Bhim (16)--Notable Mortals Who Lived Through Most of the Four Eras

(This is an excerpt from my book “Four Eras of The Battling Gods & Mortals.” The book can be obtained from Amazon. The is also available at Kitab Ghar, Gaiety, Shimla. The Amazon link is given below):

https://www.amazon.in/dp/9390758173?ref=myi_title_dp

Opening Note : This write-up in installments, is intended to drive home the sole point, hitherto ignored by the historians with utter impunity, that Ramayan and Mahabharat periods were only couple of years apart, almost extending into each other. The study is based on the evidences from 18 Mahapuranas and 18 Uppuranas, along with other Ancient Indian scriptures. Here is the list of at least 106 notable personalities who were alive and present in these two epic periods and even beyond and prior to these periods.  I am confident that one day this truth will have to be accepted by savants of history and general public interested in the study of Ancient India.

Here Bhim, one among 116 mortals, who found references in the texts of  Mahabharat & Puranas.  A careful, meticulous and sincere study of these ancient literary composition reveals that most of such notables not merely find references in, but they actively interacted with the other people living through periods of Ramayan & Mahabharat.

 

16. Bhim—Also known as Bhimsen, he was one of the five Pandavas.

Kunti chanted a mantra of Vayudev (the wind-god) which was given to her by Durvasa and the consequence was the birth of Bhim. Hence he is called Vayu-putra (son of the wind-god). At the time of his birth a celestial voice announced that the boy would grow up to be the strongest among the strong.[1]

Bhim

Once Bhim entered Kadalivan where he found a big but old vanar was obstructing his path with his tail. Bhim dared him to get out of his way. Hanuman awoke from his slumber and raised his tail with a terrific sound. In the clash that ensued between Hanuman and Bhim the former came out victorious. Hanuman, however, congratulated Bhim and directed him on the path to the Saugandhik forest from where he wanted to bring special flowers. The forest was being guarded by the Rakshasas called Krodhavasa. Killing them he brought the flowers, and after that stayed in the Badarikashram with his brothers and Panchali.[2]

Not knowing that he is talking face to face with Hanuman, Bhim introduced himself as the brother of Hanuman. Bhim boasts that he could also have crossed the ocean and carried the mountain like Hanuman. Hanuman reveals his true identity and admits himself as his brother, both being Vayu-putras.[3] Bhim requested Hanuman to display his magnified form which he took at the time of crossing the ocean. When Hanuman displayed his form, Bhim expressed his surprise at the need for Shri Ram to defeat and kill Ravan, when Hanuman could have done it single-handed on his behalf.[4]

On their return to Hastinapur the Pandavas took shelter in the palace built by architect Maiy. There Maiy, father of Mandodri, also presented a magnificent club to Bhim.[5]

While Pandavas were on exile, Arjun had gone to forest for the penance done to secure blessings of Shiv for getting Pashupatastra. The rest of the brothers continued their journey northward crossing various mountain peaks, and still walking they reached Kubera's Alakapuri when a Yaksh called Maniman obstructed their progress. Bhim killed Maniman and the other Yakshas who rushed to his support. Finally Kuber himself saw Bhim and blessed the Pandavas. While they were returning from Kubera's palace Bhim was caught by a python. It was Nahush transformed into a python on account of a curse. Bhim killed it and it assumed its original form as King Nahush.[6] By this time Arjun had obtained Pasupatastra from Shiv and returned to his brothers. After that Pandavas continued their journey in the forest.

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[1] Mahabharat, Adi Parv, Adhyay 122, Shlok 14-15.

[2] Mahabharat, Van Parv, Adhyay 146-147, 152.

[3] Mahabharat, Van Parv, Adhyay 147, Shlok 13. Adhyay 151, Shlok 15.

[4] Mahabharat, Van Parv, Adhyay 150.

[5] Mahabharat, Sabha Parv, Adhyay 3, Shlok 18-20.

[6] Mahabharat, Udyog Parv, Adhyay 17; Van Parv, Adhyay 179; Shanti Parv, Adhyay 342.