This is a story from the Mahabharat — from the time when the Pandavas were living in the forest during their exile — which also tells of Bhima’s meeting with Hanuman.
One day, Bhima and Draupadi were out walking in the forest, when the wind blew a flower into their path. Attracted by its fragrance and beauty, Draupadi picked it up. “I wish I could get some more of these flowers,” she said.
As she turned to go back, Bhima decided to see if he could find some more of the flowers for her. Unafraid of the dangers in the forest, Bhima walked ahead. He had penetrated rather deep into the jungle when he realised it was growing dark. Having lived in the forest for a few years now, he knew how to find food and water for himself.
Tail test
The next morning, he continued on his journey. Unknown to him, he was near a grove, where his elder brother Hanuman lived. Both were sons of the wind god Vayu. Taking on the guise of an elderly decrepit monkey, Hanuman stretched himself across the path and pretended to be asleep.
When Bhima reached the spot, he yelled, “Get out of my way, you old creature!”
Hanuman hid a smile, lifted his head as if with a great effort and asked, “Who are you?”
Swelling with pride, Bhima replied, “I am the Pandava Bhima. I am on an important errand. Now, move quickly!”
Hanuman replied, “I am an old monkey. Why don’t you just move my tail aside and go your way?”
Bhima disdainfully pushed at the tail. But he couldn’t move it. Disbelievingly he tried again, but the tail didn’t move an inch. He used one hand, both hands, bent down, and tried to lift it like he would a heavy bar...but the tail remained stretched across the path. He realised then that this was no ordinary being.
Bhima folded his hands and asked politely, “Please tell me who you are. I am sorry that I was so rude to you.”
Hanuman jumped up and revealed himself. As the brothers embraced, he said, “I know why you have come this far. The flower you seek is the Saugandhika and is found only in Kubera’s garden.” Hanuman gave him directions to the garden and the brothers took leave of each other.
When Bhima reached the garden, Kubera’s guards stopped him but were defeated. Bhima entered the lake and began to pluck the best blooms for Draupadi.
In the meantime, Yudhishtra had come after him with the rest of the family. When Bhima saw his family, he gave the flowers to a radiant Draupadi. Kubera, who had been alerted by the guards, also arrived there and invited the Pandavas to live in his gardens until Arjuna came back from his quest for divine weapons.
