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{{about|a character from [[Mahabharata]]|the Gupta ruler|Ghatotkacha (king)|the 2008 Indian film|Ghatothkach}}
{{about|a character from Mahabharata|the Gupta ruler|Ghatotkacha (king)|the 2008 Indian film|Ghatothkach}}{{refimprove|date=January 2022}}
{{short description|Son of Bhima in the Hindu epic Mahabharata}}
{{short description|Son of Bhima in the Hindu epic Mahabharata}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=April 2020}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=April 2020}}
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| type = Hindu
| type = Hindu
| image = Karna Try To Kill Ghatotkacha.jpg
| image = Karna Try To Kill Ghatotkacha.jpg
| caption = Ghatotkacha fighting with Karna
| caption = Karna and Ghatotkacha engaged in war
| affiliation = Half-[[Rakshasa]]
| affiliation = [[Pandavas]]
| Devanagari = घटोत्कच
| Devanagari = घटोत्कच
| Sanskrit_transliteration =  
| Sanskrit_transliteration =  
| abode = [[Kamyaka Forest]]
| abode = [[Kamyaka Forest]]
| birth_place = [[Kamyaka Forest]]
| birth_place = [[Kamyaka Forest]]
| children = [[Anjanaparvan]], Meghavarna, [[Barbarika]]
| children = * Anjanaparva
* Meghavarna
* [[Barbarika]] (in folk traditions)
| father = [[Bhima]]
| father = [[Bhima]]
| mother = [[Hidimbi]]
| mother = [[Hidimbi]]
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| death_place = [[Kurukshetra]]
| death_place = [[Kurukshetra]]
| battles = [[Kurukshetra War]]
| battles = [[Kurukshetra War]]
| spouse = [[Ahilawati]]
| spouse = [[Ahilawati]] (in folk traditions)
| deity_of =  
| deity_of =  
}}
}}


'''Ghatotkacha''' ({{lang-sa|घटोत्कच}}, {{IAST3|Ghaṭotkaca}}, literally: "Bald Pot") is an important character in the ''[[Mahabharata]]''.<ref name=encindlit>{{Cite book | url = https://books.google.com/books?id=zB4n3MVozbUC&q=itihasa&pg=PA1755 | title = The Encyclopaedia of Indian Literature (Volume Two) (Devraj to Jyoti) | isbn = 978-81-260-1194-0 | last1 = Datta | first1 = Amaresh | date = 2006-01-01}}</ref> His name comes from the fact that his head was hairless (''utkacha'') and shaped like a [[ghatam]].<ref name="autogenerated1">{{cite web |url=http://members.cox.net/apamnapat/entities/Ghatotkacha.html |title=Archived copy |access-date=2006-12-03 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070110002159/http://members.cox.net/apamnapat/entities/Ghatotkacha.html |archive-date=10 January 2007 |df=dmy-all }}</ref> Ghatotkacha was the son of the [[Pandava]] [[Bhima]] and the demoness [[Hidimbi]].
'''Ghatotkacha''' ({{langx|sa|घटोत्कच}}, {{IAST3|Ghaṭotkaca}}; {{lit|Bald Pot}}) is a character in the [[Indian epic poetry|ancient Indian epic]] ''[[Mahabharata]]''.<ref name=encindlit>{{Cite book | url = https://books.google.com/books?id=zB4n3MVozbUC&q=itihasa&pg=PA1755 | title = The Encyclopaedia of Indian Literature (Volume Two) (Devraj to Jyoti) | isbn = 978-81-260-1194-0 | last1 = Datta | first1 = Amaresh | date = 2006-01-01}}</ref> His name comes from the fact that he was bald (''utkacha'') and his head was shaped like a [[ghatam]], or a pot.<ref name="autogenerated1">{{cite web |url=http://members.cox.net/apamnapat/entities/Ghatotkacha.html |title=Ghatotkacha - Rakshasa Son of Bheema - Indian Mythology |access-date=2006-12-03 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070110002159/http://members.cox.net/apamnapat/entities/Ghatotkacha.html |archive-date=10 January 2007 |df=dmy-all }}</ref> He is the son of the [[Pandava]] [[Bhima]] and the [[Rakshasa|rakshasi]] [[Hidimbi]].


