Chapter 15 : Ekachakra
Bound by his promise, Bhima bid farewell to Ghatotkacha, leaving him under the care of Hidimbi. Though it was hard for him, Bhima knew that he had to continue his journey with his family. The Pandavas, along with Kunti, wandered deeper into the forest, facing uncertainty at every turn.
One day, as they ventured further, they came across their grandfather, Sage Vyasa, who had been following their plight. Listening to their tales of hardship, Vyasa offered them words of comfort and hope, assuring them that justice would soon be theirs and that the injustices inflicted by the Kauravas would not last forever. To give them a respite from their troubles, Vyasa directed them to a small village called Ekachakra, where they could live in peace for some time, away from the prying eyes of their enemies.
Taking Vyasa’s advice to heart, the Pandavas made their way to Ekachakra. To maintain their anonymity, they disguised themselves and sought refuge in the humble home of a kind-hearted Brahmin family. Life in Ekachakra was simple but fulfilling—they collected alms, shared their meals, and became part of the Brahmin’s daily life, blending into the quiet rhythm of village life.
One day, however, the calm was shattered by the sound of heart-wrenching cries echoing through the Brahmin’s home. Concerned, Kunti followed the cries and found the Brahmin and his family in despair. She gently asked them what was wrong, and the Brahmin, struggling to hold back his tears, revealed the dark secret that haunted Ekachakra.
The village was terrorized by Bakasura, a fierce and merciless demon who preyed on the villagers. To keep the demon at bay, the villagers had struck a grim bargain—each day, one family was chosen to send a cartload of food along with one of their own as a sacrifice to Bakasura. The unlucky chosen family had no choice but to send one of its members to certain death.
On this day, it was the Brahmin’s family’s turn. The thought of losing a loved one had plunged the family into despair, their hearts breaking at the cruel fate that awaited them.
Moved by the Brahmin’s plight, Kunti couldn’t bear to see the family in such agony. Her compassionate heart led her to make a bold decision—she would send Bhima with the cart of food instead. Not only would this be a way to repay the Brahmin’s kindness in hosting them, but it would also be a chance to free the entire village from the clutches of Bakasura’s terror.
Kunti gently revealed their true identities to the Brahmin and his family, assuring them that Bhima was no ordinary man but a warrior capable of defeating the demon. The Brahmin, overwhelmed with relief and gratitude, agreed to the plan but promised to keep their secret safe, knowing that their presence had to remain hidden.
So, with the cart loaded with food, Bhima set off towards Bakasura’s lair. True to his nature, Bhima casually snacked on the food as he made his way, untroubled by the impending battle. By the time he reached the cave, the cart was empty, with not a morsel left for the demon.
When Bakasura emerged, expecting his daily feast, he found the cart barren and Bhima calmly waiting, wiping the last crumbs from his lips. Enraged at the audacity of this lone figure who had dared to eat his food, Bakasura attacked Bhima with all his might, roaring in fury.
But Bakasura, fearsome as he was, proved to be no match for Bhima’s immense strength and warrior skills. After a fierce and intense battle, Bhima finally overpowered the demon and ended his reign of terror. Under the cover of night, Bhima dragged Bakasura’s lifeless body to the gates of Ekachakra and left it there for the villagers to see.
The next morning, the entire village was stunned by the sight of the dead demon. No one knew how Bakasura had been defeated, but it was clear that their tormentor was gone for good. The villagers rejoiced, their hearts filled with relief and joy at their newfound freedom.
Eventually, it was time for the Pandavas to move on. Grateful for the hospitality they had received, they bid a heartfelt farewell to the Brahmin family who had sheltered them during such uncertain times. Setting off into the forest once again, they found themselves on another path that would shape their destiny.
As they journeyed, they encountered their wise grandfather Vyasa once more. Vyasa brought news that changed everything—he told them about the upcoming Swayamvara of Draupadi, the princess of Panchala, who was famed for her beauty, grace, and strength of character. Vyasa revealed that Draupadi was destined to be the catalyst for the downfall of the Kauravas, and advised the Pandavas to attend the Swayamvara.
With renewed purpose and anticipation, the Pandavas set off towards Panchala, knowing that this was not just an opportunity for marriage but a crucial turning point in their lives.
Previous:- Chapter 14 – The Birth of Ghatotkacha
Next:- Chapter 16 – Draupadi’s Swayamvara
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