Mahabharata - Slaying of Jatasura

On Gandhamadan Mountain, Bhima Sen met a strange monkey and found, to his great shame, that he could not defeat him by strength.

Bhima, the son of the wind, Bhima, the strongest man in the world, had been stopped by a monkey. Not only that—he could not even move the monkey’s tail.

Bhima tried once more. Gathering all the strength in his mighty body, he seized Hanuman’s tail and pulled with terrible force. But even then, no, he could not move it even a hair’s breadth.

At last he stopped trying.

Then Bhima came and stood before that huge monkey with bowed head. He saluted him. Lowering his face in shame, he said in a humble voice, "Lord, please be gracious. I have understood this much, that you are no ordinary monkey. In ignorance and anger, I have spoken many harsh words to you. I humbly beg you, please forgive me, sir. Anger and pride are very dangerous things, Bhima Sen. I have truly done wrong. If you are even a little pleased with me, if you forgive me, then please tell me, who are you? Are you some god, siddha, or gandharva? Who are you? I am like your disciple. If it is not completely secret, if I have the right to hear it, then please tell me about your true form."

The monkey replied, "Bhima Sen, son of Pandu, if you truly wish to know who I am, then listen. The great life-force of the world is the wind-god. In the womb of the monkey mother named Keshab, he gave birth to a son. I am that son. My name is Hanuman."

Bhima stared in wonder. "You are Hanuman! You are Hanuman!"

The monkey said gently, "Yes, child, I am Hanuman, son of the wind, the younger servant of Shri Ramchandra, the spreader of Ram’s name, and the close friend of the monkey king Sugriva. In truth, Bhimen, I am your elder brother."

At once Bhima bowed deeply. "Please accept my countless salutations. It is my fault that I did not recognize you. Now I wish to make up for that fault by hearing the story of Shri Ramchandra from your own mouth. Please tell me about Shri Ram."

Hanuman began to speak.

"Surya’s son Sugriva and Indra’s son Bali, both were kings of the monkey race. The monkeys had much more love, devotion, and loyalty for Sugriva, because Bali was a wicked-minded monkey. Sugriva is my close friend. When the jealous Bali drove Sugriva out of the kingdom, he came with me and lived on Rishyamukha Mountain.

"Some time after that, Shri Ramchandra, the incarnation of Lord Vishnu, Mother Sita in the form of Lakshmi, and Lakshman, the incarnation of Shesh Nag, all three came to the forest in exile. When Prince Ramchandra of Ayodhya came to Dandakaranya to keep his father’s promise, the magical Marich deceived him on the order of the demon king Ravan. Taking that chance, Ravan came and carried away Sita.

"While searching for Sita, Ramchandra came with Lakshman to Rishyamukha Mountain. There he became friends with Sugriva. After killing Bali, he placed Sugriva on the throne. By the order of King Sugriva, I marched to war with a great monkey army to rescue Sita."

Bhima listened with folded hands. Then he asked, "Elder brother, many ages have passed since that event, but how have you lived for so many thousands of years? Have you followed some path of yoga, or is this also some miracle?"

Hanuman smiled. "No, younger brother, I have not depended on any miracle. I have lived this long by the blessing of Shri Ram, and I will live much longer."

Bhima asked, "Did Shri Ramchandra bless you with immortality?"

Hanuman replied, "I prayed to my elder lord that as long as Ram’s name would remain in the world, I might remain alive and hear that name spoken aloud. He granted that. There is no end to the Lord’s name, child. This name is eternal. Until greed disappears, the name of Ram will not vanish from the earth. And I will keep hearing that sweet name. By Mother Sita’s blessing, whatever little I need to stay alive comes to me while I sit here. So with a single mind I only chant the Lord’s name."

Bhima said with devotion, "Blessed are you, elder brother, blessed is your life. By great good fortune I have been able to see your holy feet. My life too has become blessed. I bow to you, to you again and again."

Hanuman blessed him. "May you live long, child. May you be victorious."

Bhima then said, "O mighty hero, please now allow me to go on this path."

But Hanuman shook his head. "No, Bhima, I cannot let you go by this path. This path cannot be crossed by human beings. If you go this way, some yaksha or rakshasa may curse you. That is why I stopped you from going on this divine path, brother."