He is the father of [[Anjanaparvan]], [[Barbarika]] and Meghavarna. His second son [[Anjanaparvan]] participated in the war. His maternal parentage made him half-demon, which granted him several magical abilities such as the ability to fly, to increase or decrease in size and to become invisible. He was an important fighter from the [[Pandava]] side in the [[Kurukshetra war]] and caused a great deal of destruction to the [[Kaurava]] army on the fourteenth night. Ghatotkacha killed many demons like [[Characters in the Mahabharata|Alambusha]] and many gigantic [[Asuras]]. He was killed by [[Karna]] with Indra's Vasavi Shakti which Indra had given to Karna for his courage donating his earrings and armour.
As the head of one [[akshauhini]] army, he was an important fighter from the Pandava side in the [[Kurukshetra War]] and caused a great deal of destruction to the Kaurava army. Ghatotkacha killed many demons like Alambusha, Alayudha, and many gigantic asuras. He was specifically called out as the warrior who forced Karna to use his vasavi shakti weapon, and courted a hero’s death in the great war.


==Legends==
==Biography==
[[File:Bhimsen and Ghatotkach.jpg|thumb|Bhima with his wife Hidimbi and Ghatotkacha while the rest of the Pandavas and their mother Kunti look on]]
===Name===
His name refers to his round bald head; ''ghata'' means 'pot' and ''utkacha'' means 'head' in [[Sanskrit]].


Ghatotkacha was born to the demoness [[Hidimbi]] and the [[Pandava]] [[Bhima]]. Ghatotkacha was the eldest of children of [[Pandavas]]. When traveling the countryside with his brothers and [[Kunti|mother]] as a [[brahmin]], having escaped the [[lakshagraha]], Bhima saved Hidimbi from her wicked demon brother [[Hidimba]], the king of demons of [[Kamyaka Forest]]. Soon after Ghatotkacha was born, Bhima had to leave the forest leaving Hidimbi and ghatotkacha by themselves, as he still had duties to complete at [[Hastinapura]].
===Birth and early life===
On the burning of the ''[[Lakshagriha]]'', the Pandavas escape through a tunnel and reach a forest. While they were sleeping, the rakshasa chief [[Hidimba]] in the forest sees the [[Pandavas]] from the top of a tree, and he appoints his sister [[Hidimbi]] to bring them to him for food. Hidimbi goes to the Pandavas in the guise of a beautiful woman. She is attracted to [[Bhima]] and prays for the reciprocity of her love. She alerts the Pandavas to her brother's demands, pleading with them to leave the forest; however, Bhima refuses. Impatient at the delay, [[Hidimba]] runs towards the Pandavas but is slain by Bhima. Hidimbi then approaches [[Kunti]] and requests Bhima's hand in marriage. The Pandavas agree to the proposal on the condition that once a child is born to Hidimbi, they'd have to continue their peregrinations. Later, Ghatotkacha is born to Hidimbi and Bhima. [[Indra]] bestows on Ghaṭotkacha prowess enough to be a suitable opponent to [[Karna]]. Ghatotkacha grows up under the care of Hidimbi.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.sacred-texts.com/hin/m01/m01158.htm|title = The Mahabharata, Book 1: Adi Parva: Hidimva-vadha Parva: Section CLVII}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.wisdomlib.org/hinduism/compilation/puranic-encyclopaedia/d/doc241600.html|title = Story of Ghaṭotkaca|date = 28 January 2019}}</ref>


