One day, while the Pandavas were out collecting alms, Bhima remained at home with his mother, Kunti. Suddenly, Kunti heard loud and heart-wrenching cries coming from the Brahmana family’s quarters. Moved by compassion, and unable to ignore the sorrowful wails, Kunti turned to Bhima, saying, “We have found refuge in this Brahmana’s home, where Duryodhana cannot find us and we are respected.” It weighs heavily on my heart that he might be in distress. We owe him so much. If we can be of any help, we must help him.” Upon hearing this, Bhima responded, “Mother, please find out what troubles the Brahmana. No matter how difficult the task, I will find a way to resolve it.”
While they spoke, more sorrowful cries echoed from the Brahmana’s quarters. Kunti, filled with concern, rushed to the Brahmana’s chambers, much like a mother running to her distressed child. There, she saw the Brahmana, his wife, son, and daughter, sitting in sorrow. She overheard the Brahmana lamenting, “Alas, this earthly life is full of suffering! Misery follows us at every turn, and pursuing wealth and happiness only brings more sorrow. I don’t know the way to lead my family to safety from this danger. I once asked you, dear wife, to leave this place for a safer land, but you remained here, bound by memories of your ancestors. A terrible loss now confronts us. How can I abandon my family to save myself? How can I sacrifice one of my children or my wife?”
Hearing this, the Brahmana’s wife said, “Do not despair, my husband. Life and death are inevitable. I will sacrifice myself to save you and our children. A devoted wife’s duty includes this. I have already given you a son and a daughter; my role in this life is fulfilled. You can care for them better than I ever could. If I die, I will bring peace to your heart and earn eternal merit for myself. Let me go, for it is my duty to protect my family. You can remarry and continue to raise our children. While men can remarry, women do not get a second chance at life after their husbands.
Moved by his wife’s words, the Brahmana embraced her, and they wept together in sorrow. At this point, their daughter, witnessing their grief, spoke up: “Why do you cry so, as though you have no hope? Abandon me instead, for it is the duty of children to rescue their parents. Sacrifice me so that you may live. I am ready to save our family. My brother is too young, and if you both die, he will be lost. If you live, our lineage and our ancestors’ legacy will continue. I will willingly sacrifice myself to secure the happiness and future of our family. This is the highest duty a daughter can perform.”
Overcome with grief, the Brahmana, his wife, and their daughter wept together. Their young son, not fully understanding, spoke sweetly, “Do not cry, father, mother, or sister! I will slay the Rakshasa with this blade of grass!” His innocent words brought a moment of joy to their tearful faces.
Seeing this, Kunti stepped forward and spoke gently, offering hope to the grieving family. Her words, like nectar, revived their spirits. The Brahmana replied, “your words reflect your wisdom and compassion, but this sorrow cannot be lifted by any human means. Not far from this town lives a Rakshasa named Baka, a fierce cannibal who rules over this land and its people. He feeds on human flesh and, endowed with immense strength, protects this region. Because of his power, we face no threats from enemies or other dangers, but his price for this protection is dreadful. He demands a cartload of rice, two buffaloes, and a human being to deliver them.
This offering must be provided by each household in rotation. Fortunately, many years elapse before the same family needs to make the sacrifice once more. However, if anyone refuses or tries to evade their turn, the Rakshasa kill them, along with their children and wives, and devour them all. The fateful turn to provide the Rakshasa’s fee has come to my family. I must give him the rice, buffaloes, and a human being. But I have no wealth to buy a person, and I cannot bring myself to offer anyone from my family. Trapped in this situation, I feel overwhelmed by grief, with no way to escape. I will go to the Rakshasa today, accompanied by my entire family, so that the monster may devour us all at once.” However, Kunti promised the Brahmana that her son would do that task for them suffering no harm and protect the family.
After Bhima had pledged, saying, “I will accomplish this task,” the Pandavas returned home with the alms they had gathered during the day. Yudhishthira, observing Bhima’s expression, suspected what task his brother had taken upon himself. Seated next to his mother, Yudhishthira privately asked, “O Mother, what is this task that Bhima, mighty in battle, has undertaken? Did you command him, or has he done this on his own?” Kunti replied, “At my request, Bhima, the vanquisher of enemies, will perform this great deed for the benefit of the Brahmana and to free this town.”
Yudhishthira said, “What have you done, Mother? This task is dangerous and nearly impossible, like a call to death! Wise men never approve of sacrificing one’s own child. Why would you, Mother, offer your own son to save another’s? By doing this, you go against both the traditions of humanity and the teachings of the Vedas. Bhima, on whose strength we rely to sleep peacefully at night, whose might give us hope of reclaiming the kingdom stolen by Dhritarashtra’s greedy son, Bhima, whose unmatched prowess keeps Duryodhana and Shakuni awake at night, and who rescued us from the palace of lac and other perils—how can you even think of abandoning him? Has suffering clouded your judgment?”
