An Index to the Names in the Mahabharata, with Short Explanations and a Concordance to the Bombay and Calcutta Editions and P. C. Roy's Translation c5.s5.153

c5.s5.153

[Hiḍimbavadaparvan] ("the section relating to the killing of Hiḍimba," the 9th of the minor parvans of Mhbhr.) (cf. Hiḍimba). § 214 (cf. III, 553 ff.): Not far from that place dwelt on a çāla tree the Rākshasa Hiḍimba, a cannibal with eight long and sharp-pointed teeth, etc. Scouting the odour of man, he sent his sister Hiḍimbā to slaughter them and bring them unto him. She fell in love with Bhīma, and, assuming a beautiful form, she asked him to become her husband, and promised to rescue him and his brothers and Gandharvas, nor Yakshas are able to bear my might,” v. 5960) refused to awaken them (I, 152). Seeing that his sister did not return soon enough, Hiḍimba proceeded quickly to the spot, and, abusing his sister, he rushed at her, but was seized by Bhīma and dragged to a distance, lest his yells should awaken the brothers of Bhīma; fighting they broke down the trees, etc., and at those sounds the Pāṇḍavas woke up with their mother, and saw Hiḍimba sitting before them (I, 153). She made herself and her love for Bhīma known to them. Arjuna offered to assist Bhīma; but Bhīma refused. Arjuna then said: “The morning twilight is about to set in; during the twilights Rākshasas become stronger; kill him without delay.” Then Bhīma threw the Rākshasa to the ground, and he, dying, sent forth a terrible yell; then he doubled up his body and broke it in the middle. Arjuna thought there was a town not far off. Thereto they proceeded, followed by Hiḍimbā (I, 154). Bhīma would also have slain Hiḍimbā, but was prevented by Yudhishṭhira. It was agreed upon, that she should have Bhīma for her husband, until she got a son, sporting with him during the day, but bringing him back every evening. She then flew away with him, and sported with him on mountains, etc., until she had brought forth (the Rākshasa women bring forth the very day they conceive (v. 6077) a bald-headed son, whom they, on account of his baldness, called Ghaṭotkaca (ghaṭo hāsyotkaca iti, v. 6079), who developed into a young man the very hour he was born, excelled all Piçācas, etc., in strength, and soon acquired high proficiency in all weapons. Hiḍimbā then went away; and also Ghaṭotkaca, who promised that he would come when wanted for business, went away northwards. It was Indra who had created Ghaṭotkaca as an antagonist for Karṇa, in consideration of the latter’s lance (I, 155). The Pāṇḍavas proceeded from forest to forest in the garb of ascetics, studying the Brāhma Veda, and the Vedāṅgas, and the nītiçāstra, through the countries of the Matsyas, Trigartas, Pāñcālas, and Kicakas. Then they met Vyāsa, who comforted them and led them into the town of Ekacakrā to the house of a brahman. He ordered them to wait here, till he came back, and then went away (I, 156).