Chapter 1: The Tale of Brothers

The air was filled with the gentle strains of music as the story of the Mahabharata unfolded. It was an eternal epic, penned by the great sage Ved Vyasa, and had been translated into Bengali by scholars such as Haridas Siddhanta Bagish, Kaliprasanna Sinha, and Rajshekhar Basu. This version, simplified for entertainment, began to weave its magic.

As Sage Lomasa spoke of the importance of pilgrimage, Yudhishthira and his brothers, the Pandavas, met Krishna and Balarama at Prabhasa. Balarama was visibly upset with the happenings in Hastinapur. Meanwhile, in the serene surroundings of Badarikashrama, Bheema found himself in a strange confrontation with an elder brother he never knew he had—Hanuman, the mighty son of the wind god.

On the majestic Gandhamadana mountain, Bheema, known as the strongest man in the world, was locked in a struggle with a peculiar monkey. To his amazement, he found himself unable to move the monkey’s tail, no matter how much strength he exerted. Exhausted and humbled, Bheema finally understood the gravity of his situation. He bowed his head respectfully and spoke with genuine humility.

"Oh great one," Bheema said softly, "please be pleased. I see now that you are no ordinary monkey. In my ignorance and anger, I have spoken harsh words to you. I humbly ask for your forgiveness."

The large monkey regarded him with a wise gaze. "Anger and pride are indeed dangerous, Bheema," the monkey replied. "I have made a mistake as well. If you truly seek my forgiveness and wish to know who I am, I shall tell you. I am the son born to the wind god and the monkey mother Kesari. My name is Hanuman."

Bheema's eyes widened in astonishment. "You are Hanuman? You are Hanuman?"

"Yes, my child," Hanuman confirmed with a gentle smile. "I am Hanuman, the son of the wind god, the humble servant of Lord Ramachandra, the promoter of the name of Rama, and a close friend of the monkey king Sugriva. I am your elder brother, Bheema."

Overwhelmed with respect, Bheema bowed deeply. "Please accept my countless respects, Hanuman. I did not recognize you, and that was my mistake. Now, I wish to make amends by hearing the stories of Lord Rama from you. Please tell me about Lord Rama."

Hanuman nodded, his eyes gleaming with the light of ages past. "Sugriva, the son of the Sun, and Bali, the son of Indra, were both kings of the monkey clan. The monkeys loved and respected Sugriva much more, for Bali was not wise. Sugriva was my close friend. When the jealous Bali banished Sugriva from the kingdom, he came to live with me on the Rishyamukh Mountain."

Hanuman's voice grew more vibrant as he continued, "Some time later, Lord Vishnu's avatar, Shri Ramachandra, along with Goddess Lakshmi's form, Mother Sita, and the serpent avatar, Lakshmana, came to the forest. Prince Ramachandra of Ayodhya came to Dandakaranya to fulfill his father's promise. But the demon king Ravana, through the trickster Maricha, deceived him and kidnapped Mother Sita."

Bheema listened intently as Hanuman recounted the tale. "While searching for Sita, Ramachandra came to Rishyamukh Mountain with Lakshmana. There, he became friends with Sugriva. After defeating Bali, he made Sugriva the king. Under King Sugriva's orders, I led a huge monkey army to rescue Mother Sita."

Bheema, full of curiosity, asked, "Oh elder brother, many, many ages have passed since these events. But how have you lived for so many thousands of years? Have you used some special yoga, or is it a miracle?"

Hanuman chuckled softly, leaving the question lingering in the air like a sweet mystery. The stories of the past had only just begun to unfold, and Bheema knew there was so much more to learn from his newfound brother.

Chapter 2: Hanuman's Blessing

Hanuman's gentle smile carried the warmth of a thousand suns as he began to explain, "No, dear brother," he said, his voice as soft as a whispering breeze, "I have not used any miraculous powers. It is by Lord Rama's blessing that I have lived so long and will continue to live. Shri Ramachandra granted me the blessing of immortality. I prayed to the great Lord that as long as the name of Rama exists in the world, I wish to live and hear that name."

