The Pandavas' successful escape from the lac-house fire (ss_adi_136) is the direct cause of their subsequent flight through the forest. Bhima's actions in guiding the family (ss_adi_138) are a necessary response to that escape, as they are now fugitives in the wilderness.
Adi Parva
Will Bhima protect his family from the man-eating rakshasa Hidimba?
Exhausted and sleeping in the forest, the Pandavas are targeted by the rakshasa Hidimba. He sends his sister to kill them, but she falls in love with Bhima instead. When Hidimba attacks, Bhima fights and kills him in a fierce battle, securing his family's safety and earning Hidimbi's hand in marriage.
6 stories · 0 pivotal · Chapters 138–141
Begin readingCausal position
How this arc sits in the story chain
Born from
This Arc
Bhima and the Rakshasa Hidimba
Leads into
The noise of Bhima's battle with Hidimba wakes the other Pandavas and Kunti, allowing Hidimbi (the sister) to reveal her brother's murderous plot and her love for Bhima to the awakened family.
Stories
Showing all 6 stories
Spine stories carry the arc's main thread. Essential adds key turning points. Supporting covers depth and backstory.
Supporting
Bhima Leads His Family Through the Forest After Escaping the Fire
Having narrowly escaped the burning lac-house, the Pandavas flee into a dense, terrifying forest. Exhausted and thirsty, they can go no further until Bhima uses his immense strength to clear a path, carry his mother, and swim across rivers to find them shelter.
Chapter 138 · ~1 min
Supporting
Bhima Laments His Family's Plight and Decides to Keep Watch
Returning with water, Bhima finds his royal mother and brothers asleep on the bare ground, exhausted by their flight. Overcome with grief at their fallen state, he resolves to stay awake and guard them through the dangerous night.
Chapter 138 · ~2 min
Supporting
Hidimba Sends His Sister to Kill the Sleeping Pandavas
A rakshasa named Hidimba, hungry for human flesh, catches the scent of the sleeping Pandavas in his forest. Anticipating a feast, he orders his sister to go and kill the men, promising they will eat their fill together. The rakshasi obeys and goes to their location, setting a deadly trap.
Chapter 139 · ~1 min
Supporting
Hidimbi Falls in Love and Proposes Marriage to Bhima
Sent to kill the sleeping Pandavas, the rakshasi Hidimbi sees the awake and mighty Bhimasena and is overcome with desire. Disobeying her brother, she assumes a beautiful human form and proposes marriage to Bhima, offering to save his family from the man-eating rakshasa. Bhima refuses, defiantly challenging her to send her brother to fight instead.
Chapter 139 · ~2 min
Supporting
Hidimba attacks, Bhima vows to defend his family
Hidimba the rakshasa, furious that his sister has delayed bringing him human prey, descends from his tree to attack the sleeping Pandavas himself. His sister, now in human form, warns Bhima and offers to carry the family to safety, but Bhima refuses, boasting of his strength and vowing to kill the monster before her eyes.
Chapter 140 · ~2 min
Supporting
Bhima Fights and Defeats the Rakshasa Hidimba
The rakshasa Hidimba arrives at the Pandavas' forest camp, furious that his sister desires Bhima. He threatens to kill her and the sleeping humans. Bhima taunts him, provokes a fight, and drags the demon away to protect his family.
Chapter 141 · ~2 min