The Pandavas, along with their mother, took shelter in the house of a poor Brahmin who lived with his wife, son, and daughter. They begged for alms, which were shared equally among them. However, Kunti kept aside Bhima’s share separately due to his large appetite. The Pandavas also secretly trained themselves in warfare skills during the night.
One night, Kunti overheard the Brahmin family’s lamenting and asked the reason for their sorrow. The Brahmin told Kunti about a dreadful man-eating Rakshasa named Bakasura.
He had ordered the villagers to send a cart of food along with one member from each household once per week. It was now the Brahmin family’s turn, and they were preparing to sacrifice one of their members.
Kunti intervened and volunteered to send Bhima to face Bakasura. Despite their protests, Kunti insisted as she wished to repay the Poor Brahmin’s kindness.
The next day, Bhima, carried the cart of food to the forest where Bakasura lived. On his way to the cave, Bhima ate the entire food which was kept for the demon.