Bhim and Hanuman Duel

At the command of Lord Indra and at Arjuna’s own request, King Yudhishthira decided to go on a great pilgrimage with Sage Lomasa.

There was fear in Yudhishthira’s heart. The future was hidden from him, and that uncertainty troubled him deeply. He thought that by visiting holy places and walking the path of sacred duty, he might be freed from that fear. When the son of Dharma heard the wise words of Sage Lomasa, his mind became much calmer.

Yet one difficulty remained.

Many faithful Brahmins and attendants were living with him in the Kamyaka forest. It was not possible to travel to distant and difficult holy places with such a large company. So, following the instruction of the great sage Lomasa, Yudhishthira tried to free himself from that burden.

He spoke to the Brahmins and townspeople gathered there.

"O Brahmins, we have decided to visit many difficult and distant holy places for a long time. But it is not possible to go on pilgrimage with such a huge crowd. Please listen to me. Those Brahmins and ascetics who live on alms and cannot bear the hardship of travel and harsh weather should stay back. Those who cannot manage without cooks, and those whose means of living I have arranged, should also remain. The townspeople who came with me should return to Hastinapura. I hope King Dhritarashtra will give them proper support. If not, then the king of Panchala himself will take that responsibility."

But the ascetics of the Kamyaka forest answered him with devotion.

"King Yudhishthira, we are ascetics of the Kamyaka forest. We have no desire for pleasure in our hearts. Please take us with you. Son of Dharma, if we do not go with you, then perhaps we will never get the chance to see the holy places."

After taking permission from Sage Lomasa and Sage Dhaumya, Yudhishthira prepared for the pilgrimage with the people of the Kamyaka forest.

Before the journey began, Devarshi Narada and Sage Parvata came. They taught the travelers the ways of cleansing both the body and the inner self. Then the Pandavas, Draupadi, and a few ascetics dressed themselves in deerskin and black antelope skin. Their hair was matted like that of forest-dwellers. With Sages Dhaumya and Lomasa leading them, they began their sacred journey.

After the full moon of the month of Agrahayana, under the Pushya star, they set out toward the east. They carried arrows, full quivers, swords, bows, and arm-guards with them.

As they traveled, the great sage Lomasa looked at Yudhishthira and saw worry on his face.

"Son of Dharma, Yudhishthira," he asked gently, "why do I not see the joy of visiting holy places on your face, my son? Are you thinking of some evil thing?"

Yudhishthira bowed and replied, "Sage, not of evil, but one serious worry has covered my mind."

"Tell me, son," said Lomasa. "Tell me all your doubts openly. I have come to protect you from all doubts and dangers during this pilgrimage."

Then Yudhishthira spoke from the pain within him.

"Revered sage, I do not proudly claim that I am completely sinless or always pure. But I suffer endless sorrow, while other kings do not seem to suffer so much. Am I worse than they are, revered sage? My enemies do not love righteousness, nor do they have pure qualities, yet they are happier than all others. Why is there such unfairness, revered sage?"

Lomasa answered with deep calm.

"Child Yudhishthira, the Creator has made many ways by which sinful people increase their sin. Constant enjoyment without righteousness gives birth to sin. The gods keep their bodies and minds under control through penance, pilgrimage, and accepting sorrow. But the unrighteous race of demons keeps enjoying pleasure without penance, and in that way they are destroyed. That is the law of creation. Such demonic people are never happy forever, my son. They are ruined because of pride. Where there is pride, Lakshmi can never stay. Do not grieve without reason."

Yudhishthira listened, but another doubt rose in his heart.

"Great one, I have another doubt too. Is courage and physical strength alone enough to destroy enemies?"

Lomasa shook his head.

"No, O King. It is true that power and glory are shown through war. But if war were the final answer, then kings like Shibi, Bhagiratha, Puru, and Mriga would not have gone on pilgrimages. By pilgrimage, by holy bathing, and by seeing great souls, endless brightness is born in the body and mind. By the power of that brightness and merit, one can conquer the three worlds, O King. By this merit, ascetics gain spiritual success, and mighty kings too can enjoy all the wealth and happiness of the world. Like Ikshvaku, Muchukunda, and Mandhata, you too, my son, will become rich and fulfilled."

