Hidimba became the first bride of the Pandava clan. When the house of lac (Lakshagraha), built by Duryodhana and his uncle Shakuni's plan, was set on fire, all five Pandavas and their mother Kunti were inside. The intent was to kill them all. Using their abilities and divine grace, they escaped and began living in disguise. During this period, they reached a dense forest one dark night. The terrain was rough, with large trees obstructing their path. Yudhishthira, the eldest, requested Bhima to carry them all. Demonstrating his strength, Bhima lifted his mother and four brothers and continued walking.
Pandavas in Hidimba's Domain
They arrived at a clearing covered with soft grass, where Bhima set everyone down. The brothers took turns staying awake to guard their sleeping family. It was Bhima's turn. The forest, under the influence of dark forces, was the domain of the powerful demon king Hidimba. No human could escape this mystical place; they would inevitably fall prey to the demons, who had a keen sense of smell and could detect human presence instantly.
Hidimba Falls for Bhima
When Hidimba sensed the arrival of humans, he eagerly anticipated a meal of human flesh and ordered his sister, Hidimba, to bring the humans to him. As Hidimba approached the Pandavas and saw Bhima, she was captivated by him. She thought, "Who could be a better life partner than this powerful man, who is tender-hearted enough to protect his family?" She felt blessed that Bhima would be her husband. Remembering her brother's cruel orders, she used her magical powers to transform into a beautiful maiden and approached Bhima, pretending to be a lost woman. After some conversation, when Bhima offered her protection, she sat down beside him.
Revealing the Truth to Bhima
Meanwhile, Yudhishthira and Arjuna, though pretending to sleep, were becoming suspicious of Hidimba. They kept a quiet watch. Realizing she couldn't hide the truth, Hidimba confessed to Bhima, "My brother, the demon king Hidimba, sent me to deceive you and bring you to him. But I have fallen in love with you and wish to marry you. I can show you a way to escape before he arrives."
Bhima's Response to Hidimba
Bhima responded, "Lady, I don't know you, but I can tell you that my brothers and I are more than capable. I, Bhima, can defeat any demon. There is no need to disturb my brothers' sleep. Now, look at the great man resting there; he is Dharma Raja, my elder brother, and is yet to be married. How can I marry before him?"
Their discussion was interrupted as Hidimba arrived, furious to see his sister adorned and decided to kill her and the Pandavas. Hidimba, terrified, urged Bhima to wake his family and flee, but Bhima, who enjoyed fighting demons, refused to run.
Slaying of Hidimb
Bhima declared that he wouldn't run or disturb his family's sleep for a demon's insolence. Yudhishthira and Arjuna, pretending to wake up, watched as Bhima dragged Hidimba away. Yudhishthira and Arjuna, hearing Hidimba's plea, listened as she narrated everything. While the others paid heed to Hidimba's story, Yudhishthira and Arjuna focused on Bhima. Arjuna shouted, "Brother Bhima! Kill this demon quickly!" Bhima then struck Hidimb fatally, tearing him apart.
Bhima Becomes the Demon King
With Hidimba slain, the other demons bowed to Bhima, accepting him as their king. Bhima declined, but the demon ministers insisted that their tradition dictated that the slayer of their king would become the next ruler. Seeing the minister's plea, Yudhishthira asked for time to consider.
Hidimba Pleads to Kunti for Marriage
Hidimba approached Kunti, pleading to marry Bhima, promising that he could leave after a year once she bore a son. Kunti, moved by her plight, discussed with the Pandavas, and they agreed that abandoning the people without a ruler would be unjust. Bhima accepted the kingship, married Hidimba, and they had a son, the mighty Ghatotkacha.
Ghatotkacha, being a magical being, grew rapidly and vowed to aid the Pandavas whenever needed. Hidimba, true to her word, bid farewell to Bhima, his brothers, and Kunti.
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