Bheema listened intently, his eyes wide with wonder. Hanuman continued, "He assured me that the name of God is eternal and will not disappear from the world until the end of time. I will continue to listen to that sweet name. By Mother Sita's blessing, I receive all I need to live right here. So, I simply chant the Lord's name with devotion."

"You are blessed, elder, and your life is blessed," Bheema said, his voice filled with admiration. "I am fortunate to have seen your divine presence, and my life is now fulfilled. I offer you countless respects. May you live long and be victorious, great hero. Please allow me to continue on this path now."

Hanuman shook his head gently, "No, Bhima, I cannot let you go this way. This path is not meant for humans. If you go this way, some yaksha or demon might curse you. That is why I stopped you from taking this divine path."

"But, brother, great hero," Bheema insisted, determination shining in his eyes, "I have come to collect a thousand-petaled lotus for Panchala. I must take this path."

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

Bheema hesitated, then said, "Please forgive me, Lord, I have a request. I will not leave until it is fulfilled. During the Treta Yuga, when Lord Ramachandra defeated Ravana, I wish to see the form you had then. I will not be satisfied until I see that form with my own eyes."

Hanuman sighed, a hint of regret in his voice, "Elder Bhima, I cannot fulfill this request, brother. The Treta Yuga was the age of three-legged Dharma. In Dvapara, Dharma stands on two legs. The characteristics change with each age. People of Dvapara have no right to witness the glory of Treta Yuga in this era."

Even as he spoke, Bheema persisted, "Forgive me, elder, but I cannot leave this place without seeing your true form. If you are truly pleased with me, please do not deny me, great hero. Show me your form from the Treta Yuga."

Hanuman paused, then nodded slowly, "Very well, since you insist, I will show you my ancient form."

As the air around them seemed to hum with energy, Hanuman, the wind god's son, began to transform. His body expanded, surpassing the majestic Gandhamadana mountain, stretching far beyond the banana groves. His copper-colored eyes gleamed fiercely, his sharp teeth and long tail seemed to engulf the entire world. Overwhelmed with fear, Bheema covered his eyes with both hands.

"Bhima," Hanuman's voice echoed like thunder, "behold my form. See, I can only show you half of what I was in the Treta Yuga. In front of enemies, my form grows even more terrifying, but it is not possible to show that here."

Bheema, trembling, pleaded, "Oh Lord, oh great hero, have mercy on me. Seeing such a terrifying form like the Vindhya mountains, I am overwhelmed with fear. Lord, like the relentless sun, I cannot bear your brilliance any longer. It feels like fierce flames are surrounding me. My body, mind, and eyes are all becoming numb. Great hero, please restrain this terrifying form. Please be calm, Lord, please be calm."

Hanuman's form began to recede as he spoke softly, "Do not be afraid, Bhima, I have restrained myself. You can be fearless now, my child."

Relief washed over Bheema, but a question lingered in his mind. "A deep doubt has arisen in my mind, great hero. Please dispel this doubt."

"Tell me, Bhima, what do you wish to know?" Hanuman asked gently.

"Lord," Bheema began, "if you wished, you could have defeated that demon Ravana and all his army by yourself. Compared to you, those demons are like mere toys. Then why was such a terrible war necessary, great hero?"

Hanuman's eyes softened as he explained, "Yes, Bhima, you are right. I could have killed all of them, including Ravana, with just a flick of my tail. But that would not have allowed Lord Rama's eternal glory to be established. Moreover, if Ravana died by my hand, he would have met a bad fate. By dying at Lord Rama's hands, he would attain the immortal realm. That is why Ravana was destined for Lord Rama. I am merely a servant of Lord Rama. Apart from my lord's command, there is nothing else in my life."

Chapter 3: The Lotus and the Lake

The air was filled with a gentle breeze as Hanuman, the mighty monkey god, continued to speak with Bhima. "Dear Bhima," he said, his voice calm and reassuring, "there is no doubt that our father, the Wind God, is always protecting you. With his blessings, do what is best for Yudhishthira, dear brother. I am very pleased to see you. Ask me for a boon, Bhima."

Bhima's eyes gleamed with determination. "The wicked ones like Duryodhana are as small as ants to me," he declared passionately. "I will go to Hastinapur and defeat them or even destroy the entire city if needed. Whatever you wish, I will do, dear brother."