These words entered Yudhishthira’s heart like cooling rain.

Following the path shown by Sage Lomasa, the Pandavas visited holy places such as Naimisharanya and Prayag. They bathed there and continued onward until they came to Manimatipuri, where stood the holy ashram of the great sage Agastya.

That blessed place had been made sacred by the dust of Agastya’s feet.

There Yudhishthira heard from Lomasa the story of two terrible demons of old, Ilvala and Vatapi.

Ilvala had found a cruel and hateful way to kill Brahmins. His brother Vatapi could, by the power of illusion, take the form of a ram. Ilvala would cook the flesh of that ram and feed it to Brahmins. After they had eaten fully, Ilvala would call out his brother’s name. Then Vatapi would burst laughing out of the Brahmins’ bodies, tearing them open. In this way, many Brahmins had died.

When the great sage Agastya once came to Ilvala’s house, the demon planned to kill him in the same manner. But Agastya ate the flesh of the ram-formed Vatapi and digested it completely. Though Ilvala called again and again for his brother to return, Vatapi did not come out alive. Then sorrow struck Ilvala, and he remembered Sage Agastya.

As Yudhishthira heard this wonderful tale, another question rose in his mind.

"Revered sage," he asked, "where did the great Agastya travel, that from then on the journey became famous by the name Agastya Yatra?"

Lomasa nodded.

"Son of Dharma, I will tell you of that journey of the great sage. But before that, let me tell you of another shining deed of mighty Agastya. Listen. That deed still shines forever in heaven."

"Please tell me, revered sage," said Yudhishthira eagerly. "I am eager to hear it."

Lomasa began.

"When the gods could not kill Vritrasura, the king of the demons, they went to Prajapati Brahma. On Brahma’s advice, the thunderbolt was made from the bones of a sage. With that thunderbolt, Lord Indra killed the terrible demon. But Vritrasura’s soldiers, called the Kaleya demons, fled and took shelter in the sea. At night they would come out from under the sea and kill ascetic Brahmins. The gods did not know how to kill them inside the sea. So they went to Sage Agastya for help. Then the great Agastya drank up the water of the ocean in one breath, and the Kaleya demons were killed by the gods."

Yudhishthira was amazed.

"Revered sage, in many stories it is seen that the power of ascetic sages is much greater than the power of the gods. Great Agastya himself is a clear proof of that. How is this possible? Please tell me, revered sage."

Lomasa replied, "Yudhishthira, you are right. In many matters the gods depend on the mercy and strength of sages. Do you know why? This earth is the only place where strength can be gained through worship, practice, and penance. By much merit one may earn the right to live in heaven, but no new strength can be gained there, O King. So in some cases the power of sages is much greater than that of the gods."

Yudhishthira bowed his head.

"My doubt is gone, revered sage. Now please tell me the story of Agastya’s journey."

Lomasa said, "Yudhishthira, pride is the root of downfall. Because of that blindness, the Vindhya mountain thought itself greater than the sun. It demanded from the sun that every day the sun should go around it before setting. But the sun could not obey that command. Then in anger, Vindhya slowly grew larger and larger until it hid the sun itself.

"At the request of the gods, Agastya came forward to save the sun. He said to Vindhya, 'O Vindhya, I am going south with my wife on a journey. Make a path for me. You have grown so much that we can no longer see any road.'"

Then Lomasa spoke the mountain’s answer.

"'Revered sage, your command must be obeyed. I bow my head down for your journey. Until you return, I will remain like this. But when you return, I will rise again to my former state.'"

Agastya had said, "'So be it. Let it be so, Vindhya.'"

Thus Vindhya bent its head low. Agastya then went south with his wife Lopamudra. But once he had gone, he never came back. And because Vindhya had given its word, it could never raise its head again.

"That," said Lomasa, "is why that journey became famous as Agastya Yatra."

The Pandavas traveled on. They crossed the rivers Nanda and Aparananda and Mount Rishabha, and then came to the bank of the Kaushiki River. There they saw the ashram of Sage Vishvamitra. They heard the story of the holy Vibhanda and his son Rishyashringa.

