The Rakshasas, masters of illusion and steeped in ancient enmities, did not easily forget their grudges. Amidst this, Hidimba was advised to go her own way, for the path ahead was haunted by her brother’s presence. Even as anger simmered, Yudhishthira addressed Bhima with wisdom: “O tiger among men, even if you are enraged, do not harm a woman. Uphold the higher dharma, which stands above mere bodily safety.” He reminded Bhima that the mighty demon who had come to destroy them had already been slain, and that his sister, even if furious, could do them no harm. At this, Hidimba approached Kunti with humility, bowing with palms joined, and spoke earnestly to Yudhishthira, the noble son of Kunti. “O noble lady,” she said, “you know well the suffering that love brings to women. Now, that same suffering has come upon me for the sake of Bhimasena, O auspicious one. I have borne this pain, waiting for the right moment, and now that time has come—happiness is at hand. I have given up my friends, my duty, and my kin, choosing your son, this tiger among men, as my husband. If I am rejected by him and by you, O renowned lady, I will not survive—this is my truth. “If you are able to show compassion, O woman of radiant complexion, whether you see me as foolish or devoted, please grant me your favor. Unite me with your son as his wife; after taking him as if he were a god, I will go wherever I wish and return him to you again. Place your trust in me, O auspicious one. At the appointed time, I will obtain him from his elder brother or another relative. Just as my brother approached Bhimasena with intent to kill, I too, overcome by desire, have approached the Pandava. “O noble lady, I am not a rakshasi nor a night-wandering spirit; I am the sister of the ruler of the rakshasas, Sālakaṭaṅkaṭa, O queen. United with your son, O youthful one of divine complexion, I will serve you all, always placing Vrikodara at the forefront. I will be vigilant among the inattentive, ever eager to serve, and will rescue the righteous as a devoted servant, O best of men. I will carry you upon my back as if you were virtuous souls riding a celestial chariot. Please show me favor, so that Bhimasena may accept me. “When I was refused in my request, I said, ‘I will go to the worlds of the wicked upon the earth—there is no doubt of this. I will always know everything by contemplating in my mind; when in distress, I will sustain my life, not relying on anyone else. One must fulfill all duties, considering righteousness. He who sustains himself in adversity is indeed the foremost knower of dharma. Calamity is the adversity of dharma; for the righteous, adversity is called misfortune. He who preserves his life in adversity gains merit. One may practice righteousness by any means; there is no blame in that. Save me also, afflicted by desire, as you would save a woman in great distress. “The virtuous show compassion in matters of dharma, wealth, desire, and liberation; the sages devoted to dharma declare this to be righteousness. By divine knowledge, I know the past and the future; therefore, I will tell you what is best: a splendid lake lies nearby. Today, after reaching the lake, bathe and rest beneath the tree. Tomorrow, at dawn, a great and wondrous being, the lord of the world, will appear. When you see Vyasa, lotus-eyed, you will cast off your sorrow, and the pain of exile from the sons of Dhritarashtra and the burning at Varanavata. Vidura has arranged protection for you, as revealed by the eye of knowledge; at the dwelling of Shalihotra, you will find shelter. This sacred tree endures rain, wind, and sun; once you have drunk its water, hunger and thirst will vanish. By the austerity of Shalihotra, the lake and the tree were created, and there gather kadamba birds, cranes, swans, and kuraras with their mates.’ Hearing these words, Kunti replied, “You are indeed the best among the righteous; listen to my words, O Bhārata. By the words of this rakshasi, true dharma is spoken. Though her intent may seem evil, what harm can she do to Bhima? As you have said, Hidimba, so it shall be—there is no doubt. Yet, you must abide by dharma as I instruct, O slender-waisted one: always perform your daily rites, bathe, keep yourself pure, and remain beautiful. Having bathed and performed your daily rites, adorned with auspicious ornaments, you shall approach Bhimasena when the sun has risen. During the day, roam with him as you wish, swift one; but at night, Bhimasena must always be brought back. Before dawn, you must release him and always protect him. Thus, enjoy with Bhima until you feel the signs of pregnancy. This is your agreement, good lady; with attentive service and constant goodwill, you must act properly.” Accepting these words, Hidimba gently lifted Kunti onto her hip, with Bhima and Arjuna at her side, and the twins leading the way. Moving alongside Yudhishthira and desiring water, she brought them to the delightful lake of Shalihotra. Beneath the sacred tree, she swept the ground as one would cleanse a home and fashioned a leafy hut for the Pandavas to dwell in, ensuring their comfort and safety in that tranquil haven.