility of protecting the cattle fell upon Uttara, Virata's son (his
sister's name was also Uttara – Abhimanyu's wife). Arjuna participated in the
battle as Uttara's charioteer and decimated the Kaurava army, including Bhishma
and Drona, thus saving Virata's cattle.
According
to the days counted by the Pandavas, their period of living in disguise had
ended, Bhishma the seniormost Kuru confirmed their claim. Despite appearing in
their true selves in this battle, the Kauravas' plans to recognise Pandavas
when they were in disguise were thwarted.
In the
Mahabharata war, Bhima's great valour was unparalleled. Bhima alone sent all
100 sons of Dhritarashtra to the afterlife. After dragging Dushasana out of his
chariot and killing him with his bare hands, he fulfilled his terrible vow by
tearing open his chest and drinking his blood and braided Draupadi’s hair with
those bloody hands. It is worth mentioning that while fighting Ashwatthama,
both were wounded, and their respective charioteers took their chariots away
from the battlefield. In the battle with Karna, Karna gained the upper hand
and, according to the promise given to Kunti, Karna spared Bhima's life – these
two instances are indicative of Bhima's human limitations.
At the
end of the war, the Pandavas went to console Dhritarashtra. Yudhishthira spoke
a few appropriate words to Dhritarashtra, bowed, and stepped back. As Bhima was
about to go forward, Vasudeva pulled him back and gestured for him to be quiet
by placing a finger on his lips. With his other hand, he placed a large iron
pillar (statue?) before Dhritarashtra. Mistaking it for Bhima, Dhritarashtra
embraced the heavy iron pillar with such tremendous force that it broke into
pieces and fell to the ground. Among the five Pandavas, Dhritarashtra held a
grudge against Bhima. Bhima had killed all his sons. The grief of losing his
sons had fanned the flames of his anger into a volcano. If we disregard the
fact that Dhritarashtra was blind, he possessed the strength of a thousand
elephants. Now, with the thought that he had killed Bhima, Dhritarashtra felt
remorse and regret. Shrikrishna, in his own way, told Dhritarashtra the truth
and also gave him piece of advice. After that, Bhima and the other Pandavas
bowed at Dhritarashtra's feet and took their leave.
The
great war in the Mahabharata cannot be truly said to have ended, or the
Pandavas to have achieved a decisive victory, until Duryodhana's death. It must
be remembered that Duryodhana's death came at the hands of Bhima. The blow
Bhima struck on Duryodhana's thigh was also a result of the curse given to
Duryodhana by the sage Maitreya. On Vyasa's advice, when the sage Maitreya
tried to reason with Dhritarashtra and Duryodhana about how war should be
avoided. Duryodhana had slapped his thigh, flexed his muscles, and said that
they were ready for war. The enraged sage Maitreya cursed him, saying that his
thigh would be smashed and he would die. However, Bhima was disgraced for
breaking the rules of the mace fight and incurred Balarama's (Brother of Shrikrishna
and the one who taught both Bhima and Duryodhana the art of mace war) wrath.
Now we
come to the end of the great Mahabharata war. Duryodhana, who was on the verge
of death, appointed Ashwatthama as the commander-in-chief of the Kauravas.
Ashwatthama, Kripacharya, and Kritavarma together raided the camps of the
Panchalas and the Pandavas at midnight while everyone was asleep. Ashwatthama
brutally murdered Dhrishtadyumna (Draupadi’s brother who had killed
Dronacharya) and Draupadi's five sons (Yudhishthira's son Prativindhya, Bhima's
son Sutasoma, Arjuna's son Shrutakarma, Nakula's son Shatanika, and Sahadeva's
son Shrutasena) while they were sleeping, thus avenging the death of his
father, Dronacharya. When Krishna (Draupadi) learned of this news, she fainted
due to extreme grief. Upon regaining consciousness, the sorrowful Draupadi saw
all five Pandavas around her. Ignoring the other four, she told Bhima,
"There is no forgiveness for this to Ashwatthama. Go. Find him wherever he
is, give him the death penalty, and bring me the jewel from his forehead."
Despite Arjuna being there, Draupadi asking Bhima to punish Ashwatthama meant
that she was sure of Bhima. Only Bhima would fulfil her wish. According to
Draupadi's wish, Bhima (who had not succeeded in defeating this same
Ashwatthama in the war) set out to find Ashwatthama without thinking twice. Shrikrishna
was aware of Ashwatthama's knowledge of weapons and his war skills, so he
followed Bhima along with Arjuna, and a further disaster was averted. Bhima
brought the jewel from Ashwatthama's forehead and gave it to Draupadi, and
consoled her by saying that with the pain, Ashwatthama would wander for eons,
which would be more terrible than death.
After
giving so many examples of Bhima's deeds, one thing must have become clear to
the readers: if one looks at Bhima's participation in the Mahabharata, Bhima is
present in every Parva (book) of the Mahabharata, and in each Parva, his
contribution is significant.
When
determining the hero of a story, play, epic, or history, the consideration of
their actions, their ideological foundations, and their contributions should be
done somewhat rigorously, beyond emotions. Although Arjuna won Draupadi by
winning the Swayamvara, her trust in Bhima was greater, and Bhima lived up to
that trust. Arjuna had the help and protection of Yogeshwara Shrikrishna; his valour
was undoubtedly unique, but he had the support of Janardana, Lord Narayana
himself. Bhima can be called self-made in every sense. It seems that he can be
called the true hero of the Mahabharata.