Hanuman nodded, a faint smile on his lips. "O wise elder, seeing you has made my human life meaningful with your blessings," Bhima added, his voice filled with reverence.

"The Pandavas will always be safe, my lord," Hanuman assured. "With your power, we can defeat our enemies. So be it, mighty one, I assure you. When you roar like a lion on the battlefield, my voice will echo with yours. Hearing that roar, many enemies will fall."

Then, with a gentle wave of his hand, Hanuman continued, "Bhima, I will always be on Arjuna's flag in the battlefield. Great warrior Bhima, now go to collect lotuses. You will find a lake nearby, but be careful not to waste your strength. Bhima, do not take anything by force from a sacred place without divine permission."

Even though Hanuman warned him, Bhima was captivated by the amazing lake and forgot his elder's advice. The lake shimmered under the sunlight, its waters crystal clear, and the lotuses blooming in it were unlike any he had ever seen. As soon as Bhima saw the unique lotus garden, he rushed towards it.

But that lotus garden was guarded by fierce demons called the Rakshasas, who served the Yaksha King Kubera. They blocked Bhima's path, dressed in animal skins and armed with weapons. Even after knowing who he was, they forbade him from entering the lake without Kubera's permission. But mighty Bhima, in his anger, began to defeat the Rakshasas with his mace. Many lifeless bodies of demons lay scattered there. Seeing this, the remaining demons fled in fear towards Kubera's palace.

Now, in the quiet lake, Bhima freely roamed and drank water, happily gathering many lotuses. However, disturbing the divine lake caused a great commotion across the mountain. Hundreds of meteors began to fall. The sun set, and darkness crept in.

Sitting in Badrikashram, Yudhishthira was amazed by this strange change in nature. "What terrible event is happening today?" he wondered aloud. "Why is everything turning red? The animals and birds are not singing sweetly. Is some great danger coming? Everyone, be ready. Where is brother Bhima? I can't see him. Has Bhima gone on some daring adventure? Maybe that's why such strange things are happening. Panchali, do you know anything?"

Once upon a time, a fragrant lotus floated through the air and reached the king. The king asked Bhima to find the lotus garden from where it came. Bhima promised to bring back more lotuses and was sure he was searching in the northeast.

"Nakula and Sahadeva," Yudhishthira instructed, "you should get ready with your weapons. We will follow the path Bhima has taken. Ghatotkacha will carry Panchali. We trust in the skills and speed of the Rakshasas. Bhima is as fast as the wind and must have traveled far by now. We must reach him quickly to ensure he doesn't unknowingly upset the wise sages. It seems something important is about to happen."

Seeing Yudhishthira's concern, Ghatotkacha and his Rakshasa army promised to swiftly carry the Pandavas to Bhima. Ghatotkacha knew the way to the Kubera River very well. With the help of the Rakshasa army, Yudhishthira, Panchali, and the other two Pandavas reached the Kubera River. Lomasa Muni and other Brahmins also arrived there.

At the Kubera River, the Pandavas saw many Yaksha and Rakshasa bodies scattered around. Some had their heads split, others had broken limbs. Bhima stood there like a fierce warrior with two huge maces in his hands. Yudhishthira was worried seeing Bhima's actions.

"Oh no, Bhima, what have you done?" Yudhishthira exclaimed, his voice heavy with concern. "You have angered Kubera by killing his followers. I hope the gods do not become upset with you. May you be safe, Bhima. In the future, if you wish to do something for me, please do not act like this again."

"Brother, please forgive me, Dharmaraj," Bhima replied, his head bowed in shame. "I have done wrong. I will not do this again."

Chapter 4: The Deceptive Calm

The sun dipped low over the horizon, casting long shadows across the Gandhamadana Mountain as Yudhishthira and Bhima spoke in hushed tones. Their conversation was interrupted by the arrival of the Kubera River's guards. These men, towering and strong, approached with eyes as red as embers and weapons poised, searching for Bhima.

Seeing Yudhishthira among them, however, the guards hesitated. Their fierce expressions softened, and they quickly lowered their weapons, offering respectful greetings to Yudhishthira, the sage Lomasa, and the other Brahmins.