Ghatotkacha grew up under the care of [[Hidimbi]]. Like his father, Ghatotkacha's weapon of choice was the [[Gada (mace)|mace]]. Lord Krishna gave him a boon that no one in the world would be able to match his sorcery skills, except for Krishna himself.<ref>{{cite web |last = Dutt |first =Romesh|title=Maha-Bharata, The Epic of Ancient Indi}}</ref> According to folktales, [[Ahilawati]] married Ghatotkacha and their sons were [[Barbarika]], [[Anjanaparva]], and Meghavarna.
Ghatotkacha's wife was [[Ahilawati]]. According to the ''Mahabharata'', Ghatotkacha has two sons Anjanaparva—who is killed during the [[Kurukshetra War]] by the warrior [[Ashvatthama]]<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.sacred-texts.com/hin/m07/m07152.htm|title = The Mahabharata, Book 7: Drona Parva: Ghatotkacha-badha Parva: Section CLV}}</ref>—and Meghavarna—who survives the war and participates in the [[ashvamedha]] of the Pandavas. Some accounts note a third son, Barbarika.<ref>{{Cite book |last=Hiltebeitel |first=Alf |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=MMFdosx0PokC&pg=PA431#v=onepage&q&f=false |title=Rethinking India's Oral and Classical Epics: Draupadi among Rajputs, Muslims, and Dalits |date=2009-02-15 |publisher=University of Chicago Press |isbn=978-0-226-34055-5 |pages=431 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite book |last=Swami Parmeshwaranand |url=http://archive.org/details/bub_gb_6F0ZIBIL2ZAC |title=Encyclopaedic Dictionary of Puranas |date=2001-01-01 |publisher=Sarup & Sons |others=unknown library |pages=155 |language=English}}</ref>


=== Hidimbi's Sacrifice Request ===
=== Interactions with Bhima ===
During their exile the pandavas were too tired to walk further, then [[Bhima]] remembers Ghatotkacha, who immediately appeared before the Pandavas, and also brought down many demons at the behest of Bhima. Ghatotkacha carrying [[Draupadi]] on his shoulders, and the [[Rakshasa|rakshasas]] carrying Pandava brothers on their shoulders went by air to Badrikashrama, where [[Nara-Narayana]] were meditating, landed them there, and then he (Ghatotkacha and his companions) bid farewell to the Pandavas.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.sacred-texts.com/hin/m03/m03144.htm|title = The Mahabharata, Book 3: Vana Parva: Tirtha-yatra Parva: Section CXLIV}}</ref>


According to a folktale (not mentioned in Mahabharata), one day [[Hidimbi]] asked Ghatotkacha to fetch a human to sacrifice to Kali Mata. On his way to do so, he spotted a Brahmin and his wife traveling with their three children. Ghatotkacha approached them and asked which one of them should come with him to be his mother's sacrifice to [[Kali]].
Ghatotkacha is considered a loyal and humble figure. He and his followers were available to his father Bhima at any time; all Bhima had to do was to think of him, and he would appear. Like his father, Ghatotkacha primarily fought with the [[Gada (mace)|mace]].


The Brahmin offered himself but his wife insisted that she would go. Finally, their second son agreed to go with Ghatotkacha and asked his permission to first bathe in the river [[Ganga]]. [[Bhima]] comes upon the scene and inquired as to what was the matter. Ghatotkacha then relayed the scenario to Bhima, who agreed to go with him on the condition that Ghatotkacha should defeat him in a fight.
=== Kurukshetra War ===
[[File:Kamal Title Karna Attacks Ghatotkacha (text, recto; painting, verso), folio from a Razmnama (Book of War) series.jpg|thumb|Karna Attacks Ghatotkacha (text, recto; painting, verso), folio from a Razmnama (Book of War) series]]


=== Fight with Bhima ===
In the [[Kurukshetra War]], Ghatotkacha is summoned by [[Bhima]] to fight on the [[Pandava]] side. In the battle of the first day he fought against [[List of characters in the Mahabharata|Alambusha]], Duryodhana, and Bhagadatta. Terrified of the terrible course of the battle, the Kauravas deliberately postponed the battle for that day.
On the 8th day of battle, Ghatotkacha has a prolonged clash with Alambusha, and though he manages to severely wound the other demon, he is unable to prevent his retreat.


