Note 24 — Chapter II · HEROIC GODLINGS

Bhīma the second of the Pāndavas was begotten from Kunti by Vāyu, the god of wind, and hence was called Vāyusuta. From his childhood he was possessed of miraculous strength, and had a voracious appetite. Every day he consumed 12 kalashis24 (or 192 maunds) of corn, and as much oil as is yielded by 13 ghānis.24 He also required a maund and a quarter of betelnuts after each dinner. These habits had procured him the name of Vrikodara, i.e., wolf-bellied. He played a very important part in the Great War, and on the last day of the battle smashed the thigh of Duryodhana with his ponderous mace. In his early days he killed several demons including Baka and Hidimba.25