Extra Credit Reading Notes: PDE Mahabharata Part B
Bhima and Hidimba
- "Now there lived in the forest on a shala tree a ferocious rakshasa named Hidimba. He was of grim visage and terrible to behold; his eyes were red, and he was red-haired and red-bearded; his cheeks were of cloud color and his mouth was large, with long, sharp-pointed teeth which gleamed in darkness; his ears were shaped like to arrows; his neck was broad as a tree, his belly was large, and his legs were of great length."
- I really liked how this part of the story was very descriptive
Bhima and Baka
- The townspeople in Ekachakra is controlled by Baka
- Baka makes sure the people are protected from the enemies; however, to pay him back, the townspeople have to send him a cartful of rice, two buffalos, and a man or woman from one the townspeople's house every week
- If the house who is in charge of fulfilling the Baka's order failed to complete their duty, he comes to their house and devours every member in that house
- Bhima comes to the town after his mom spoke of him and saves the people from this monster
- Bhima goes to Baka with the cart of rice and two buffaloes, and fights him until he is dead
The Story of Nalayani
- In this part of the Mahabharata, I liked how the Shankara took Nalayani literally when she said, "Give me a husband, give me a husband, give me a husband, give me a husband, give me a husband" and then granted her five husbands
Arjuna and Apsaras
- Prince Arjuna came to river and wanted to bathe in it; however, the people there told him not go in the river due to a man-eating alligator who haunts the water
- Disregarding their warning, Arjuna jumps in and an alligator comes and bites down on his leg
- He struggled to free himself and he did not gain any courage until the words of the nymph Ulupi popped in his head; it said "Although thou wilt not stay with me, I yet will give thee this as my parting presenting that thou shalt never be conquered by any creature that lives in the waters"
- Arjuna freed himself once he got close to the shore and fought the alligator
- He throw the alligator onto the drylands and it transformed back into a beautiful water nymph female
- Arjuna saves the other females from the curse as well
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