Bhima answered, "O mighty hero, I have come to take a thousand-petaled lotus for Panchali. I must go by that path."

Hanuman said, "No, brother, there is no need to go that way. You will find what you want in that nearby lake. For now, go to that lake."

But Bhima was not yet ready to leave. Folding his hands again, he said, "Please forgive me, lord, I have one request. Unless that request is fulfilled, I will not go anywhere. Please show me the form you had in Treta Yuga when Lord Ramchandra was destroying Ravan. I will not be satisfied until I see that form with my own eyes."

Hanuman said, "Elder Bhima, I will not be able to fulfill this request of yours, brother. Treta Yuga was the age when dharma stood on three feet. In Dwapar, dharma stands on two. With each age, its nature changes. The people of Dwapar have no right to see the glory of Treta Yuga. Standing in this age, even I myself cannot return to that form of Treta, Bhima. If you have any other request, then say it."

Still Bhima pleaded, "Please forgive me, elder brother, but I cannot leave this place without seeing that true form of yours. If you are truly pleased with me, then please do not deny me, mighty hero. Show me that form of your Treta age."

At last Hanuman agreed. "Very well, since you are begging so earnestly, I will show you that ancient form of mine."

The Form of Hanuman

Then Hanuman, the son of the wind, slowly began to return to his original form before Bhima.

As he grew and grew, his body rose beyond Gandhamadan Mountain. As he spread out, he covered the banana forest there and stretched far beyond it. His copper-colored eyes, sharp teeth, bent face under wrinkled brows, and long tail seemed to swallow the whole world.

Before that giant form, frightened and shaken, Bhimen covered his eyes with both hands.

Hanuman said, "Bhimen, look, this is my form. See, even now I can show only half of the form I had in Treta Yuga. When my power rises before enemies, my form becomes even more terrible, but it is not possible to show that here."

Trembling, Bhima cried out, "O lord, O mighty hero, have mercy on me. Seeing such a fearful form, like a great mountain, I am trembling with fear. Lord, I can no longer bear this blazing power of yours, like the cruel sun. On all sides I seem to see the flames of a fierce fire. My body, mind, and eyes are all growing weak. Mighty hero, please withdraw this terrible form. Be calm, lord, please be calm."

Hanuman said kindly, "Do not be afraid, Bhimen, I have restrained myself. Be fearless now, child."

Bhima bowed again and said, "A strong doubt has arisen in my mind, mighty hero. Please clear this doubt for me."

"Speak, Bhima," said Hanuman. "What do you wish to know?"

Bhima said, "Lord, if you wished, you alone could have killed that demon Ravan and all his army. Compared to you, that demon race is nothing but toys. Then why was such a terrible war needed, mighty hero?"

Hanuman answered, "Yes, Bhima, what you say is true. I could have killed Ravan and all the others just by moving my tail. But then the endless glory of Shri Ram could not have been established. Besides, if Ravan had died by my hand, his end would have been bad. If he died by Lord Ramchandra’s hand, he would go to the immortal world. That is why Ramchandra himself was chosen for Ravan.

"I am only the servant of Shri Ram. Apart from my lord’s command, I have nothing else in my life. Child Bhima, our father, the wind-god, is always protecting you. There is no doubt about that. By his blessing, do whatever is best for Yudhishthir. Younger brother, I am very pleased to see you. Ask me for a boon. Bhima, wicked men like Duryodhan are as small as ants to me. I can go to Hastinapur and destroy them, or I can destroy the whole city itself. Whatever you want, I will do, younger brother."

Bhima replied, "O wise elder brother, by seeing you my human birth has become meaningful. By your blessing, the Pandavas will always remain safe. Lord, by your power we will be able to defeat our enemies."

Hanuman said, "So be it, O mighty one. I give you fearlessness. When in battle you show great courage and roar like a lion, my own roar will sound through your voice. Hearing that roar, many enemies will lose their lives on the battlefield. Bhima, I will always remain upon Arjun’s banner in battle. Great Bhima Sen, now go and collect the lotuses. You will soon see the lake nearby. But be careful, Bhima, do not waste your strength. Without divine permission, do not take anything by force from a holy place."

Kubera’s Lotus Lake

Though Hanuman, the son of the wind, warned him, when Bhimen saw that wonderful lake, he forgot his elder brother’s warning.

