Extra Credit Reading Notes: The Indian Heroes: Mahabharata - The Princes of Elephant City

 Part A - 7 Hidimba and Baka

    After fleeing from the burning house, Bhima and his family rest in the nearby forest. Hidimba smells them and sends his sister, Hidimbi, to bring them to him to eat them. However, Hidimbi fell in love with Bhima when she saw him and warned him. Eventually, Hidimba came over since his sister took too long and fought Bhima. Bhima kills him and has a relationship with Hidimbi. 

Bhima Fights Baka the Asura by Ramanarayanadatta astri(1965). Source: Wikimedia

    Eventually, the family settles in a village that is being "taxed" by Baka. The tax is a blood tax in the form of human life. Luckily for the town, Bhima comes back to the family, from his relationship, and fights Baka. He winds up killing Baka and the family leaves for Panchala.

Bibliography

"The Indian Heroes: Mahabharata - The Princes of Elephant City" by C. A. Kincaid.

Reading Notes: PDE Mahabharata, Part D

69

    As Duryodhana was dying, Ashwatthaman, Drona's son, Kripa, and Kritavarman were given permission to attack the Pandavas while they slept. As they approached the gate, they encountered Shiva and retreated. Ash then there himself into a fire to receive the good graces of Shiva. Shiva then entered his body and helped them slay the sleeping Pandavas as revenge. Duryodhana died happy knowing of what his son did.

 

Ashwatthaman propitiates Shiva

before the night raid on the Pandava camp. Source: British Museum

Bibliography

"Mahabharata Online: Public Domain Edition" Part 69 by Dutt and Mackenzie.

Reading Notes: PDE Mahabharata, Part C

60

    Intense atmosphere described. War drums, evil omens, blood everywhere, animals howling, and "thunder" was taking place. The armies had been fighting all day. The Kauravas had the advantage for a bit because of Bhishma's power. Him and Arjuna fought but called a truce at the end of the day. Sounds like Kaurava forces took heavy losses. Day 2, Bhishma attacked but Arjuna drove him back. Day 3, Pandavas continued to drive back the Kaurava army. Heavy losses at this point. Bhisma  then drive back the opposing force after being taunted by Duryodhana. Bhima won the fourth and fifth days. On the sixth day, Bhima over extended and almost got killed from being surrounded but was saved by Arjuna's son, Iravat. Bhisma won the seventh day and cut down the standard of Yudhishthira. The 8th day, Bhisma's chariot fell and Iravat was slain. Bhima's son, the rakshasa Ghatotkacha got revenge for Arjuna. 

The Pandava and Kaurava armies face each other. Source: Wikimedia

Bibliography

"Mahabharata Online: Public Domain Edition" Part 60 by Mackenzie.