"Guards, do not be afraid," Yudhishthira assured them, his voice calm and steady. "No more harm will come to you. From now on, the mighty Bhima is not your enemy. Deliver this message to Kubera and continue your duties with peace of mind."

The guards nodded, relief washing over their faces. "Thank you for your assurance, Dharmaraj. May you be victorious. We will go to our king Kubera and deliver your message right away."

With peace restored, Yudhishthira and his companions remained on the tranquil Gandhamadana Mountain, enjoying the company of the wise sage Lomasa, the Brahmins, Panchali, and the other Pandavas. Together, they waited patiently for the right time to return to their homeland.

One day, as they rested under the shade of a great tree, Yudhishthira turned to Bhima, curiosity in his eyes. "Brother Bhima, we have visited all the holy places that people should see. The great sage Lomasa has told us about the importance of these places. We have bathed in their sacred waters and gained blessings. There is no holy place left unknown to us. But we have not yet seen Kubera's palace, which is protected by gods and sages. I have heard that the path from Gandhamadana Mountain to Kubera's palace is nearby. Do you know how we can get there?"

Bhima, ever confident, replied, "O King, I can carry all of you there swiftly like the wind."

But a voice warned them, "You are mistaken, King. The path from here to Kubera's palace is very difficult. No human can travel that way. You should return to the Badrika Ashram."

"After passing the hermitage of Vrishaparva, you will reach the hermitage of Arshena. From there, you can see Kubera's palace." This divine message from the sky stirred excitement among the Brahmins present. Sage Dhaumya and other ascetics exchanged puzzled glances, unsure of whose voice it was. Yet, they explained that Gandhamadana Mountain was a place of gods and guarded by Yakshas. Humans had no right to be there, so it was best to heed the advice and leave.

Taking the sage's counsel to heart, Yudhishthira and his companions returned to Badrika Ashram, where they lived peacefully for a time. However, unbeknownst to them, a wicked demon named Jatasura was plotting in the shadows. Disguising himself as a Brahmin, the cunning demon approached Yudhishthira, his demeanor calm and gentle.

"Greetings, King Yudhishthira," Jatasura said with a respectful bow. "I am a skilled advisor and well-versed in all scriptures. I have heard that you protect and care for Brahmins. Please protect me. I would be honored to serve a wise and just person like you."

Yudhishthira, unaware of the demon's true nature, listened to his words and, seeing his apparent devotion, decided to trust him. The disguised Jatasura waited patiently for the right moment to strike, biding his time without raising suspicion.

The day finally came when Ghatotkacha bid farewell to the Pandavas, and Bhima ventured into the forest for a hunt. Sage Lomasa was deep in meditation, and the other sages had gone elsewhere for their daily rituals. Seizing the opportunity, Jatasura shed his disguise, revealing his monstrous form. With a swift motion, he stole the Pandavas' weapons and captured Yudhishthira, Nakula, Sahadeva, and Draupadi.

"Jatasura, you wicked demon! How dare you!" Sahadeva shouted, his voice echoing through the forest. "You have touched King Yudhishthira and kidnapped Draupadi, born of fire. I won't let you succeed. I am Sahadeva, the youngest of the Pandavas, and you will see my strength now. Bhima hasn't gone far. I will call him loudly, and he will come to save us."

Chapter 5: The Demon Jatasura

Sahadeva clutched his sword tightly, his eyes blazing with determination as he faced the monstrous Jatasura. The demon's laughter echoed through the forest, mocking the young warrior's efforts to free himself. But Sahadeva was undeterred. With a swift and fierce motion, he swung his sword, attempting to break free from Jatasura’s grasp. Then, with all his might, he shouted into the depths of the forest, "Bhima! Bhima Sena! Brother Bhima! Come quickly. We are in great danger. A terrible demon has captured us. Brother Bhima! Brother Bhima Sena! Save us!"

Jatasura sneered, his voice dripping with malice. "Shout all you want, foolish boy. Scream as much as you like. Your brother Bhima isn't here. He's hunting in the deep forest, and you are my prey. I will kill all of you with these weapons. Then, I will take this beautiful lady with me. Your Panchali is mine now, understand?"