There was nothing like that lake in the world. Its water was so clear, and the lotuses blooming upon it were of such strange beauty. The moment he saw that matchless lotus garden, Bhima Sen ran toward it at great speed.

But that lotus garden belonged to Kubera, king of the yakshas. Terrible demons called Krodhavasha guarded it. Wearing deer-skin and carrying weapons, Bhimen found them blocking his path.

Even after learning who he was, the demons forbade him to enter the lake without Kubera’s permission.

But the mighty Bhimen began to end the lives of the Krodhavasha demons with blows from his mace. Countless lifeless demon bodies fell there. Seeing this, the remaining demons fled in fear toward Kubera’s palace.

Then, in that lonely lake, after bathing and drinking water as he pleased, Bhimen happily began picking countless lotuses.

Meanwhile, because he had disturbed the divine lake, a great shaking began across the mountain. Hundreds of meteors came rushing down. The sun set, and darkness gathered.

Sitting in Badrikashram, Yudhishthir was astonished to see this strange change in nature.

"What a terrible thing is happening today!" he said. "Why are all directions turning so red? There is no sweetness in the cries of birds and animals. Is some dreadful danger coming? All of you, all of you stay ready. Where is brother Bhima Sen? I do not see him. Has Bhima gone to do some reckless deed? Perhaps that is why such strange things are happening. Panchali, do you know anything?"

Draupadi replied, "Maharaj, that very sweet-smelling lotus that came floating through the air—I asked Bhima Sen to search for the lotus grove from which it came. Bhima promised to bring me many more lotuses. I am sure he is searching for that lotus grove in the north-east."

At once Yudhishthir rose. "Nakul, Sahadev, take up your weapons at once. We will go in the same direction that brother Bhima has gone. Let Ghatotkacha carry Panchali. Rakshasas, we trust your skill and speed. Bhima is swift as the wind. By now he has surely gone very far. Let not the second Pandava become guilty before the Veda-knowing sages because of some unintentional mistake. We must reach Bhima quickly. It seems something serious is about to happen."

Seeing Yudhishthir’s worry, Ghatotkacha and his demon army promised that they would carry the Pandavas on their shoulders and take them to Bhima at the speed of the wind. Ghatotkacha knew the path to Kubera’s river and all the surrounding places perfectly.

So, with the help of the demon army, they carried Yudhishthir, Panchali, and the other two Pandavas to that place near Kubera’s river. Lomash Muni and the other Brahmins also came there.

Reaching the river, the Pandavas saw countless bodies of yakshas and demons lying scattered about. Some had split heads, some had been struck by fierce blows, and some had their hands and feet torn apart.

Standing before them with two huge maces in his hands was Bhima himself, like Yama at the end of time, destroyer of men.

Seeing this great slaughter by Bhima, Yudhishthir became deeply troubled.

"Alas, alas, Bhimen, what have you done!" he cried. "You have caused anger. These dead yakshas and demons are all attendants of Kubera. By killing them you have made Kubera angry. Brother, may the gods not turn against you. May good come to you, Bhimen. If in future you wish to do what is dear to me, then never do such a thing again, brother."

Bhima lowered his head. "Please forgive me, Dharmaraj, I have done wrong. I will never do such a thing again."

Peace with Kubera’s Guards

While Yudhishthir and Bhima were speaking, the strong, tall, red-eyed guards of Kubera’s river came there looking for Bhima, carrying stones and weapons in their hands.

But they had not expected to find Yudhishthir near Kubera’s river.

So when they unexpectedly saw the son of Dharma there, they lowered their weapons and, with bowed heads, saluted Yudhishthir, Lomash Muni, and the other Brahmins.

Yudhishthir said to them, "O guards, you, you need not fear. No more blows will fall upon you. From now on mighty Bhimen is no longer your enemy. Give this news to Kubera, keeper of the divine treasures, and carry out your duties in peace."

The guards answered, "By your assurance we are freed from fear, Dharmaraj. Victory to you. We will go at once to our king Kubera and deliver your message."

After making peace with Kubera and his followers, Yudhishthir stayed there with Lomash Muni, the Brahmins, Panchali, and the other Pandavas. While staying on Gandhamadan Mountain, they all waited there to return.

