One week has gone by and here I come with the Friendly Demon in Indian Mythology today, so that your Monday would be happier with this friendly demon. There are very few demons in Indian Mythology, who were always willing to help human kind and are also very jovial. Today, being the letter G day, we are going to discuss this person named Ghatotkacha.
Introduction to Ghatotkacha:
Ghatotkacha is the son of the mightiest one in Pandavas. He is born to Bheema and Hidimbi. When Pandavas were in exile, Bheema saved Hidimbi from her vicious brother. Her brother wanted to kill Hidimbi so that he can become the king of that forest. Hidimbi asked Bheema to marry her as he had saved her. Bheema got married to Hidimbi, but stayed only for a little while with her, as he has to accompany his brothers and mother during their exile of 13 years. Ghatotkacha was born during that time only
But Ghatotkacha was bought up by his mother and he didn’t meet his father till he became a big boy. Ghatotkacha was also blessed with the same power and strength as his dad. He also prefers to use the mace as his weapon.
Why he is a Friendly Demon to humans:
Knowing that he was born to a human (Bheema), Ghatotkacha wanted to be in the human company and in fact he admired the human beings knowledge and intelligence. This comes out in many of his conversations with his mom. He is such a humble person that he made himself available to his dad and his uncles whenever they desire. Lord Krishna liked his attitude and gave the magic powers to him so that he can entertain people also if he likes. He always used that power to entertain people and not to threaten them. He thought that if he performs this kind of magic tricks, people would like him.
When Pandavas are in exile, Abhimanyu’s mom couldn’t stay in Dwarka. So she decides to go into the forest in search of her husband Arjuna, along with her son Abhimanyu. When they enter the forest, Abhimanyu gets into fighting with Ghatotkacha, as the former was protecting his territory. But later, when Ghatotkacha sees Abhimanyu’s mom he realizes that Abhimanyu is his cousin. So he takes them to his home.
He even helps Abhimanyu marry his friend, Sashirekha. The funny acts he performs prior to this marriage are to be seen in the movie or to be read only. I became his big fan after seeing him and reading his books.
Ghatotkacha helped his dad and uncles a lot during the big war in Mahabharata. And because of him the Kaurava’s lost many warriors. He is the bravest and fiercest warrior among the kids of Pandavas. He fought with Karna bravely and had fallen down only after Karna used an arrow gifted to him by Lord Indra. Just like Abhimanyu, he is also very young to actually go and fight in a war. But he did this to please and save his dad and uncles.
My take on Ghatokacha:
I really liked him for the fact that though he is a really huge and strong person, he is really humble and easily approachable to all. This is what my granddad advises me also always. That we should be approachable to all and respond back to everyone with courtesy. He says sitting in front of laptop/TV without getting up when guests/elders enter the house is very bad.
Author’s note: All the images used here for from “Free to use” resources from Google or Wikimedia Commons, Wikimedia only.
So that’s all friends for today. Hope you liked this friendly demon. Stay tuned for more updates later. Till then, have fun reading my earlier articles here for the #A to Z Challenge and #BlogchatterA2Z
You really made me smile this Monday morning. Ghatotkach is truly the ‘friendly demon’ and the best example of the phrases ‘looks can be deceiving’ and ‘never judge a book by it’s cover’. Another delightful post!
Thank you dear. My kid just loves this Ghatotkacha, thats why we picked him
Ghatotkacha is really a sweet demon. I used to love his character as a child. Loved reading about him again.
Thank you Sonia
I loved reading this. Great story with a great take away.
Thank you Shubhra…my dad relates most of the stories to today’s scenario and that I feel is really important for kids
I’m really enjoying your series, it’s a throwback to my Amar Chitra Katha obsession as a child! Ghatotkacha may have been a demon, but seems like a pretty good guy 🙂
Thank you Noor. Yes we never felt like coming out of the Amar Chitra Kadha isn’t it
Hahaha yes!
I also love the movie ghatotkach, the magic shown is hilarious. From ghatotkach story we also learn that even if he is born as giant his karma made him a hero. So rather than where we are born what we do matters.
Precisely Ujjwal. Our actions only define what we are really
Thank you Deepika
Ghatokacha was a great character in Mahabharata. I loved the narration. Ghatokacha helped Pandavas even when he was on his death bed. He expanded his size and killed as many enemy soldiers as he could.
Yes, very true. All he wanted in his life is to help his dad and uncles.
Ghatotkach is a great character. He had tried to help Pandavas even when he was dying. He expanded his body and killed as many soldiers as he could.
Yes very true Abhijit. He is one of the finest and friendly persons
We have heard so many stories of Ghatotkacha since childhood. Nostalgic post.
#ContemplationOfaJoker #Jokerophilia
Thank you Manas
Wow. So much is there to read and learn from our own mythology. I live your theme. Following to read more from your posts. Thank you !
Thank you Urvashi
Lovely take on ghatotkacha. U made me lurecto know about him. Fantastically penned.
Thank you Sweta for visitng my blog
I liked GHatokacha depicted in ACK BOOK in my childhood. He presented himself to fight in the war of Kurukshetra in the Pandava camp and ultimately dies. A good choice for the letter G.
https://ideasolsi65.blogspot.com/2019/04/gumsgingiva-parts-of-body.html
Yes Kalpana, he does most of the things, without even somebody asking for them, as he wanted to help his dad
Such a sweet demon Ghatotkach was! Loved reading your post:)
Thank you Aditi
Thank you Roma
This is interesting again… Am reading this to my kids tonight…. Love ur posts …more so because my kids are so fond of mythological stories. I get some real interseting stuff to tell them…
Thank you Singhal. I feel really humbled with your comments.
I wasn’t convinced that friendly and demon belonged together, but having read your post, I’ve changed my mind in this case 🙂
Debbie
Thank you Debbie for visiting my blog. Yes, in Mythology, we do have some of these wonderful combinations to entice the kids
Loved Ghatokacha. We call his mother Hidimba. Looked from another angle, his story underlines the class difference and resulting lesser opportunities
You nailed the correct point Mahesh. This is the place where in Mahabaratha, we can see the class and caste differences. Even in Ekalavya and Karna’s case too.
Yes, I know him as Bheema’s son but I am interested in reading more about him, especially on Abhimanyu’s wedding 🙂
Thank you dear
I do not know why but I had a gut feeling that you will share as G the story of Ghatotkach, and same thing happen when I had visited the blog. I had seen and read this story before but had a great time while reading it. loved your style and end notes.
A wonderful post! Loved it
Thank you dear!!
As a kid I used to imagine Ghatodgaja & wonder how can be good having devil features. Your post made me nostalgic.
Thank you Sanjota. Yes, even that was my favorite time pass. But later a Telugu film cleared those doubts, as the artist who portrayed this character is a great actor and took care of all the minute details
I loved the baby Ghatotkacha in the movie Ghatotkach. Any you explained something more about him. Loved the post
Yes Supriya…he is my favorite too during my childhood days
How nice to discover a friendly demon. It just goes to show that no matter our background we get to choose what kind of person we want to be. I’m learning lots of new mythology from your posts. Thanks!
Black and White: G is for Gnome
Yes true Anne. Friendly demon is an interesting person indeed.