One of the greatest epic, Mahabharata has the honour of being one of the longest epic in world literature. The name means “great story of the Bharatas.” Bharata was an early ancestor of both the Pandavas and Kauravas who fight each other in a great war. The conflict arose between two groups of cousins, the Kauravas, and Pandavas, due to the struggle for a dynastic succession for the throne of Hastinapura. Many ancient kingdoms participated as allies of the rival groups in the battle that occurred in Kurukshetra, whose modern day location is the state of Haryana.In short, it is the story of five heroic brothers who were destined to rule a vast kingdom. Athough, all the five Pandava brothers were skilled and had an eminent role in the great war.

May 01, 2014  Mahabharata Characters 35 - Bhima 05 - Bhima's heroics during incognito exile. Talk by Chaitanya Charan das as a part of the course 'Fascinating Mahabharata Characters'. In Indian epic Mahabharata, Bhima (Sanskrit: भीम, IAST: Bhīma) is the second born of the Pandavas. The Mahabharata relates many events which portray the might of Bhima. Progress http request. Bhima alone killed hundred Kaurava brothers in the Mahabharata War. He was considered to have the physical strength of 10,000 elephants approximately.

Though, Bhim killed all the 100 Kauravas, it was Arjuna who was portrayed as the lead character.Arjuna was fathered by the grace of Lord Indra, King of Devtas. He lived a luxurious and dramatic life and was in centre of many important events of Mahabharata. Arjuna was destined to embody his father, the warrior king. He was a diligent student of the combative arts, learning everything that his Guru, Dronacharya could teach him and attaining the status of “ Maharathi” or outstanding warrior. He was particularly skilled in archery, with much of his proficiency attributable to his habit of practising in the dark.

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As Dronacharya’s best pupil, Arjuna received instruction in the use of the Brahmasira, an immensely powerful weapon of mass destruction. Arjuna was the brightest and most accomplished student of Guru Drona. No other student, not even Ashwatthama, son of Drona was anywhere close to him. We’ve heard many stories about him, right from the aim at bird’s eye that portray him way superior than Bhima or any other Pandavas. When Guru Drona asked his students to capture Draupad as his Guru-Dakshina, Arjuna captured Draupad himself.

Draupad was so impressed by him that he wished Arjuna to marry his daughter. When no one could hit the fish’s eye in Draupdi Swayamvara it was only Arjuna who was able to complete the task. Futhermore, Lord Agni (Fire) had even gifted Arjuna with his famous bow, Gandiva, an incandescent chariot with four horses yoked, and bearing a flag that would one-day be occupied by Lord Hanuman. One day accidentally, Arjuna violated the privacy of Yudhishtira and Draupadi.

For which, Arjuna was given the punishment to set off for Tirth Yatra. It was there where Arjuna married the princess of powerful kingdoms and thus, indirectly expanding the Pandavas army for a war to come.

Arjuna famous elope with Subhadra was one of the main turning point of Mahabharata where the Yadavas and Pandavas officially tied up. Also, during the exile, Arjuna worshipped Lord Shiva to obtain the Pashupatastra and many different weapons from his father Indra.While highlighting some of the key turning point during the war too, Arjuna was responsible for most of them. Such as, the fall of Bhishma, which was one of the most important turning point of battle; killing of the Trigartas, which failed the plan of Drona to capture Yudhishtira; death of Jayadratha and most important of all was death of Karna the biggest capable rival of Arjuna and the last barrier in victory.

Also, the famous Virat Yudh where Arjuna single handedly defeated the entire Kuru Army to save the city from siege tells you about his supremacy over all others.Above all, he was accompanied by Lord Krishna. He was the only one on the battle field to see that divine Virat Roop of Lord Krishna. Arjuna was a great leader as well as he represented the entire humanity in his famous conversation to Lord Krishna in Bhagvad Gita.Clearly, Arjuna was at the centre of number of important events of Mahabharata that shaped the story entirely. Definitely, Bhima was a great warrior and was responsible for killing hundreds of Kaurava brothers along with the most important rival, Duryodhan. However, it is Arjuna, a character who outshined everyone else with his, dedication, devotion perfection and skills. Nevertheless, it was evident for him to shine, as the Lord himself was by his side!

Image: thekarna.wordpress.com

There is many a character that one can claim is the 'real' hero of the Mahabharata. I would leave Krishna out of this discussion. There is no doubt that when the Lord incarnates, He is the protagonist and everything revolves around Him.
Krishna aside, the contenders for the next spot include Arjuna, Krishna, Bhishma, and maybe a few others. Some might even put Duryodhana in their list. I, however, put Bhima on top.
Bhima is born the second son of Pandu and Kunti (an avatar of Vayu). Even as a child, his immense strength is on display. When the Pandava children are playing, Bhima is accidentally dropped on a rock. To the parents' surprise, it is the rock that is shattered and Bhima is as cheerful as ever.
During the training period under Dronacharya, along with the Kauravas, while Arjuna chooses the bow and arrow as his weapon of choice, Bhima picks the gada (mace) and so does Duryodhana. (Duryodhana is also actually taught by Balarama, Krishna's elder brother).
In the Draupadi swayamvara, it is Arjuna who is chosen to contest (shooting a revolving fish's eye, not looking directly at it?). While the popular version of the story tells us that 'Arjuna won Draupadi' but due to Kunti's mistake all the brothers end up 'sharing' her, there are other lesser known versions with deeper explanations. One of the back stories is that Draupadi ends up with '5 husbands' because of a wish that was granted by Shiva to her in her previous birth (as Nalayani, the daughter of Nala and Damayanthi). Instead of getting a husband with her 5 favourite qualities, she ends up getting 5 separate husbands. Shiva also blesses her that she would regain her virginity each morning. I have heard another back story that extends this. 4 other devis (the divine consorts of the other Pandavas I think) also have some similar wish granted, due to which they end up having to share Draupadi's body. It is the right devi that actually inhabits Draupadi's body each time 'Draupadi' is with a Pandava.
In any case, Draupadi herself is considered an avatar of Bharati (consort of Vayu), and hence it cannot be Arjuna that is the 'rightful' husband, even though he is the one that participates in the contest. It sure is Bhima. There is a much longer story behind why Arjuna is chosen to contest, and not Bhima. The story involves Shikhandi (something I recently learned of) and will try to post this sometime soon.
Some other quick points on key Bhima acts/slayings:
1) Even in Duryadhana's court, before Draupadi's vastraapaharana took place, Bhima is all fury, and is controlled by Yudhishtira. He makes a vow to Draupadi that he will bring her the blood of Duhsshasana until which Draupadi vows that she will not wash her hair (?). I don't know of any other Pandava
2) Bhima slays Duryodhana and Duhsshasana in the war. These are the main evil characters in the entire Mahabharata.
3) Bhima sacrifices his son Ghatothkacha without a second thought, for the sake of Dharma. Had it not been for Ghatothkacha, Arjuna may have been harmed by Karna. More on this story later.
4) In no way does Bhima ever doubt that Krishna is the supreme being. Arjuna is in doubt whether Krishna might be harmed, forgetting that Krishna is the one controlling the chariot and Arjuna merely the tool. Yudhishtira is afraid that Duryodhana might harm Krisha when he goes to his court to negotiate peace; again forgetting that He protects all, and there should be no such doubts. I am not taking anything away from Arjuna or Yudhishtira, and I am being nitpicky, but these are devatas we are talking about and each one has his/her position in the hierarchy of the pantheon of Gods.