Page:The Mahabharata of Krishna-Dwaipayana Vyasa (Volume 1).pdf/379

Rh Vaisampayana continued"Then Bhima, expressing his assent to all that Yudhishtbira said, addressed Hidimva. saying.-'Listen to me, O Rakshasa woman I Truly do I make this engagement with thee that I will stay with thee, O thou of slender waist, until thou obtainest a son 1 Then Hidim va, saying.—'So be it,' took Bhima upon her body and sped through the skies. On mountaiu peaks of picturesque scenery and regions sacred to the gods, abounding with dappled herds and echoing with the melodies of feathered tribes, herself assuming the handsomest form decked with every ornament and pouring forth at times mellifluous strains. Hidimva sported with the Pandava and studied to make him bappy. So also, inaccessible regions of forests, and on mountain-breasts overgrown with blossoming trees on lakes resplendent with lotuses and lilies, islands of rivers and their pebbly banks, on sylvan streams with beautiful banks and mountain currents, in picturesque woods with blossoming trees and creepers in Himalayan bowers, and various caves, on crystal pools smiling with lotuses, on sea-shores shining with gold and pearls, in beautiful towns and fine gardens, in woods sacred to the gods and on hill-sides, in the regions of Guhyakas and ascetics, on the banks of Manasaravara abounding with fruits and flowers of every season, Hidimva, assuming the handsomest form, sported with Bhima and studied to make him happy. Endued with the speed of the mind, she sported with Bhima in all these regions, till, in time, she conceived and brought forth a mighty son begotten upon her by the Pandava. Of terrible eyes and large mouth and straight arrowy ears, the child was terrible to behold. Of lips brown as copper and sharp teeth and loud roar, of mighty arms and great strength and excessive prowess, this child became a mighty bowman. Of long nose, broad chest, frightfully swelling calves, celerity of motion and excessive strength, he had nothing buman in his countenarce, though born of man. And be excelled (in strength and prowess) all Pisachas and kindred tribes as well as all Rakshasas. And, O monarch, though a little child, he grew up a youth the very hour he was born. The mighty bero soon acquired high proficiency in all weapons. The Rakshasas women bring forth the very day they conceive, and capable of assuming any forms at will, they always change their forms (for the purpose hand). And the blad-beaded child, that mighty bowman, soon after his birth, bowing down to bis mother, touched her feet and the feet also of his father. His parents then bestowed upon him a name. His mother having remarked that his head was (bald) like unto a Ghata (water-pot), both his parents thereupon called him Ghatotkacha (the pot-headed). And Ghatotkacha who was exceedingly devoted to the Pandavas, became a great tavourite with them, indeed, almost one of them.