From there Yudhishthira moved toward the place where the Ganga meets the sea. He listened to the sacred tale of the holy Kapila, the sixty thousand sons of King Sagara, and Bhagiratha bringing down the Ganga.

After that, the Pandavas set out for Mount Mahendra.

When they had seen Mount Mahendra and Bhrigu Tirtha, Sage Lomasa said, "Son of Dharma, Yudhishthira, bathe in this Bhrigu holy place with your brothers and Draupadi. After bathing here, Parashurama regained the brightness he had lost. You too will regain the eternal brightness that you lost to Duryodhana."

Yudhishthira answered at once, "As you command, great sage. I am getting ready to bathe at once."

He first offered water to the ancestors. Then he bathed in the Bhrigu holy place.

When he rose from the sacred waters, all were amazed. Yudhishthira’s body had become bright and shining.

Then the surprised king turned to Lomasa and asked, "O revered sage, I have seen with my own eyes the greatness of this holy place. Now please tell me the story of Parashurama. Who took away his brightness?"

Lomasa answered, "Son of Dharma, Parashurama, the Bhrigu sage, had shown enmity toward Shri Ramachandra, the prince of Ayodhya and an incarnation of Vishnu. Thinking him to be just an ordinary man, the proud Parashurama gave him a divine bow and arrow and wanted to test his power. Ramachandra easily strung the bow, made it ring loudly, and shot the divine arrow. By the power of that arrow, a great shaking arose through all creation. In that shock, Parashurama lost consciousness. When he recovered, and by the divine sight given by Shri Rama he understood Rama’s true nature, Parashurama felt deep regret and begged his pardon. With Shri Rama’s permission he went to Mount Mahendra and began severe penance. Later, by the order of his ancestors, he bathed in the Vadusara River at the holy Dipta Tirtha. In that Dipta Tirtha, the land of the Three Sages’ penance, Parashurama regained his own brightness after bathing. Son of Dharma, Yudhishthira, that Dipta Tirtha is this very Bhrigu Tirtha."

Yudhishthira listened with wonder, but yet another question came to him.

"Great sage, though Parashurama was a Brahmin, why did he fight against the Kshatriyas? What terrible harm had they done? Please tell me that."

Lomasa said, "Child Yudhishthira, Parashurama destroyed the Kshatriyas from the earth twenty-one times to avenge the death of his father Jamadagni. Sage Parashurama regarded his father, the great Jamadagni, as equal to God. At his father’s command, he even killed his own mother Renuka. But when his father was pleased, Parashurama asked for the blessing that his mother should live again, and thus he brought her back. That father, whom he saw as godlike, was killed by King Kartavirya while he was engaged in penance. Even after destroying Kartavirya and his huge army, the mighty Parashurama was not calm. He emptied the earth of Kshatriyas twenty-one times."

After seeing the great sage Parashurama on Mount Mahendra, the Pandavas journeyed on with Sage Lomasa. They crossed the Godavari River and Surparaka Tirtha and reached Mount Hemakuta.

That mountain was truly a wondrous place.

No rude or sorrowful person could even see that mountain, nor could such a one enter it. If even one word was spoken there, thousands and thousands of clouds and rocks would appear. From the sky there was always the sound of Vedic chanting, though no chanter could be seen. At dawn and at evening one could behold the fire-god with one’s own eyes.

Hearing this, Yudhishthira asked, "This mountain stands on the earth, yet people cannot see it. Is this some divine illusion, revered sage?"

"Yes, Yudhishthira," said Lomasa. "You may call it a mist of illusion. In ancient times the gods once came to bathe in the Nanda River. At that time the people of earth became eager to see them. Then Lord Indra hid this Hemakuta mountain beside the Nanda River from human sight, so that the gods could remain unseen. People who are sad at heart and without penance cannot see this mountain, Yudhishthira. The gods still live here, my son. That is why their sacrificial fires are seen here at dawn and evening."

Passing through many holy places, the Pandavas at last came with the great sage Lomasa to the Vaitarani River in the land of Kalinga.

