MAARKANDEYA presents MAHAABHAARATHAM

(The BH in this name is pronounced like a hardened sound of 'b' in 'beep'.)

Bheema was the third of the five Paandavas and the second of Kunthi's three sons . He was younger to Yudhishthira and elder to Arjuna, Nakula and Sahadeva. Paandu was his father. He was a gift to her by god Vaayu ( wind god ). He was manifestation of the Wind God, Vaayu . He was variously referred to as Bheema, Bheemasena, Vrikodara,Paavani, Maaruthi,Madhyama etc. (Another king, one of his ancetors, was also named Bheema. Another king of Kaashi province who was mentioned in Udyogaparva in Gaalava's story, also bore the same name Bheemasena. Lord shiva too is referred to as Bheema. Be careful about the similar names.) He was known to be the strongest. According to the story, his physical strength was equal to that of ten thousand elephants. On the tenth day of his birth, while walking to a temple in the forest, his mother dropped him off her hands and the rocks on which he fell were powdered.

After Paandu's untimely death in the forest, all the Paandavas returned to their place Hasthipura where they grew up together with their cousins, the Kouravas . Bheema's playful teasing of the Kouravas in games and sports caused a rift between the cousins.The Kouravas took the ragging in the wrong spirit and bore a grudge in their hearts against him. They were terribly afraid of Bheema since their childhood. Duryodhana secretely devised several plans to kill him. All not only went in vain but resulted in favour of Bheema. When he was found asleep in the park , the Kouravas got him tied hand and foot and thrown into the river. Bheema reached the abode of serpent lords who were pleased with him and offered him a divine juice which gave him enormous physical strength equalling that of ten thousand elephants.

He had no equal in hand-fight (like wrestling, but not wrestling) and mace fighting. Duryodhana was his arch rival. Both of them had their practice at Kripa, Drona and Balaraama. He was the pricipal defender of his side. On many occasions he single-handedly saved his mother and brothers from many serious troubles.

He killed many strong demons and warriors in several encounters. The demons like Hidimba, Baka, Kimmeera, Jata etc. and the famous mighty warriors like Jaraasandha, Keechaka etc. were his notable victims. He undertook a successful campaign to the eastern side before their Raajasooyam performance.

In the war, his role was no inferior to anybody's. At times, he happened to be the sole runner of the show. Seldom was he defeated. He was to fulfill very difficult vows made against the Kouravas. Yet, he could accomplish his tasks. Accordingly, he ripped open Dushshashana's chest and tasted his blood. At the end of the war, a fight between him and Duryodhana became the deciding factor for win or loss. In that hand-to-hand club fight, he broke Duryodhana's thighs to complete his vow. Also, he killed all the hundred kouravas himself. Unlike Arjuna who enjoyed the protection of uncanny Krishna , Bheema executed everything on his own, almost single-handedly . During the war , he never gave place to fear . Though received set backs on one or two occasions , he remained almost undefeated .

Though known for his valour and anger, he was a man of good senses too. He could contain himself during the incognito period fearing their disclosing. Despite his might and strength, he sincerely obeyed his brother except on one or two occasions where he mildly opposed.

In the end, he followed his brother in the final renunciation walk but fell dead midway. Finally, he absorbed with the maruths (a group of gods).

Many of his qualities such as straightforwardness, courage, shrewdness etc. stand good to be adopted even today.

"After praying to Naaraayana, Nara, Sarasvathi and Vyaasa, then one should read the Jayam."