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A motif depicting Bheema in the battle ready posture. The photo is taken at the 'Bheema Gate' at Hampi, Karnataka, India

In the Mahabharata, Bheema (Sanskrit: भीम, IAST: Bheema, bhīm; Nepali: भीम, bhim) or Bheemasena (Sanskrit: भीमसेन, bhīmaséna) is a heroic warrior, son of Kunti by Vayu, but the acknowledged son of Pandu and the second eldest of the Pandava brothers (if Karna, son of Kunti by Surya is considered, then Bheema becomes the third eldest son of Kunti). He is distinguished from his brothers by his great stature and strength. He was recognized as the strongest man in the three worlds (heaven, hell and earth) and was a rival to Duryodhana for the title of the best warrior with a mace. He challenged the King of Magadha, Jarasandha, to a wrestling bout and killed him, thus making it possible for his brothers to partake in the Rajsuya Yajna ^[1]. He liked to use his hands when in combat and could hardly be scratched in battle. He could topple elephants with a blow of his fist and could cause Earthquakes just by stomping on the ground.

While honourable overall, he often spoke and acted rashly or angrily. He also tended to be haughty due to his physical strength, and was therefore humbled and taught the value of humility by his (spiritual) brother, Lord Hanuman.

Bheema, like his beloved wife, Draupadi, by and large, acts based on the desires of Lord Krishna, and never went against his wishes. Bheema was one of the brothers who liked to fight, even when he was young. However, when the final Kurukshetra war was only a few days away, Bheema was not eager to fight, not due to cowardliness, but because he knew that millions would die. In the Kurukshetra War, Bheema killed the equivalent of six akshohini (or akshauhini) army (1 akshohini is approximately 150,000 men and a few thousands of horses and elephants).

With his brothers, he is married to Draupadi. Before the marriage with Draupadi, he lived for a year in the forest with his brothers. There he met Hidimbi, a tall, dusky beauty whom he married after killing her brother Hidimba in a duel. He had a son from her named Ghatotkacha. His grandson was Barbarika.

Bheema was addressed sometimes as "Bheemasena" because he was as powerful as a whole sena, or army. The river Bheema is named after him.

1. ^ Mahabharata Shortened Version, Manoj Publications

• Greatness of Bheema.

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