Editing Bhima (section)

===Exile and Life in the Forest===
[[File:Bhima Tries to Lift Hanuman's Tail.jpg|thumb|Bhima tries to lift Hanuman's tail, a folio from the ''[[Razmnama]]'' (Persian translation of the ''Mahabharata'', c. 16th century]]
During their twelve-year exile in the forest following their loss in the game of dice, the [[Pandavas]] encountered numerous adversities and engaged in various significant events. Bhima, with his immense strength and courage, was instrumental in addressing many challenges that arose during this period.<ref name=":1" />

A prominent encounter during their exile in the [[Kamyaka]] forest was with the Rakshasa [[Kirmira]], the brother of the Rakshasa [[Bakasura|Baka]], whom Bhima had previously slain in Ekachakra. Kirmira, seeking revenge for his brother's death, confronted the Pandavas, but was killed by Bhima.<ref name=":1" /><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.sacred-texts.com/hin/m03/m03010.htm|title=Mahabharata Text}}</ref>

At one point, [[Arjuna]] departed to the [[Himalayas]] to undertake severe penance in order to acquire celestial weapons from the god [[Shiva]]. During Arjuna's prolonged absence, Bhima and the remaining Pandavas grew increasingly concerned for his safety. The Pandavas ventured to Mount Gandhamadana in search of Arjuna. During this arduous journey, they encountered numerous challenges, including fatigue and harsh terrains. At one point, Draupadi fainted from exhaustion. Bhima then invoked his son [[Ghatotkacha]], who promptly arrived and assisted the Pandavas. Ghatotkacha carried the Pandavas on his shoulders, allowing them to continue their journey with greater ease. Their journey eventually led them to the ashrama of [[Nara and Narayana]]. While resting there, Bhima noticed a fragrant Saugandhika flower, which had been carried to Draupadi by the northeast wind. Draupadi expressed her desire to possess more of these flowers. To fulfil her wish, Bhima set out in the northeast direction toward the Saugandhika forest. This journey brought Bhima to Kadalivana, where he encountered [[Hanuman]], his half-brother, as both were sons of the wind god, [[Vayu]]. Initially, Hanuman tested Bhima's strength and humility by blocking his path with his tail. Despite Bhima's efforts, he was unable to move Hanuman's tail. Recognising the limits of his strength, Bhima humbled himself, prompting Hanuman to reveal his true identity. Hanuman blessed Bhima and provided him guidance to the Saugandhika forest. Following this encounter, Bhima ventured into the forest, overcame the Rakshasas known as Krodhavasas guarding it, and successfully collected the flowers, which he later presented to Draupadi.<ref name=":1" /><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.sacred-texts.com/hin/m03/m03154.htm|title=Mahabharata Text}}</ref>

Another notable event during the Pandavas' exile involved the abduction attempt by [[Jayadratha]], the king of [[Sindhu Kingdom|Sindhu]]. While the Pandavas were away hunting, Jayadratha encountered Draupadi alone and abducted her. On learning of this, Bhima, along with his brothers, pursued and confronted Jayadratha. Bhima overpowered Jayadratha's forces, captured him, and expressed a desire to kill him for his transgression. However, Yudhishthira intervened, advocating for a less violent resolution. Consequently, Bhima and his brothers humiliated Jayadratha by shaving his head, leaving him with a mark of disgrace before releasing him.<ref name=":1" />

During their time in the forest, the Pandavas also encountered various sages and divine beings, from whom they received blessings and spiritual knowledge. These interactions not only provided them with guidance but also augmented their abilities to face future challenges. One significant episode was their encounter with [[Nahusha]], a former king who had been transformed into a python due to a curse. Bhima, while traversing the forest, was captured by this python. Despite his strength, Bhima was unable to free himself. Yudhishthira arrived and, recognising the being as Nahusha, engaged in a dialogue with him. Through Yudhishthira's wisdom, Nahusha was released from his curse and restored to his original form.<ref name=":1" />

The Pandavas also had to contend with the ever-present threat of the Kauravas during their exile. On one occasion, the Kauravas, led by Duryodhana, encamped near the Pandavas' dwelling in [[Dvaitavana]]. During this encampment, Duryodhana and his forces clashed with the [[Gandharva]] [[Chitrasena (Mahabharata)|Chitrasena]]. Duryodhana was captured by the Gandharvas, and upon hearing this, Bhima expressed amusement at his plight. However, at Yudhishthira's behest, Bhima and the Pandavas intervened and freed Duryodhana from captivity. Although reluctant to assist their adversary, the Pandavas acted in accordance with their dharma, thereby upholding their principles.<ref name=":1" />

In another minor incident in the epic, [[Jatasura]], a [[rakshasa]] disguised as a Brahmin abducted Yudhishthira, Draupadi and the twin brothers, Nakula, and Sahadeva during their stay at [[Badrinath|Badarikashrama]]. His objective was to seize the weapons of the Pandavas. Bhima, who was gone hunting during the abduction, was deeply upset when he came to know of Jatasura's evil act on his return. A fierce encounter followed between the two gigantic warriors, where Bhima emerged victorious by decapitating Jatasura and crushing his body.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.sacred-texts.com/hin/m03/m03156.htm|title=Mahabharata Text}}</ref><ref>{{cite book|last=Gupta|first=Rashmi|title=Tibetans in exile : struggle for human rights|year=2010|publisher=Anamika Publishers & Distributors|location=New Delhi|isbn=9788179752487|page=625}}</ref>