During that time, one day Yudhishthir said, "Brother Bhima, we have visited all the holy places that human beings can visit. Great sage Lomash has told us the glory of those places. In the waters of all those holy places we have offered rites, bathed, and gained full merit. There is no holy place unknown to us now. But we still have not seen Kubera’s palace, which is guarded by gods and sages. I have heard that the road from Gandhamadan Mountain to Kubera’s palace is near. Do you know any way to go there?"

Bhima answered, "Dharmaraj, I can carry all of you on my shoulders and take you there at the speed of the wind."

Just then a divine voice came from the sky. "King Yudhishthir, you are mistaken. The road from here to Kubera’s palace is very hard. No human being can go that way. Return to Badrikashram. From there, cross the hermitage of Vrishaparva and go to the hermitage of Arsen. From that hermitage you will be able to see Kubera’s palace."

Hearing that divine voice from the sky, excitement spread among the Brahmins who were present. Sage Dhaumya and the other ascetics said that they did not know whose voice it was, but Gandhamadan Mountain was a place fully belonging to the gods and the roaming ground of yaksha guards. No human had any right there. So it was proper to leave that place at once.

Following the advice of the sages, Yudhishthir and all the others returned again to Badrikashram and lived there peacefully.

The Disguised Demon

At that time, an evil-minded demon named Jatasur began to look for a way to steal the Pandavas’ weapons and Draupadi.

Giving up his demon form, the cunning demon took the disguise of a Brahmin. Calm and gentle in appearance, one day he came before Yudhishthir and said, "I bow to you, Dharmaraj Yudhishthir. I am a worthy Brahmin, skilled in counsel and learned in all scriptures. I have heard that you protect and support Brahmins. Please protect me."

Yudhishthir replied, "O Brahmin, by serving a wise and scripture-loving Brahmin like you, I shall be blessed. You are welcome as our guest."

Seeing Jatasur’s disguise, Yudhishthir could not understand his true identity at all. Hearing scriptural words from his mouth, seeing his worship at the three times of day, his evening prayers, and his devotion to the Vedas, Yudhishthir trusted him simply and treated that demon in Brahmin form with care and honor.

The cunning Jatasur waited for his chance. Especially while Ghatotkacha and his followers remained with Yudhishthir, there was not the slightest fault in his false Brahmin conduct.

One day, after taking leave, Ghatotkacha departed from the Pandavas. That day Bhimen had also gone out hunting. Lomash Muni was deep in meditation. The other sages had gone elsewhere for bathing or gathering flowers.

Jatasur had been waiting for just such a chance.

Taking on his huge and ugly form, he seized all the Pandavas’ weapons. Then he captured Yudhishthir, Nakul, Sahadev, and Draupadi and hurried away with them.

Sahadev burned with anger. "So, wicked demon, you dare this much! You have touched Dharmaraj Yudhishthir and carried off Draupadi, born of fire. I will never let you fulfill your aim. I am Sahadev. Though I am the youngest among the Pandavas, you will see my strength now. Bhima has not gone very far yet. Brother, I will call him loudly at once. He will come and save us."

With his sheathed sword in hand, Sahadev freed himself from the demon’s grasp by great effort. Then he began shouting loudly for Bhima Sen. Bhima had by then entered the deep forest to hunt.

"Bhima! Bhima Sen! Brother Bhima! Come quickly! We are in terrible danger. A dreadful demon has carried us away. Brother Bhima! Brother Bhima! Brother Bhima Sen! Save us!"

Jatasur laughed cruelly. "Foolish boy, shout as much as you want. Shout with all your life. Your brother Bhima will not come here to save you. He is now hunting deer in the deep forest, and you are my prey. I will kill all of you, all of you, with this very weapon. Then, then I will roam with this beautiful woman. Your Panchali is mine now, understand!"

Sahadev said, "Mad demon, you love dreaming. Dream then, as much as you can. But this dream will last only a few moments. As soon as Bhimen comes, your end will come. Bhimen will crush you like an ant."

Jatasur sneered, "Bhimen will come! Bhimen!"

After freeing himself, Sahadev ran fast beside Jatasur. He kept crying for help and calling Bhimen. He tried with all his might to free the other two Pandavas and Draupadi. But alone he could not fight Jatasur’s strength.

