Characters of Mahabharata: B

Bhishma

Son of Ganga and King Shantanu

Grandfather of Pandavas and Kauravas

Bhishma, the actual heir to Hastinapura sacrificed his throne and took the vow of celibacy to make his father's love with Satyavati materialize. And there started the contention for the kingdom generation after generation. Bhishma was the eighth vasu who abducted Nalini, the divine cow from Sage Vashista and was thus cursed to take human form. Throughout his life, he had struggled to protect Hastinapura and the princes of the clan. He got the boon of choosing when and how he would die. At kurukshetra war, Arjuna requested Bhishma himself to show him the way to slain him and as per his suggestion took Shikandi's help. Shikandi being a woman, Bhishma refrained from fighting with her. There are so many retellings of the epic from the point of views of various characters. I wish someone comes up with Bhishma's version as well :-)

Bhima

Strongest of the five pandavas in physical strength, son of Pandu and Kunti blessed by Lord Vayu, thus making Hanuman his brother. There is a mention in the epic of Bhima meeting Hanuman when Bhima went in search of Saugandhika flower as per Draupadi's wish. As a child, Bhima's strength became multifold with the blessing of Vasuki, the Naga King when he was poisoned by Duryodhana.

Bhima married Hidimba and had the famous son Ghatokacha. He was also married to Valandhara and had a son Sarvagga through her. Sutasona was his son through Draupadi.

Bhima had a ravenous appetite and was also a great cook. During the incognito exile, he spent his year as a cook at Virata kingdom.

Bhima killed Duryodhana in a mace fight at Kurukshetra war. His significant defeats include Bakasura, Jarasandha, Kichaka and Dushasana.

Bhagadatta and Bhanumathi

Bhagadatta was the son of Narakasura and the king of pragjyotisha.He married off his daughter Bhanumathi to Duryodhana. Bhagadatta along with his elephant Supratika was known for his ferocious fight in Kurukshetra. His vaishnavastra aimed at Arjuna was  intervened by Krishna and the astra turned a garland in his neck. 

Bhanumathi does not get much mention despite being the wife of powerful Duryodhana. The incident where she plays a game of dice with Karna and is being snatched by him playfully demonstrates Duryodhana's deep trust and friendship with Karna.

Bakasura

The asura who was killed by Bhima when the pandavas were disguised as brahmanas living in ekachakra post the wax palace incident. The village made an arrangement with the asura that large quantities of food will be delivered to him in turns by the villagers which the asura consumed along with the persob who delivered them. Kunti offered to send Bhima in place of their landlord's son when it was their turn and thus came the end of the asura.

Brihannala

Arjuna disguised as eunuch Brihannala during the incognito thirteenth year of the exile. During their exile, Arjuna had a chance to visit Indra's court and was cursed by Urvashi that he will spend an year as eunuch when he turned down Urvashi's love for him. He learnt dancing from Chitrasena at Indraloka and taught dancing to Uttara, the princess of Virata during his disguise as eunuch.