The Pandavas and Kunti slept under the banyan tree in the forest on the banks of the River Ganga, while Bhima stayed awake to guard them.
Hidimba, a Rakshasa (demon), devoured humans and always looked for humans near the forest. While looking for prey, he caught the scent of human flesh and asked his sister, Hidimbi, to bring one or more for their meal.
Hidimbi, obeying her brother, went in search of the prey but was enchanted and fell in love upon seeing Bhima, who was muscular and strong.
Hidimbi took the form of a beautiful maiden and approached Bhima, informing him about her brother’s plan. She told Bhima that she had fallen in love with him and promised him protection if he fled with her.
Bhima denied, as he did not want to leave his brothers and mother, and told her that he would face her brother instead and defeat him.
Furious at his sister’s betrayal, Hidimba arrived at the spot.