Story #3: Why was Bheema stopped by Anjaneya?

  Once Dharma wanted to do Raajasuya Yagnam. On hearing details from the sages he came to know that the yagnam will be complete and blessed if Purushamrigham was present there.  Purushamrigham is one of the ardent devotees of Lord Shiva, having human face and Lion body.

  Bheema readily accepted the task of bringing Purushamrigham.  He walked towards south where he was told the creature lived. He was too sure of himself, as he believed he was the most brave and strong person on earth.  Slight ego blossomed within him.

   On the way,  he met Hanuman lying down with his tail across the path.  Thinking it was just a monkey Bheema tried to move it and found that he wasn't able to move the tail even an inch. Hanuman showed himself and blessed him and got rid of his ego.

   After this Hanuman gave him three strands of hair from his tail and said it would be useful when there is a need.  Taking that in hand Bheema went to meet Purushamrigham.

   Bheema invited Purushamrigham to the yagnam. The creature accepted the invite on one condition.  It will chase Bheema till Hasthinapura where the yagnam was being held.  If the creature catches Bheema, it will eat him.  Bheema,  thinking of his brother's wish to have the creature during the yagnam,  accepted the challenge.

   Bheema started to run and the creature chased him.  In nearly no time,  the creature was about to catch him.  Bheema thought of the hair of Hanuman, and threw one of it there.  There arised many Shiva Lingas from it. 

   Being a devout Shiva bhaktha, Purushamrigham started to do pooja to each Shiva as per the tradition.  By this time Bheema ran a long distance.  After finishing pooja to all the Shiva Lingas, Purushamrigham chased and almost caught Bheema.  This occurred three times.

   The last time Purushamrigham caught up with Bheema. It caught hold of his leg.  However,  Bheema's body was inside Hasthinapura. Now both argued on whose side victory was.

   Yudhishtra came there and heard everything.  He then passed the judgement to cut off Bheema's leg alone and give it to the creature.

   Pleased by the unbiased judgement,  Purushamrigham left Bheema free and blessed the yagnam with fullest satisfaction.

Dharma or righteousness always brings in happiness.

Namah Sivaya!!