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Nepal JyotishTraditional Science
Place Names

Hetauda and Bhimfedi

The story of how Hetauda and Bhimfedi came to be, the places where Bhimsen defeated Hidimba and married Bhutandevi.

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Hetauda and Bhimfedi

After losing their kingdom and splendour at dice, the Pandavas were obliged to spend twelve years in exile in the forest and one year in disguise. As they wandered during their exile, Bhimsen advanced toward the hilly region of Nepal.

While crossing a dense forest of the Terai, a powerful demon named Hidimba blocked the Pandavas' path. A fierce wrestling match took place between Bhimsen and Hidimba, in which Bhimsen showed his valour, threw down the demon Hidimba and killed him.

Hidimba's sister Hidimba (Bhutandevi) was exceedingly beautiful. Seeing Bhimsen's matchless bravery and beauty, she was captivated. Bhimsen accepted Hidimba's proposal of love and entered into a gandharva marriage with her.

That land, where the demon Hidimba was killed and where Hidimba's domain lay, later, becoming corrupted in speech, became famous by the name "Hetauda."

Thereafter Bhimsen, climbing up the mountain path, reached the foot of a lofty mountain. Seeing the delightful valley there, when evening fell he stayed the night there to rest. That beautiful mountain foot where Bhimsen stayed the night came later to be called "Bhimfedi."

Note: These are traditional Nepali folk tales (kimbadanti), passed down orally through generations. They may or may not reflect actual historical events, but they are told and believed as part of Nepal's cultural heritage.

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