The fight began with both father and son fighting barehanded. After days of fighting, both of them exhausted, they were stopped by [[Hidimbi]]. She informed Ghatotkacha that [[Bhima]] is his father. Ghatotkacha fell at the feet of his father Bhima who embraced and praised his son, telling him that seldom has he fought anyone who could match him in terms of strength. [[Bhima]] also criticizes his wife and son for following the practice of human sacrifice.
The 14th day of battle features Ghatotkacha in a major role. During the morning battle, he becomes enraged when his mighty son Anjanparva is killed by [[Ashwatthama]]. Invoking his magical powers, he brings great havoc to the [[Kaurava]] army using his power of [[Maya (religion)|illusion]], even scaring away great warriors like [[Drona]], [[Duryodhana]], [[Karna]] and [[Dushasana]]. Ashwatthama attempts to rally fleeing soldiers, dispelling Ghatotkacha's illusion and managing to knock the demon unconscious. After coming to his senses, Ghatotkacha fights with Ashwatthama in a long duel. During the fight, both combatants use their magical powers and celestial weapons, though Ashwatthama manages to hold his ground and forces Ghatotkacha to withdraw.


===Kurukshetra War===
After the death of [[Jayadratha]] on Day 14, with the battle continuing past sunset, Ghatotkacha truly shines; his powers were at their most effective at night as demons' abilities are heightened. Along with his troops, Ghatotkacha kills [[List of characters in the Mahabharata|Alayudha]] and Alambusha, smashing the latter's head with a mace. With Ghatotkacha on a rampage, another fight took place between Ashwatthama and Ghatotkacha. Ashwatthama manages to defeat Ghatotkacha multiple times, but the powerful demon manages to escape using his illusions. On the other hand [[Karna]] also defeats Ghatotkacha twice on the battlefield after some tough battles but yet is unable to prevent Ghatotkacha from wreaking havoc on the Kaurava army. As the army breaks around him, with even [[Duryodhana]] forced to flee with his flag in tatters, Karna uses ''[[Astra (weapon)|Vasavi Śhakti]]'' as a last resort to ultimately kill the powerful demon. This weapon had been bestowed by [[Indra]] and could only be used once; Karna had been keeping it in reserve to use against Arjuna.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.sacred-texts.com/hin/m07/m07176.htm|title = The Mahabharata, Book 7: Drona Parva: Ghatotkacha-badha Parva: Section CLXXIX}}</ref>
[[File:Krishna_asking_Ghatotkacha_to_fight_Karna.jpg|thumb| Krishna Asking Ghatotkacha to Fight In Kurukshetra]]


In the [[Mahābhārata]], Ghatotkacha was summoned by [[Bhima]] to fight on the [[Pandava]] side in the [[Kurukshetra War]]. Invoking his magical powers, he brought great havoc in the [[Kaurava]] army using his power of [[Maya (religion)|illusion]], even scaring away warriors like Duryodhana and Karna. His son Anjanparva was brutally killed by Ashwattama. On the 14th night, Ghatotkacha comes into conflict with [[Ashwatthama]], who was attempting to rally the fleeing soldiers. After dispelling Ghatotkacha's illusion, he managed to knock the demon unconscious. After coming to his senses, Ghatotkacha became furious and fought with [[Ashwatthama]] in a long duel. During the fight, both combatants used their magical powers and celestial weapons at each other, but the mighty [[asura]] wasn't able to withstand the attack of the other and was forced to flee from the battlefield.
Though mortally wounded by the weapon vasavi shakti, Ghatotkacha rises to the sky and manages to enlarge his body, crushing one akshauhini of the Kaurava army.<ref>Amar Chitra Katha #592, {{ISBN|9788184821994}}</ref> The [[Pandava|Pandavas]] were filled with grief at Ghatotkacha's death. [[Krishna]], however, could not help but smile, knowing that Ghatotkacha has saved Arjuna from Karna.


After the death of [[Jayadratha]] on the fourteenth day, when the battle continued past sunset, Ghatotkacha truly shined; his powers were at their most effective at night as demons become endued with unlimited prowess, great might, and courage. Along with his asura troops, Ghatotkacha attacked the [[Kauravas]] at full power.
==Folklores==
=== Hidimbi's sacrifice request ===
According to non canonic folktales, years later, one day [[Hidimbi]] asks Ghatotkacha to fetch a human to sacrifice to [[Kali]]. On his way to do so, he spots a Brahmin and his wife traveling with their three children. Ghatotkacha approaches them and requests one of them to come with him to be his mother's sacrifice to the goddess.


