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.
The Pandavas were running. Behind them was the smoldering ruin of the lacquer house at Varanavata, a trap set by their cousin Duryodhana. Ahead was only the dark, unknown forest. Fear of Dhritarashtra’s son drove them forward, and they assumed disguises to vanish into the wilderness.
Bhima led. His thighs churned the air with such force they raised a storm, like the winds that blow when the stars Shukra and Shuchi draw near. The forest was no match for him. He tore down large trees heavy with flowers and fruit. He demolished creepers that blocked the way. With his immeasurable power, he uprooted trees and bushes, clearing a passage so violently it dazed his own brothers who followed.
When they reached rivers with distant banks, Bhima used his arms as boats and swam across, carrying his family through the currents. On the difficult ground — over riverbanks and uneven terrain — he carried his delicate and illustrious mother, Kunti, on his back.
By evening, the bulls of the Bharata lineage reached an impenetrable part of the forest. Roots, fruits, and water were scarce. The place was full of cruel birds of prey and beasts. The twilight became terrible and fearful as the sounds of animals filled the air and the directions seemed to disappear in the gathering gloom of a coming storm. The descendants of the Kuru lineage were tired, thirsty, and overcome with sleep. They could not take another step.
Bhima left them for a moment and entered a large, desolate, and terrible part of the woods. There, he saw a single beautiful fig tree that offered extensive shade. He brought his family to it. Placing them there, he said to his elder brother, Yudhishthira, “O lord! Rest here. I am going to bring water. I hear the sweet voices of water-dwelling cranes. I am certain there must be a large lake nearby.”
Yudhishthira permitted him to go. Bhima followed the sound of the cranes. He found the water, drank, and bathed. Then he soaked his upper garment to carry water back to his family. Swiftly retracing his steps, he went to his mother, who was waiting two measures of distance away.