Bhima Slays the Demon Hidimba

But Bhima told Hidimbi that he feared no demon and didn't want to awaken his mother and brothers. A little later, Hidimba appeared from behind the bushes. When he saw his sister, in the form of a beautiful young woman, talking to Bhima, he started roaring. "What in this weak human caused you to disobey my orders?" Hidimba asked his sister, gnashing his teeth. "I will kill him now, and then I will kill you!"

Bhima calmly said to Hidimba, "Why are you disturbing my mother and brothers, who are fast asleep? Let’s go a short distance away; then you can fight me. As far as your sister is concerned, it isn't right to kill a woman. In any case, your fight is against me." 

Bhima started moving away from his sleeping family, and the demon attacked him! A fierce battle ensued between Bhima and Hidimba. The noise awoke Kunti, who saw a beautiful young woman standing before her. Surprised, Kunti asked, "Who are you?"

"I am that demon Hidimba's sister," replied Hidimbi. "My brother sent me here to kill all of you, but I changed my mind when I saw your son Bhima. I wanted to take you to a safe place, but Bhima didn't want to wake any of you up. Right now, Bhima is battling my brother." 

The conversation between Kunti and Hidimbi woke the others up. 

"I have woken up, Bhima," yelled Arjuna.

"Sit back and watch the spectacle," replied Bhima. 

With bated breath, Arjuna waited for the battle between Bhima and Hidimba to end. As the battle went on, Arjuna's patience began to wear thin. He wondered, Why is Bhima toying with that demon? Doesn't he know that a demon's power doubles at night? Finally, he cried out, "Bhima, you've had your fun. Now finish him off." 

Hearing Arjuna's plea, Bhima picked Hidimba up, spun him around a few times, and flung him to the ground. He died on the spot.