By Lomasa’s command, Yudhishthira bathed there with his brothers and Draupadi.

Such was the greatness of the Vaitarani that the very moment he entered its waters, Yudhishthira felt as if he had gained the power of penance and risen from ordinary human nature to the high state of a sage. With divine sight he saw the sacrificial forest of Prajapati Brahma. With divine hearing he heard the sound of great souls chanting sacred names in the forest.

Then, at the order of Sage Lomasa, while remembering the name of Lord Narayana, he climbed upon the earth’s surface there as if it were an altar on the bank of the Vaitarani.

Crossing river after river and shrine after shrine by the sea, Yudhishthira finally reached the great Prabhasa Tirtha, the best among holy places on earth.

There he bathed, offered libations, and entered severe penance. Living only on air and water, with sacred fires burning on all sides, he spent twelve days there.

News of this hard penance reached Krishna and Balarama.

Then Krishna and Balarama came from Dwaraka to see the Pandavas, bringing with them other mighty heroes of the Vrishni clan.

When Satyaki, Pradyumna, and the other heroes of Krishna’s family saw the Pandavas dressed like ascetics, sleeping on the ground, and saw the suffering of Draupadi, they were filled with sorrow.

When Yudhishthira heard that Krishna and Balarama had come, he went at once to honor and welcome them. After the Vrishni heroes greeted him, the eldest Pandava welcomed them in return.

"Balarama, Krishna, you yourselves have come to see us. Elder brother, today my pilgrimage has become complete because of your visit. My merit has grown even more. Vasudeva, please accept my respect, affection, love, and goodwill."

Krishna replied, "King Yudhishthira, please accept Vasudeva’s greetings. Are you all making your pilgrimage in peace? Did any danger come upon you during your journey? O King, I have been greatly pleased to hear the news of your pilgrimage."

But Balarama was not pleased. His heart burned within him.

"King, but I cannot be pleased, Krishna. Then the truth of the world has changed, Krishna."

Krishna looked at him and asked, "What is this, elder brother? Why are you so angry? What truth do you say has changed?"

Balarama answered with force.

"Krishna, now it seems that those who follow righteousness do not rise, and those who are drowned in unrighteousness are not punished. Look at the noble Yudhishthira, Dharma himself, living in the forest with matted hair and loincloth. Yet the wicked Duryodhana rules the earth. Then what will people of little understanding think? They will think that unrighteousness is far better than following dharma. That is what they will believe. Bhishma, Drona, all of them have allowed the righteous Pandavas to be exiled. How can they sit so calmly, tell me, Krishna? And Dhritarashtra, blinded by love for his son, keeps supporting such great unrighteousness. Surely all of them will go to heaven and enjoy happiness there."

Then Satyaki spoke with fierce loyalty.

"Balarama, this is not the time for lamenting. The noble Yudhishthira says nothing because they are now keeping a vow. They are protecting truth. But why should we, who are the true well-wishers of the Pandavas, sit silent? It is now our duty to protect the Pandavas. Hastinapura thinks the Pandavas have no helper and no support. That is their false belief. Let us go and give a proper answer on behalf of the Pandavas. Come."

Another voice urged still more strongly, "You alone, by your anger, can destroy the earth, Balarama. Let that fire of your anger burn, and let the Duryodhanas be burned to ashes. Krishna, why are you silent? Has Arjuna’s disciple said anything wrong? Do you have no opinion in this?"

Krishna then spoke with steady wisdom.

"What Satyaki has said is true, elder brother. But Yudhishthira, keeper of the great vow, will not accept gifts from anyone. He will never accept a kingdom won for him by others. He will not claim as truth anything that he has not won by the strength of his own arms. And the vow he has taken cannot be moved by fear or greed. The five Pandavas and Krishnaa, none of them will give up their dharma or honor."

Then Yudhishthira himself answered Satyaki.

"Satyaki, Satyaki, what you have said shows your greatness. But child, to me truth is far more valuable than a kingdom. So I cannot give it up. In this world only Krishna knows me rightly. I too know Krishna from my heart. So I cannot decide when the war will be. Only when Krishna himself tells us to prepare for battle will there be war, and not before that."