Seeing the sad condition of his two younger brothers and Yajnaseni, the calm and self-controlled Yudhishthir now said to Jatasur, "Why have you attacked us? Even animals and birds, who are outside the human race, remain established in their own dharma. Especially the rakshasas have carried this dharma from ancient times. They see dharma directly, face to face. I think rakshasas know dharma well. Therefore you too should remain on the path of dharma. Rakshasas, gods, animals, birds, insects, all kinds of living beings depend on human beings for their lives. They prosper when humans prosper. Therefore it is not right for you to trouble humans."

Jatasur answered with mockery, "Jatasur will worship you indeed. I will worship you with weapons and with heroic force, son of Dharma. Wait and see what kind of worship I do."

Yudhishthir said sternly, "Jatasur, you are going too far! We are the protectors of this land. We are kings. If a king does not protect, how will the subjects live? How will they gain happiness and prosperity? In the law of the rakshasas it is written that if a king is innocent, then no rebellion should be made against him. Evil-minded demon, after eating our food, you wish to destroy us! Tell me, tell me, what is our fault? There is no doubt that you will die, but even that death of yours will be useless."

Jatasur growled, "Foolish king, I will die! Jatasur will die! Listen well, no one has yet been born who can kill Jatasur. Not even your Bhima Sen can kill me."

Yudhishthir said, "You will surely die. You have touched Draupadi. You have drunk deadly poison hidden in a pot full of water. Your death is certain."

Then suddenly the demon slowed and cried out, "What is happening? What is happening? What is happening? Why can I not move forward at the speed of the wind? Why is my speed falling so much?"

Yudhishthir said to Draupadi, "Panchali, do not fear this foolish demon. I have increased my own weight and slowed his speed. He cannot carry me now. Bhima, Bhimen, is probably somewhere near. The time has come for this demon to die."

Sahadev raised his sword and said, "Maharaj, the demon’s speed has slowed. Now I will kill him. Stay there, demon, I am Sahadev, son of Pandu. Your death is written by my hand."

Bhima and Jatasur

The moment Sahadev raised his sword and shouted, Bhimen came rushing like an arrow from the nearby deep forest.

Seeing Yudhishthir, Nakul, and Draupadi held captive by Jatasur, he became mad with anger.

The demon Jatasur, under the power of fate, had now lost his way. He was circling again and again on the same path.

The huge Bhimen came before that blind and maddened demon and said in a fierce voice, "Wretched fool of a demon, when you lived in our shelter, you kept looking again and again at our weapons. Even then I had understood your intention, but you are still alive only because I had no wish to kill you. Seeing your Brahmin dress, I restrained myself. Your crime had not yet become complete, so you did not die. Now come, come, I will send you on the path of the demon Baka and the demon Hidimba."

Jatasur roared back, "So, fool, you think I have lost my way! No, I was only delaying for your arrival. Today I will kill you and offer my friend a libation with your blood. Come, come, let me see how great a hero you are, come."

Nakul and Sahadev cried out, "Great brother, Sahadev and I are coming with swords to help you. Please give us permission."

But Bhima said, "No, brothers, you need not come. Stay and guard Maharaj and Panchali. This demon, I, I alone will finish him."

And the great battle with Jatasur began.

They leaped upon each other, threw each other to the ground, and struggled to drag one another. Mighty Bhimen seized Jatasur with both hands and began to shake him violently. Bhima struck the demon hard on the back, head, and chest.

Under those terrible blows Jatasur at last grew weak.

Bhima Sen lifted him with both hands and whirled him over his head with dreadful force. Then he smashed him down upon the ground and jumped upon him. Under the blows of his thunder-like fists, all of Jatasur’s limbs were crushed.

Then with a powerful stroke Bhima cut Jatasur’s head from his body.

At Jatasur’s death, holy beings in the sky cried out in relief. Yudhishthir blessed Bhima. The sages of Badrikashram began to praise him. Happiness and peace returned once more to Badrikashram.

The Road Toward Kailash

But now Yudhishthir decided to leave that place and travel toward Kailash.

Arjun’s fifth year in the world of the gods had also passed. Now it was time for his return. Before going to gain the divine weapons, Arjun had said that he would come down from heaven to Kailash.

So Yudhishthir decided to travel toward Kailash so that he could see Arjun’s return with his own eyes.

But he did not know that another terrible danger was waiting there for him.

Now he would have to face one more hard test.