Another fight took place between [[Ashwatthama]] and Ghatotkacha. Ashwatthama manages to defeat Ghatotkacha yet again but the powerful asura managed to escape again using his power. Eventually, a fight took place between [[Karna]] and Ghatotkacha. Upon seeing his efforts against the gigantic asura turn futile, [[Karna]] invoked his celestial weapons. Beholding a celestial weapon aimed at him, the foremost of all used his illusion to surround the [[Kaurava]] army. Beholding that, all kings with their sons and combatants, fled in fear. Only one among them -- [[Karna]]—proud of the power of his weapons and nobility, managed to destroy all of Ghatotkacha's illusions. At the same time, [[Karna]] was unable to force Ghatotkacha to withdraw. Ghatotkacha forged a fierce and terrible illusion into existence. He turned invisible and deceptively began to tear away large numbers of arrows and other celestial weapons at the [[Kaurava]] army, injuring [[Duryodhana]] in the process.
The Brahmin offers himself, but his wife insists that she would go. Finally, their second son agrees to go with Ghatotkacha but asks to first bathe in the river [[Ganga]]. [[Bhima]], living in exile in the forest with his brothers, comes across the scene. Upon discovering the pending sacrifice, he steps in to take the child's place. Ghatotkacha returns to his mother with Bhima in tow, only to become shocked when she tells him that Bhima is his father. Scolded by Bhima, both Ghatotkacha and Hidimbi agree to end the practice of human sacrifice.
=== Role in the story of Shashirekha===
{{Main|Sasirekha Parayanam}}


With no other option, and with the [[Kaurava]] army on the verge of revolt, [[Karna]] invoked into existence that terrible [[Astra (weapon)|Vasavi Shakti]], which he had planned to use against [[Arjuna]]. [[Karna]] hurled the weapon at the sea destroying his illusion and piercing him before it returned to Indra.
===Barbarika===
[[Barbarika]], though not in any of the official renditions of the ''[[Mahabharata]]'', appears as one of Ghatokacha's son in a some folklore.
===Indonesian version===
[[File:Gathutkaca.jpg|thumb|Ghatotkacha as Javanese ''[[Wayang]]'' puppet in war attire]]
The [[Kurukshetra War]] in [[Javanese people|Javanese]] and also [[Balinese people|Balinese]] [[wayang]] is usually called by the name ''[[Bharatayuddha]]''. The story was adapted and developed from the script ''[[Kakawin Bharatayuddha]]'' written in [[1157]] during the time of the [[Kediri Kingdom]] (present day [[East Java]], [[Indonesia]]). In the ''[[wayang]]'' puppet version, Ghatotkacha (locally spelled 'Gatotkaca') is very close to his cousin named [[Abhimanyu]], son of [[Arjuna]]. Abhimanyu married [[Uttara (Mahabharata)|Uttara]] the daughter of [[Virata Kingdom]], after he claimed he was a virgin. In fact, Abhimanyu was married to Sitisundari, daughter of [[Krishna]]. Sitisundari who is entrusted in the palace of Ghatotkacha heard the news that her husband had remarried. Ghatotkacha's Uncle, named Kalabendana, came to Abhimanyu to take him home (Kalabendana was [[Hidimbi|Arimbi]]'s youngest brother,, a dwarf giant but with a plain and noble heart). This had made Uttara jealous, and Abhimanyu was forced to swear that if he indeed had a wife other than Uttara, he would be willing to die beaten by his enemies later on. Kalabendana met with Ghatotkacha to report Abhimanyu's attitude. Ghatotkacha actually scolded Kalabendana, which he considered presumptuously interfering in his cousin's household affairs. Out of an impulse of anger, Ghatotkacha hit Kalabendana's head, and even though the act was carried out accidentally, Kalabendana was killed instantly.


