Narendra Kohli has written a series on the women in Mahabharata. Hidimba is a small novella based on Hidimba – the Rakshasa wife of Bheem, the first ever daughter-in-law of the Pandavas. Her episode in Mahabharata is a small one. Her contribution to the Mahabharat war is a brave son Ghatotkach she bore to Bheem.
He has re-written Mahabharata as MahaSamar. That is one series that I hope to read sometime. As I intend to read his Ram Katha and other books. I had the opportunity to meet him at Ayodhya and we together visited Ram Janambhuni temple. It is one of my most cherished moments in life.
This small book details out the small episode when Bheem along with his brothers and mother stayed in Hidimbavan after Duryodhana tried to burn them in Varnavata. From this story, it seems they stayed here for a year or so as Ghatotkach is born during their stay.
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The story starts with Bheem killing Hidimba’s brother Hidimb who was also the ruler of the region. They belong to Rakshasa Jati and rule over the forests. The descriptions make them look more like tribals than anything else. Their lifestyle in sync with nature and their absolutely liberated culture is something that we can so easily relate to the tribes that live in deep jungles.
The story is very simple, Hidimba and Bheem fall for each other. Kunti does not want them to be married. Bheem cannot marry before his elder brother Yudhishthira. Also, the tribal girl does not suit their royal lineage. Anyway, she allows them to be married without any commitment as per the rules of the jungle with no liability after they leave the forest.
Also Read – Matsyagandha by Narendra Kohli
There is a bit of love story that leads to birth of the son. Soon, it is time for the Pandavas to leave for Hastinapur. In each chapter, the author highlights a point, or rather two divergent views on a subject that takes the form of a debate or a dilemma to highlight the dharma that the epic is always pointing towards.
In the first chapter, he highlights a woman in love through Hidimba. As a simpleton, she is compared to the civilized visitors in her land. Her open acknowledgment of her lust for Bheem and openness is something that is a sharp contrast to a very formal relationship that the brothers and their mother share. Her willingness to do anything to get the man she wants highlights a woman in love.
Also Read – Gandhari Ki Atmakatha by Manu Sharma
In the next chapter, in a dialogue between the resident Rishi and Yuddhistra dwells on the question – ‘Do we need to protect ourselves or shall we leave to God to protect us, for he knows why he has sent us here will always do the best for us’.
In another chapter, Bheem wants to take Hidimba with them. Something he knows his brothers would never agree with. Hidimba resolves his dilemma when she chooses to stay in the forest. She raises her son as the future ruler of the place. Even in her naivety, her political thinking shines through as she wants to be Raj Mata. She knows it would not be possible in Bheem’s family as he is not the eldest son.
Also Read – Anger and Forgiveness – Mahabharata Stories
Kunti’s dilemmas come as a mother who wants to let her son enjoy the marital bliss. At the same time, she must keep all his sons together all the time, as she knows their strength lies in being together.
The episode is simple. But it’s the debates between two different points of views that make it a very interesting reading. Ok, I am biased together towards Mahabharata.
You can visit Hidimba Temple at Doongri Vana near Manali in Himachal Pradesh.
Read it.
The story of Mahabharata has always put me into dilemma. It’s like a web of emotions and view points. The story of Hidimba again, (being a part of Mahabharata) seems to have the same qualities. I liked reading this review.
Yes Namrata – to me Mahabharata is a story of human dilemmas. Thank you 🙂 and keep coming back.