Bhimsen: The Protector of Strength and Justice

Introduction

Bhimsen, also known as Bhima, is one of the five Pandava brothers from the epic Jaya Kabya (Mahabharata). He is renowned for his immense physical strength, courage, and voracious appetite. As the son of Kunti and Vayu, the wind god, Bhimsen was blessed with unmatched power, making him the fiercest warrior among the Pandavas. His prominent characteristics include not only brute strength but also loyalty and a deep sense of justice, especially when it came to avenging the wrongs done to his family.

A central episode in Bhimsen's life is his vow to kill Dushasana, one of the Kauravas, for the humiliation of Draupadi, the Pandavas' wife. During the Kurukshetra war, he fulfilled this oath by brutally slaying Dushasana. Bhimsen was also known for wielding a mighty mace, which he used to defeat several powerful warriors, including Duryodhana, the leader of the Kauravas.

Apart from his martial prowess, Bhimsen is revered as a deity in Nepal, particularly among Newar communities, where he is called Bhin Dyo. Temples dedicated to Bhimsen, such as those in Patan and Dolakha, reflect the cultural importance of this powerful figure in Nepali tradition. These temples symbolize strength, justice, and the protective power Bhimsen represents for his devotees.

Bhimsen's Character and Legacy

Bhimsen's strength was unmatched from childhood, which earned him his name—Bhimsen, meaning "terrific" or "fearsome." His youth was marked by extraordinary physical power and an insatiable appetite. As he matured, his appearance became fierce, with a robust moustache symbolizing his warrior spirit.

His defining moment came during his confrontation with Dushasana, one of the Kauravas. Dushasana dishonored Draupadi—the shared wife of the Pandavas—by dragging her by her hair into a public assembly and attempting to disrobe her. Bound by honor at the time, Bhimsen could not intervene, but he vowed revenge.

During the Kurukshetra War, Bhimsen fulfilled his vow by killing Dushasana with a single, powerful blow from his mace. His legacy as a protector and fierce warrior continues to inspire devotion among his followers, especially in Nepal, where Bhimsen is regarded as a divine figure of strength and justice.

The Temple in Dolakha and its Significance

The Bhimsen temple in Dolakha, located east of the Kathmandu Valley, is a significant place of worship. It is believed that the Pandavas spent part of their twelve-year exile in this area. The temple’s central attraction is a triangular stone idol of Bhimsen, which the locals worship as the embodiment of the god. This temple holds special significance, not only for its unique idol but also because of its ability to foretell events through perspiration.

The stone idol is said to sweat during times of impending disaster or significant change in Nepal’s history. Notable instances of Bhimsen’s idol sweating include:

  • 2007 B.S.: The end of the Rana regime.
  • 1934 A.D.: Before the great earthquake in Nepal.
  • 2001 A.D.: A few days before the tragic royal massacre.

Image: Idol inside the temple. Image source: Dolakha Bhimsen Temple, Wikipedia. URL:Click here

The Legend of Bhimsen's Idol in Patan

In the heart of Patan Durbar Square lies a revered temple dedicated to Lord Bhimsen, known locally in Newar culture as Bhin Dyo. Bhimsen is one of the five Pandava brothers from the ancient Hindu epic, the Mahabharata, and among them, he is uniquely worshipped because of the belief that he alone achieved divinity.

There is also a fascinating story linking Dolakha to Patan. A princess from Dolakha married a prince from Lalitpur and brought a clay idol of Bhimsen as part of her dowry. The figure depicted Bhimsen in battle against Dushasana and was enshrined in a small temple. However, in the 17th century, the temple was destroyed by fire. King Sri Nivas Malla later restored it, raising it to a four-story structure with three ornate roofs.

Creation of a New Idol: The Artist’s Challenge

After the king's death, Yog Narendra Malla became the ruler and desired to replace the original clay idol with a metal one. He enlisted the finest metal craftsman in the kingdom and requested a lifelike statue of Bhimsen in a dynamic, battle-ready stance.

The craftsman began by creating a wax model, an ancient technique where molten metal is poured into a wax mold to form a cast. However, when the king inspected the model, he found it lifeless and demanded the artist improve it. Despite the artist's efforts, the king remained dissatisfied, growing furious and even grabbing the artist by the neck in anger.

Frightened, the artist begged for one last chance, promising to correct the flaws the king had pointed out. After intense efforts, the final statue was completed, capturing Bhimsen in an imposing, lifelike pose that perfectly reflected his strength and rage during his fight with Dushasana.

The king was highly pleased with the artist’s creation and granted his approval for installation. The statue was transported to the temple hall, where priests began preparations for the ceremonial installation. The king himself attended the ceremony, eager to witness the power and presence of the divine idol firsthand.

During the ritual, the priests performed sacred rites to imbue the statue with life. Chanting powerful mantras, the priest made various offerings to Lord Bhimsen. As a demonstration of his tantric prowess, the priest carefully placed a small piece of cotton in the idol’s nostrils. To the amazement of all, the idol sneezed three times, and radiant light emerged from its nostrils, signifying that the statue had been infused with divine life.

The king, stunned by this incredible display, immediately removed a nine-gemmed ring from his hand and offered it to the deity as a token of devotion and gratitude. From that moment, the area opposite the temple became known as "Tuyulako," which translates to "a place blessed by the light of Bhimsen." The idol was finally installed in the Bhimsen temple, becoming a symbol of courage, justice, and divine power.

Among the Newar communities of Lalitpur, Bhimsen is particularly revered. He is worshipped as the god of wealth and prosperity, especially by those involved in trade and commerce, who regard him as their guardian deity and patron of success in business.

Conclusion

Bhimsen, both as a historical and divine figure, holds deep cultural and spiritual significance in Nepal. His temples in Patan and Dolakha are not only places of worship but also repositories of local legends and history. Through his stories, people find inspiration to uphold justice and strength in the face of adversity. His worship is deeply embedded in Newar tradition, symbolizing both physical strength and the protection of righteousness.

Litterateur

Page article "Bhimsen: The Protector of Strength and Justice" -by Dr. Kalinkaar Dipendra

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Last updated on

October 16, 2024

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