Sahadeva's heart burned with defiance. "You foolish demon, dreaming big dreams, aren't you? Dream as much as you want. This dream will last only a few moments. As soon as Bhima arrives, your end will come. Bhima will crush you like an ant."

His words were met with the demon's loud, mocking laughter. Sahadeva, having momentarily freed himself, dashed alongside Jatasura, desperately trying to free his brothers and Draupadi. But his strength alone was not enough to match the demon's power.

Amidst the chaos, Yudhishthira, calm and composed, addressed Jatasura. "Why have you attacked us? Even animals and birds follow their own nature. Demons have followed this path for ages, observing the rules of righteousness. I believe you understand righteousness well. So, you should follow your path of righteousness. Demons, gods, animals, birds, and insects all depend on humans for their existence. It is not right for you to trouble humans."

Jatasura laughed, a cruel glint in his eyes. "I will worship you with weapons. I will worship you with great bravery. Wait, Dharmaputra. You will see how I worship."

Sahadeva, undeterred, shouted, "Panchali, do not fear this foolish demon. I have increased my weight to slow him down. He cannot carry me. Bhima, Bhima is probably somewhere nearby. The time has come to kill the demon."

Just then, from the dense forest, Bhima emerged, his rage palpable. His eyes blazed as he saw Nakula and Draupadi in Jatasura's clutches. The mighty Bhima stood before the demon, his voice thundering, "Foolish demon, when you were under our shelter, you often looked at our weapons. I understood your intentions then, but I did not wish to kill you, so you are still alive. I held back because of your Brahmin appearance. Now come, I will send you to the path of Bakasura and Hidimba."

Sahadeva, now standing beside Bhima with his sword ready, called out, "Come, dear brother, Sahadeva and I are coming with swords to help you. Please allow us, brother."

The stage was set. The Pandavas, united in their resolve, prepared to face the demon Jatasura, knowing that together, they would be unstoppable.

Chapter 6: Bhima's Triumph

"You don't need to come," Bhima called back, his voice firm and resolute. "Stay with the Maharaja and Panchali. I will finish this demon on my own."

With those words, the great battle with Jatasura commenced. Bhima and the demon leapt at each other, their intentions clear: to overpower and defeat. The mighty Bhima, with strength likened to a thousand elephants, grabbed Jatasura with both hands and shook him fiercely, as if the demon were nothing more than a troublesome rag doll.

Bhima struck the demon hard on his back, head, and chest, each blow fueled by his unwavering resolve. Jatasura, though fierce, began to tire under the onslaught of Bhima's relentless attacks. Seizing the moment, Bhima lifted Jatasura high above his head, spinning him around with a force that seemed to make the very earth tremble. With a mighty roar, Bhima slammed Jatasura to the ground, the impact echoing like thunder in the valley.

Not finished yet, Bhima leapt upon the fallen demon, crushing him with his powerful fists. The sound of bones shattering under his blows was a grim testament to Bhima's might. In a final, decisive move, Bhima severed Jatasura's head from his body, ending the battle with a resounding victory.

With Jatasura's demise, the celestial beings watching from above sighed in relief. Yudhishthira, the eldest of the Pandavas, blessed Bhima for his bravery, while the sages of Badrikashram sang praises of his valor. Peace and prosperity returned to the serene lands of Badrikashram, the threat of the demon now a distant memory.

Yet, amidst the joy, Yudhishthira's thoughts turned to their brother Arjuna. Five years had passed since Arjuna ascended to the heavenly realm to learn the use of divine weapons. Before he left, Arjuna had promised to return to Kailash, and Yudhishthira was eager to witness his brother's return.

Gathering Draupadi and the rest of the Pandavas, Yudhishthira set out for Kailash. Unbeknownst to them, a new challenge awaited. Upon reaching the sacred mountain, Bhima found himself facing an unexpected situation. The celestial beings, once allies, now turned against him. What trials lay ahead for Bhima and his brothers?

The story of their journey and the challenges they must overcome in the realm of the celestials continues. What will Bhima do next? We will find out in the next chapter.