The Pandavas Decide to Send Bhima to Bakasura

The Brahmin and his family felt reassured by Kunti's words. Kunti went to Bhima and explained the situation to him. Fresh from his victory over Hidimba, Bhima was overjoyed to learn that he would soon have another chance to battle a demon. When Yudhishthira and the other three brothers returned in the evening with their alms, Kunti served them dinner as usual. Later, she recounted the day's events to them as well.

Yudhishthira began to worry about Bhima. He said, "Mother, Bhima is very dear to me. How can you even think of sending him to Bakasura? Bhima is the reason we are able to sleep in peace. None of us would be alive if it weren't for him. It is with his strength that we hope to win back our kingdom."

Kunti calmly listened to Yudhishthira and then said, "Son, you don't need to worry about Bhima. We owe this family a lot. This poor Brahmin has given us shelter, saving us from Dhritarashtra's evil children. If we do nothing, his whole family will be ruined. Being Kshatriyas, it is our duty to protect them. No one knows how powerful Bhima is better than I do. Remember how easily he defeated Hidimbi's brother, the demon Hidimba? When he was a baby, he slipped from my hand and fell onto a rock—he was barely scratched, while the rock was smashed to smithereens."

Bhima also tried to convince Yudhishthira. "I am fortunate to have an elder brother like you who is concerned about my safety. But there is no need for you to be anxious. I have the blessings of you and mother Kunti. I am confident that I will annihilate Bakasura."

Yudhishthira was now reassured. But he realized that there was another problem: once Bhima defeated Bakasura, everyone would learn that Bhima possessed immense strength. Someone might then discern his true identity and the news could eventually reach Duryodhana. Kunti allayed Yudhishthira's fears: "The Brahmin has promised he won't tell anyone that Bhima will be going instead of a member of his family."

The next day, Bhima traveled to the cave where Bakasura dwelled, taking with him a cart drawn by two buffaloes and loaded with food. Upon reaching the cave, he called out to the demon but received no answer. Bored, he began to eat the food he had brought.