Bhima - The Hero of the Mahabharata!

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.