At these words, Balarama became calm. Satyaki bowed and saluted Yudhishthira. The Pandavas and the Yadavas exchanged loving greetings.

Then Krishna returned by the path of the stars, taking Balarama and the Yadava heroes with him.

After the Yadavas departed, the Pandavas once again set out on pilgrimage.

This time they crossed the Vahusi River, Mount Vaidurya, the Yamuna River, the Sarasvati River, Kurukshetra, the Sindhu River, and the land of Kashmir. Then, beyond Manasa Lake, they came to the edge of the Himalayas.

There Yudhishthira said that Bhima, Sahadeva, and Draupadi should be left in some safe place, and that only Nakula should go with him across the Himalayas by the path shown by Sage Lomasa.

But Bhima would not agree.

He could not bear the thought of Yudhishthira going alone with only Nakula upon such a dangerous road. Draupadi too wished to remain with Yudhishthira. Therefore Sage Lomasa carefully led them all together along that hard and fearful path.

At last they reached Mount Gandhamadana.

There trouble came.

As they walked that difficult road, Draupadi, overcome by the weariness of the journey, fainted.

Full of sorrow and worry, Yudhishthira took Draupadi’s head upon his lap and began to weep.

"Alas, alas, I am a sinner. Because of my own actions this flower-soft princess of Panchala has to bear such great suffering. Seeing Panchali’s pain, I cannot calm myself at all."

Bhima spoke to comfort him.

"King, do not be troubled. We have laid Panchali on deerskin and are caring for her with all attention. O King, the sages here all know healing herbs. Panchali will recover. Please be patient, O King."

Still Yudhishthira’s heart was troubled.

"But Bhima, how will Panchali go through these snow-covered and difficult mountain paths? I had told you then, brother, to stay in a safe place with Panchali."

Bhima bowed and answered, "Forgive me, elder brother. I cannot let you go alone on this dangerous path. But do not worry about Panchali. I am calling Ghatotkacha to carry her. O brave Ghatotkacha, we have met great danger. Son, help us."

At once Ghatotkacha appeared and bowed before his father.

"Please accept the greetings of your son, father. Why have you remembered me? What can I do for you? Please command me."

Bhima blessed him.

"May you live long, son. Your mother has fainted from the great tiredness of the road. When she regains her senses by our care, carry her on your shoulder and travel through the sky, my son. See that she suffers no pain. Wherever we go on foot, you take your mother there."

Ghatotkacha answered, "As you command, father. Mother has regained her senses. I am lifting her carefully onto my shoulder. My attendants too have arrived here. They will carry you all."

So Ghatotkacha lifted Draupadi upon his shoulder. His attendants carried Yudhishthira and Bhima. Sage Lomasa alone moved on the difficult path by the power of his own spiritual success, shining like a second sun.

In this way they all reached Badrika Ashram.

With Sage Lomasa, the Pandavas went to see the temple of Nara-Narayana. The ascetics dwelling there welcomed Yudhishthira warmly. Following their instruction, he bathed in the waters of the Bhagirathi near the temple and offered libations.

There, in Badrikashrama, the Pandavas began to wait for Arjuna.

During their stay, a strange and beautiful thing took place.

One day, from the north-east, a thousand-petaled lotus floated through the air. Its color was wonderful, and its fragrance was equally marvelous. Draupadi saw it and held it in her hand in delight and surprise.

Then she went to Bhima and said, "Mighty-armed Bhima Sena, have you seen this wonderful lotus? I want to give it to King Yudhishthira. If I am dear to you, then bring me many more such lotuses. Wolf-bellied one, I will take those lotuses back with me to the Kamyaka forest."

Bhima smiled and answered at once, "Your wish is my command, Panchali. Do not worry. I am going at once with my bow to search for the lotus. Beloved, all the thousand-petaled lotuses of the Himalayas I will place in your hands."

To fulfill Draupadi’s wish, Bhima set forth with bow and arrows in hand.

Leaving Badrikashrama, he came once more to Mount Gandhamadana. Many wild animals lived there. Yakshinis too stayed there unseen. Wild buffaloes, boars, and herds of deer gazed in wonder at Bhima Sena, who moved as swiftly as the wind.

