Bhima

The Mighty Pandava

The strongest of the Pandavas, son of Vayu Deva. His gada (mace) shattered armies and his vow to avenge Draupadi drove the Kurukshetra war.

  • Sanskrit/Telugu name: భీముడు
  • Also known as: Bhimasena, Vrikodara, Vallabha
  • Weapons: Gada (mace)
  • Symbols: Massive gada, Enormous appetite, Incredible strength

Story

Bhima was born to Kunti through the blessings of Vayu Deva, the wind god, and from birth he was extraordinarily powerful. As a baby, he fell from his mother's lap onto a rock and the rock shattered, not the baby. He could eat as much as all his brothers combined, earning him the name Vrikodara (wolf-bellied). During their childhood in the Kaurava court, Duryodhana tried to poison Bhima and throw him into a river. But Bhima survived, and the Nagas (serpent beings) in the underwater kingdom gave him even more strength. In the Mahabharatam, Bhima fulfilled the most fearsome vows. When Draupadi was humiliated, Bhima swore to drink Dushasana's blood and break Duryodhana's thigh. On the battlefield of Kurukshetra, he fulfilled both vows. He slew all hundred Kaurava brothers in combat. His duel with Duryodhana, fought with gadas in a circle of warriors, is one of the most dramatic scenes in the epic. Beyond his warrior nature, Bhima had a tender side. During the exile, he traveled through dense forests to find Saugandhika flowers because Draupadi wished for them. He cooked for the family during their year in disguise, serving as the cook Vallabha in King Virata's kitchen. Telugu children love Bhima stories because he is fearless, loyal, and always hungry.

Fun fact

During the Pandavas' year in disguise, Bhima worked as a cook named Vallabha in King Virata's palace. He was such a good cook that the king praised the food daily. Bhima also secretly wrestled and defeated a champion wrestler, Jimuta, in the king's arena.

Family and connections

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