Bhim and Hidimba: The Untold Love Story from Indian Mythology

We all know that Bhima and Hidimba fell in love with each other in exile. It’s a long love story, and why he left his wife and son raises questions. Do you want to know about this? Let’s discuss their love story, marriage, and other related aspects. 

About Bhima and Hidimba

Bhima, or Bheem, was the second son among the five Pandavas. The Vayu God gifted Bhim to Kunti and Pandu. He was the most powerful of all his brothers, with a physical power of about 10,000 elephants. According to Indian Mythology, he was the first person to begin the war of Mahabharata. He never disrespected Lord Krishna’s advice. Bhima fell in love with the demon Goddess Hidimba. He married her and had a child with her.

Hidimba was the sister of Hidimb, a Rakshash or demon. They lived in the Kamyaka forest near the banks of the river Saraswati. Bhima and Hidimba married, and she became Ghatokacha’s mother. She had two other names: Bhutanadevi and Pallavi. Hadimba is the Demon Goddess or the Kul Devi and Dadi of the royal family in Kullu. She presented Bihangmanipal (the first king of Kullu) to his kingdom. She is powerful and kind-hearted to her devotees. 

Also Read: Bheeshma: Why He Did Not Marry?

The Love Story of Bhima and Hidimba

Their love story is exciting, but it is short-lived. Let’s know why. The mother of the Pandavas was severely abused and manipulated by the Kauravas as they were successful. A heartbroken Kunti was forced to exile with her children in a forest. This led to the happening of Hidimba’s and Bhim’s love story.

Kunti and the other Pandavas went asleep in the forest except Bheem, which opened doors for the two demons, Hidimb and Hidimba, as they smelled them. The demon Hidimb was the brother of the Demon Goddess Hidimba. Hidimb told her sister to lure Bheem as a beautiful woman.

Hidimba took that form as her brother told her. She saw Bhim and fell in love with him at first sight. Bhim and Hidimb started a fight together. Hidimba didn’t want her brother to win. She helped Bhim win. The battle ended, and Bhim won, and Hidimb died. Kunti already knew that Hidimba was in love with Bhim. This led to the marriage of Bhima and Hidimba.

Marriage of Bhima and Hidimba

Kunti told Bhim to marry Hidimbi on a condition. She said,’ They will only be together till a child is born.’ Bhim, listening to his mother, married Hidimba. She became the first daughter-in-law of the Pandava family. Bhima and Hidimba married. They did not stay with her all the time. 

The Mother of Ghatotkacha

After a short time, Bhima and Hidimba gave birth to a child. Their son was born a half-demon and half-demon. He had a head like a pot. Both the parents named him Ghatotkacha. Ghatotkacha became a mighty warrior who killed many demons like Alambusha, Alayudha and Asuras. He was the demon hero who killed the Kauravs in the battle of Mahabharata. 

1. Bhim and Hidimba: The Separation

Bheem left Hidimba because he did not want to leave his mother, Kunti. He did not want to leave his brothers alone on their journey. Bhima and Hidimba promised that his love for her would never end and went with his family. He told her that she is a very loving and caring mother and nobody can replace her position in his life.

Hidimba did not enjoy a conventional marriage like other women did in ancient times. She decided to remain in the forest with her son. Hidimba chose to make her son worthy of living in the Kamyaka forest.

2. The Sufferings of Hidimba

Hidimba did everything to get Bhim’s love. She was unlucky as Bheem married Valandhara and Draupadi. She did not enjoy the privilege of being the queen of Bhim. One day, she sent her son to the Pandavas for their blessings. She told her son not to touch Droupudi’s feet.

Ghatotkach followed his mother’s instructions and didn’t touch Draupadi’s feet, which angered her. She cursed Hidimba’s son to die a premature death. This annoyed Hidimba. She cursed Draupadi’s children to death. According to Mythology, Hidimba became spiritual after she lost her son Ghatotkacha in the war of Mahabharata. She never gave company to or supported her husband, Bheem. The love story of Bhima and Hidimba leads to a tragic end.

Also Read: Why Does Lord Krishna Wear A Peacock Feather?

Hadimba/Hidimba Devi Temple in Manali

In A.D. 1533, Maharaja Bahadur Singh built the Hadimba Devi or Dhungari temple in Manali, Himachal Pradesh. The temple has rich architecture and a peaceful atmosphere. Here, people offer worship to Bhim and Hidimba. We offer worship to Goddess Hidimba in Navaratris.

People from all over the country and abroad visit the temple to receive the blessings of the Goddess. Did you know the people of Manali celebrate different festivals at the Hadimba Temple? Yes, people of different cultures celebrate the festivals with pomp and show. 

We celebrate the Hidimba Fair, or the Dhungri Festival, on the birth anniversary of Hidimba Devi on 14th May. One celebrates the festival, Dussehra, annually. People organize various cultural programs and fairs at the temple. We wait for the Winter Carnival, as a fair is organized at the temple. We celebrate Shivratri with a vast procession, cultural programmes, and fairs.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Also Read: Mahabharata: Why Lord Krishna Choose Arjun?

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