As he went, Bhima joyfully shook with great force the creepers, bushes, and huge trees of the mountain. While searching for the grove of those marvelous lotuses, he came upon a banana grove on the slope of Gandhamadana.

With a loud shout he pulled one of the banana trees. Birds, frightened by the sound, flew upward into the sky. Following them, Bhima came to a vast lake. Glad at heart, he bathed in its waters. Then he climbed onto the bank, stood before another banana grove, and with terrible force blew his conch in a mighty roar.

At that dreadful sound, lions sleeping in mountain caves awoke and roared fiercely. Herds of elephants, shaken by the noise, began to trumpet loudly.

But another heard that sound as well.

Hanuman, son of the wind, was there in that region.

Since Hanuman was the elder son of the wind-god, he was the elder brother of Bhima. Wishing to protect his younger brother from the wild creatures and yakshas of Mount Gandhamadana, he appeared there himself.

In the middle of the banana grove before which Bhima stood, Hanuman lay down across a very narrow path with his vast body. From his mouth came a terrible sound that echoed through the forests and mountain slopes all around.

Hearing that sound, Bhima became alert and restless. Was someone trying to attack him?

Shaking the grove and the mountain, Bhima rushed forward through the rows of banana trees. Going within, he saw upon a huge rock in the middle of the grove a monstrous tawny-colored monkey. His face was copper-colored. His teeth were sharp. His body seemed endless in size. He lay there like a living Himalaya, blocking the sky itself.

Standing before that great lord of monkeys, Bhima gave a lion-like roar.

"Hey, monkey, who are you? Why are you lying in the path of Bhima Sena today? Get up and leave my way. Otherwise there will be great trouble."

The monkey answered lazily, "Why did you wake me from sleep at this odd time? I am unwell. I was lying here resting. Who are you, and why are you shouting so much? This road is the path to the world of the gods. No human can go by this path. Go back to where you came from. Do not trouble me."

Bhima’s pride rose at once.

"What big words! Do you know who I am? I am Bhima Sena, the second Pandava. There is no hero in the world equal to me. Do you see these two hands? With these hands I can lift even the Himalayas. And you are only a small monkey. I am telling you to leave my path. Did you not hear me?"

The monkey replied, "This path is not yours. Leave this road, or there will be danger. You may die."

Bhima said, "Whether death comes or anything else, move away from my path. Let me go. I have no quarrel with you. If you let me pass, I will do you no harm."

The monkey answered, "Can you not see? I am sick. I have no strength to stand up. If you must go, then step over me and pass."

Bhima’s voice changed.

"In the body of every living being dwells that formless Supreme Soul. So to step over you would be to insult Him. I cannot do that. Move aside yourself and make way for me. Otherwise, just as Hanuman, devotee of Rama, crossed the ocean in one leap, I too can cross over you."

The monkey said, "Hanuman! Who is he to me?"

Bhima frowned and replied, "Foolish monkey, do you not know the great hero Hanuman, the devotee of Rama? He is my elder brother. He is most powerful, most virtuous, and the greatest among monkeys of all beings and all ages. I am strong like him. I have the power to crush you. So I tell you, make way for me, or go to the house of death."

Still the monkey remained unmoved.

"Why are you so angry with me? I am a sick old monkey. I do not have the strength to get up. Do one thing. Hold my tail and move it aside, and make your path."

Bhima said proudly, "You truly are a fool, I see. You will be punished for insulting me. Wait, I will throw you away just by holding this tail. With your weak body you will go straight to the house of death. This—"

He reached for the tail.

Then suddenly Bhima’s pride broke.

"Look, what is this! I cannot move even the tail of an ordinary monkey! Why is all my strength failing? What kind of illusion is this? Can this be possible?"

With all the power in his mighty body, Bhima still could not move that monkey’s tail even a little.

Sweat poured from his body. His hands and feet trembled. For the first time, Bhima was afraid.

Who was this being lying before him in the form of a monkey?

Now all the strength of mighty Bhima seemed to melt away. At last, the proud son of the wind felt that he would have to bow before a monkey.