How Bhima Killed Rakshasa Baka – Stories from Adi Parva

The second Pandava brother, Bhima, was known for his tremendous physical strength. He killed many rakshasas throughout the Mahabharata, though these events took place more during their time spent in the forests. 

After escaping the House of Lac in Vanavrata, the Pandavas went into hiding. Bhima first killed Hidimba and had to marry the rakshasa’s sister Hidimbi. Later, after the birth of Ghatotkacha, the Pandavas went to Ekachakra, a small village. Here, they stayed for a few months as guests in the Brahmin’s house. 

When Kunti found out the villagers were being troubled by a rakshasa named Baka, she assured the hosts that her son would sort out the problem. Bhima was more than happy to flex his muscles and practice his skills. The next morning, Bhima took the cartload of food and other animals meant as a meal for the rakshasa. However, he consumed all the food and loudly called out to Baka. The rakshasa came out and was enraged at a human taunting him. Baka was a massive rakshasa with large limbs and sharp teeth. He roared and rushed at Bhima. Bhima continued to enjoy the food without sparing a glance at Baka. Once done, the fight began in earnest. 

They dashed at each other, threw punches, uprooted trees to hit the other, and used all fighting tactics. However, Bhima more or less had an upper hand throughout. At last, Bhima flung the rakshasa to the ground and pummelled him with his fists. He then placed his knee on Baka’s middle, grabbed his neck with one hand, and the lower body with the other. Bhima killed Baka by tearing him apart. The rakshasa’s death cry was so terrifying that his family fled from the place. Bhima warned them not to come back, or they would face the same fate. 

Job done, Bhima secretly placed Baka’s dead body outside the gates of the village for the villagers to find it.