The Demon's Bride and the Giant's Son
The Pandavas, disguised as poor Brahmins, trek through the dense forests of the Hiḍimbivana. While his brothers and mother sleep, the mighty Bhima stays awake to stand guard. High in the trees, a Rakshasa (demon) named Hidimba catches the scent of human flesh. He sends his sister, Hidimbi, to lure them to their deaths. However, upon seeing Bhima's massive frame and noble face, Hidimbi falls instantly in love. She transforms herself into a woman of stunning beauty and warns Bhima of her brother's approach.
Enraged by his sister's betrayal, Hidimba bursts from the undergrowth, uprooting trees as he charges. A titanic struggle ensues. Bhima, fueled by his divine strength, wrestles the demon in a battle that shakes the very earth. Eventually, Bhima snaps the Rakshasa's spine, ending his reign of terror. With the demon dead, Kunti grants Bhima permission to marry Hidimbi, realizing that an alliance with the forest-dwellers might be their only protection.
From this union, a son is born: Ghatotkacha. He is a magical being, born fully grown, with the strength of his father and the illusions of his mother. He pledges his loyalty to the Pandavas, promising to appear whenever they call his name in their hour of greatest need.
The Pandavas continue their journey, eventually reaching the town of Ekachakra. They live quietly, begging for alms to hide their royal status. But the peace of the village is shattered by the sounds of wailing. Each day, the village must send a cartload of food-and a human being-to a nearby cave to satisfy the hunger of a monstrous cannibal named Bakasura.
When the lot falls on the family hosting the Pandavas, Kunti makes a radical decision: she will send her own son, Bhima, to the cave-but not as a sacrifice.