Kunti responded, Do not worry about Bhima, Yudhishthira. My decision was not made out of confusion or weakness. Respected by this Brahmana, we have lived peacefully in his home, safe from the eyes of Dhritarashtra’s sons. To repay him, I made this decision. Noble people always recognize kindness. The return of their gratitude is always greater than the service offered. After witnessing Bhima’s strength when we escaped from the house of lac and his defeat of Hidimba, I am fully confident in Bhima’s power. His strength is equal to ten thousand elephants. Therefore, he single-handedly transported you all—each elephantine in weight—from Varanavat. There is no one on earth as strong as Bhima—he can even face Indra, the wielder of the thunderbolt. Soon after he was born, Bhima fell from my lap onto a mountain, and the stone beneath him shattered. From that, I knew his power. That is why I have decided to send him against the Rakshasa. I made this decision neither out of ignorance nor greed. I have chosen this path with full deliberation. This act will achieve two things: it will repay the Brahmana’s kindness and earn us great spiritual merit.
The next morning, Bhima, carrying the Rakshasa’s food, set out for the forest where the cannibal Baka lived. As he approached the Rakshasa’s lair, Bhima began eating the food himself, all the while calling out to Baka. Enraged by Bhima’s boldness, the Rakshasa emerged. He was enormous, with red eyes, red hair, and a fearsome visage. His mouth stretched from ear to ear, and his ears stood straight like arrows. Furious at the sight of Bhima eating his meal, the Rakshasa said, “Who is this fool who dares to eat my food, seeking his own death?”
Bhima, however, merely smiled and, ignoring the Rakshasa, continued eating. Enraged, Baka let out a terrible roar and charged at Bhima with arms raised, intent on killing him. Bhima, undeterred, cast only a glance at the Rakshasa and kept eating. Furious beyond measure, Baka struck Bhima hard from behind, but the mighty Bhima didn’t even flinch, continuing to eat the Rakshasa’s meal. Enraged, the Rakshasa uprooted a tree and hurled it at Bhima. By now, Bhima had finished his meal and stood ready for battle. Effortlessly, he caught the tree hurled at him. As Baka continued throwing trees, Bhima retaliated by hurling them back, and soon the surrounding forest was stripped of trees.
Realizing that Bhima was no ordinary opponent, Baka sprang upon him. But Bhima, with his immense strength, seized the Rakshasa, and the two began a fierce struggle, dragging each other across the ground. Exhausted, Baka found himself outmatched. Bhima, pressing him to the ground, struck him with great force. Finally, Bhima placed one knee on Baka’s back, grabbed his neck with one hand and his waist with the other, and bent him in half. The Rakshasa roared in agony, vomiting blood as he died.
Baka, huge as a mountain, died with a final, terrible roar. Hearing the noise, his kin rushed out in fear, only to find Bhima standing victorious. Frightened, they promised Bhima they would never again harm humans. Bhima dragged the Rakshasa’s lifeless body to the town’s gate and left unnoticed. When the townspeople discovered the body the next morning, they marvelled at the great feat. The citizens gathered at the Brahmana’s home, asking how this had happened. To protect the Pandavas’ identity, the Brahmana said, “A noble Brahmana skilled in mantras took it upon himself to defeat the Rakshasa. He carried the food into the forest and slew the beast. This act, which has benefited us all, was his doing.” The townspeople, amazed and grateful, celebrated the Brahmana’s bravery with a grand festival, honouring him for delivering them from the fear of Baka.
Lessons from the Death of Bakasura
The story of Bhima’s battle with the Rakshasa Baka offers several important lessons:
Duty and Responsibility – Bhima’s willingness to take on the dangerous task shows his sense of responsibility and duty, not only to his family but also to the greater good of society. It highlights the importance of stepping up in times of need, even if the task seems daunting.
Courage and Strength – Bhima’s confidence and unyielding bravery, even when faced with a terrifying foe, demonstrate the value of inner strength. His actions show that true strength is not just physical but also involves mental resilience and focus.
Selflessness and Compassion – Kunti’s decision to send Bhima to protect the Brahmana’s family shows her deep compassion for others. Even in difficult circumstances, she prioritizes the welfare of those who had provided them with shelter, embodying selflessness.
Gratitude and Reciprocity – The theme of repaying kindness is prominent in this story. Kunti emphasizes good deeds should be reciprocated, and those who offer shelter, protection, or support should be helped in return. This reflects the importance of gratitude and the moral obligation to repay acts of kindness.
Leadership and Wisdom – Yudhishthira’s initial concern about Bhima’s safety and his caution about keeping the matter secret reflect qualities of wise leadership. He thinks ahead, considering the implications of his mother’s decisions, while also trusting in Bhima’s abilities.
Overcoming Fear – The townspeople, living in fear of Baka, are liberated by Bhima’s courage and strength. The story teaches that fear can be conquered through courage, and one individual’s bravery can transform the lives of many.
Protection of the Weak – The story reinforces the idea that the strong should protect the weak, as Bhima does for the Brahmana’s family and the entire town. It highlights the Kshatriya duty of safeguarding those in need.
Faith in Family – Kunti’s belief in Bhima’s strength and her unwavering trust in his abilities demonstrates the importance of having faith in one’s family. Her conviction that Bhima could defeat Baka without harm emphasizes familial trust and confidence.
In summary, the story teaches us the virtues of bravery, selflessness, responsibility, and gratitude, while also highlighting the importance of protecting others and repaying kindness.
