Bhima
भीम
Bhima is the third Rudra among the Ekadasha Rudras of Shiva — a manifestation of tremendous force, overwhelming presence, and unshakable power. His name itself means 'terrible' or 'formidable', denoting his capacity to destroy adharma, uproot chaos, and shatter illusions. Bhima embodies Ugra Tattva — the terrifying form of truth that annihilates ignorance and ego without hesitation.
Bhima represents **divine ferocity, righteous destruction, supreme valor**, and **absolute fearlessness**. His presence dissolves doubt and delusion, empowering spiritual warriors to face inner and outer demons.
Bhima emerged from the **middle brow of Rudra**, born at a time when **Asuras (demons)** had grown invincible through false boons and illusions. He appeared as a dark, thundering force that shook even the Devas. With a single roar, he scattered legions of evil beings, restoring balance. He is the destroyer of excessive pride, injustice, and demonic arrogance.
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Appearance: Bhima is depicted as towering, dark-blue or smoky-grey in color, with **fiery eyes**, **flaming hair**, and an aura of thunderclouds. He has four to ten arms, each holding massive weapons like maces, axes, and thunderbolts. His roar is said to shake the worlds. Flames and storms whirl around him.
Symbols
Weapons
Mount
Elephant or Wild Bull
Direction
North-East
Element
Air + Fire
Bhima is the force of fearless dissolution — the inner storm that clears obstacles to realization. Philosophically, he reveals that destruction is not cruelty, but the removal of ignorance, falsehood, and decay. In yogic terms, Bhima corresponds to the kundalini surge breaking blockages. In Vedanta, he is the reality that destroys illusion and ego through direct intensity.
ॐ भीमाय नमः
Translation: Om, salutations to Bhima, the terrible one.
Invoked for strength in battles (inner/outer), destruction of fear, and courage to face truth.
ॐ भीमाय विद्महे कालरूपाय धीमहि। तन्नो रुद्रः प्रचोदयात्॥
Translation: We meditate on Bhima, the time-form of Rudra; may that fierce one awaken us.
To invoke immense strength and overcome great obstacles.
Major Temples
Bhimeshwar Temple - Bhimashankar, Maharashtra
One of the 12 Jyotirlingas — believed to be where Bhima Rudra appeared to destroy a demon and bless sages.
Bheemalingeswara Swamy Temple - East Godavari, Andhra Pradesh
Ancient Shaiva site — worships the fierce aspect of Shiva as Bhima.
Festivals
Mahashivaratri: Ugra worship is performed invoking Bhima Rudra for fearlessness and dharmic strength.
Bhimashankar Utsav: Annual festival where Bhima Rudra’s stories are recited and fierce rituals performed.