Bhima meets Hanuman

Bhima meets Hanuman

Dear Kids,

Often, some of us think that we are great. But for every great person, we often find another person who is much greater. We must realise this, and learn to be humble and show respect to others.

See what happens to Bhima in this story from the Mahabharata:

Narayanaashrama is a holy place in the Himalayas. Many sages spent their lives there in meditation. The Pandavas went to this place during their exile.

The sages received them happily and invited them to spend some days there. Yudhistira accepted their invitation.

One day Draupadi saw a lotus floating in the river. It was a thousand petalled lotus with very sweet fragrance. Draupadi approached Bhima. She showed that flower to him and said, "Can you please get me more of such lotuses? We shall worship the sages with these". Hearing Draupadi's simple request, Bhima immediately agreed.

Accordingly he set out in search of that lotus. He walked for long He saw many fragrant flowers but he still did not find the lotus he was searching for. On the way, in a banana grove, Lord Hanuman sat in ecstasy repeating the Lord's name. He was Bhima's elder brother. The wild animals ran helter-skelter on hearing the footsteps of Bhima. Hanuman understood that his younger brother was approaching him.

Hanuman decided to have some fun at his brother's expense.

He spread out his tail and sat blocking Bhima's path. Bhima came up to him. Hanuman pretended not to know him and asked, "Who are you? And why have you come here?

Bhima replied, "I am Bhima, the son of Kunti".

Hanuman replied, "You cannot go any farther. This is my place. You can eat some fruits here and depart. Please turn back and do not disturb me."

Bhima was a little irritated and pressed Hanuman to let him move forward. At this, Hanuman told him, "I am an old monkey. I cannot move. If you can please lift my tail and place it by the side then you can go forward."

Bhima carelessly pushed the tail with his leg. He could not move the monkey's tail. He then tried with both his hands. Still he could not move the tail. He put in all his strength and tried. He still did not succeed.

Bhima realized that he was not dealing with an ordinary monkey. He told Hanuman, "Respected Sir, please reveal to me who you are? You must be a great person".

Hanuman saw that Bhima's pride was humbled. He revealed himself. "I am Hanuman your elder brother. The pond where you can find your flowers is very near. Go collect the flowers."

Bhima was happy to have met his brother. He begged his forgiveness and requested Hanuman to show his Visvarupa.

Afters much pleading from Bhima, Hanuman revealed his cosmic form that extended beyond the sky. Bhima bowed to him in reverence and Hanuman blessed him and said, "Bhima! We should show respect to old people. May the Lord help you in your efforts!"

His pride humbled, Bhima collected the flowers and returned to Draupadi.

Happy reading!

Uncle N

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