Introduction
Bhima is the second of the Pandavas, the son of Kunti and, by divine parentage, of Vayu, the wind god. He is known for his strength and appetite.
This article primarily follows the Mahabharata. Where a well-known detail comes from a Puranic or later source, the article identifies it.
Family
- Legal father: Pandu
- Divine father: Vayu
- Mother: Kunti
- Wives: Draupadi, Hidimbi, Valandhara
- Siblings: Yudhishthira, Arjuna, Nakula, Sahadeva
- Sons: Sutasoma, Ghatotkacha, Sarvaga
Early life
Duryodhana tried to poison Bhima as a boy, and threw him into the river. According to the Adi Parva, he was rescued by the Nagas and returned stronger.
Feats
In the forest, Bhima killed the Rakshasa Hidimba and married his sister Hidimbi. Their son was Ghatotkacha. He later killed the Rakshasa Baka, who had been terrorising the town of Ekachakra. At Krishna's advice, he killed Jarasandha in a wrestling match, which allowed Yudhishthira to perform the Rajasuya.
The vows
After the dice game, Bhima vowed to break Duryodhana's thighs and to kill Dushasana and drink his blood. In the year of hiding at Virata, he killed Kichaka, who had harassed Draupadi.
The war
Bhima killed Dushasana and Duryodhana, and many other Kauravas. In the Vana Parva he also meets Hanuman, who is his brother through their common divine father Vayu, in a well-known episode.