[[File:Ghatotkacha's_corpse_falsl_on_one_Akshauhini_of_Kaurava_Army.jpg|thumb|247x247px|Ghatotkacha's Corpse Falls on One of The Akshauhinis of The Kaurava Army]]
When the [[Bharatayuddha]] war broke out, Abhimanyu was killed by the [[Kauravas]] on the 13th day. On the 14th day, Arjuna managed to avenge his son's death by beheading [[Jayadratha]]. [[Duryodhana]] was very sad over the death of Jayadratha, his own brother-in-law. He forced [[Karna]] to attack the [[Pandava]] camp that night. Karna obeyed even though this violates the rules of the war. After learning that the Kauravas launched a night attack, the Pandavas sent Ghatotkacha to head off. Ghatotkacha was deliberately chosen because ''Kotang Antrakusuma'' armor which he wears is able to emit bright light to shine on Kaurava's army. Ghatotkacha successfully killed a Kaurava ally named Lembusa. Meanwhile, two of his uncles, Brajalamadan and Brajawikalpa, died at the hands of their enemies, each named Lembusura and Lembusana.


Mortally wounded, Ghatotkacha rose to the sky. In the midst of dying, he managed to enlarge his body, crushing one [[akshauhini]] of the [[Kaurava]] army by his weight as he fell and before dying he destroyed 0.5 of [[Kaurava]] army, so he destroyed 1.5 army of his enemy.<ref>Amar Chitra Katha #592, {{ISBN|9788184821994}}</ref>The [[Pandavas]] were filled with grief at Ghatotkacha's death, while [[Krishna]] with the cosmic knowledge smiled as Ghatotkacha lost the demon bhava and reached heaven.
Ghatotkacha faced Karna, the wielder of Kontawijaya weapon. He created his twins as many as a thousand people to make Karna feel confused. On the instructions of his father, named [[Surya]], Karna managed to find the original Ghatotkacha. He then released Konta weapon in the direction of Ghatotkacha. Ghatotkacha tried to evade this by flying as high as possible. But the spirit of Kalabendana suddenly appeared to catch Kontawijaya while delivering news from heaven that the death of Ghatotkacha had been set that night. Ghatotkacha surrenders himself to his fate and requests that his body would be used to kill Kaurava's armies. Kalabendana agrees, then stabbed Ghatotkacha's navel using Konta weapon. The weapon merges back into its sheath, which is the mastaba wood still stored in Ghatotkacha's gut. Ghatotkacha dies, and the spirit of Kalabendana threw his body towards Karna who managed to jump to escape death. Karna's chariot was shattered to pieces as a result of being crushed by Ghatotkacha's body, and the fragments of the chariot shot in all directions and killed the Kaurava soldiers who were around it.
 
===Javanese version===
[[File:Gathutkaca.jpg|thumb|Ghatotkacha as Javanese ''[[Wayang]]'' puppet in war attire.]]
The [[Kurukshetra War]] in [[Javanese people|Javanese]] [[wayang]] is usually called by the name ''[[Bharatayuddha]]''. The story was adapted and developed from the script ''[[Kakawin Bharatayuddha]]'' written in [[1157]] during the time of the [[Kediri Kingdom]] (present day [[East Java]], [[Indonesia]]). In the ''[[wayang]]'' puppet version, Ghatotkacha (locally spelled 'Gatotkaca') is very close to his cousin named [[Abimanyu]], son of [[Arjuna]]. [[Abhimanyu]] married [[Uttara (Mahabharata)|Uttara]] the daughter of [[Virata Kingdom]], after he claimed he was a virgin. In fact, [[Abhimanyu]] was married to Sitisundari, daughter of [[Krishna]]. Sitisundari who is entrusted in the palace of Gatotkaca heard the news that her husband had remarried. Gatotkaca's Uncle, named Kalabendana, came to Abhimanyu to take him home (Kalabendana was [[Hidimbi|Arimbi]]'s youngest brother, a dwarf giant but with a plain and noble heart). This have made Uttara jealous, and Abhimanyu was forced to swear that if he indeed had a wife other than Uttara, he would be willing to die beaten by his enemies later on. Kalabendana met with Gatotkaca to report Abhimanyu's attitude. Gatotkaca actually scolded Kalabendana, which he considered presumptuously interfering in his cousin's household affairs. Out of impulse anger, Gatotkaca hit Kalabendana's head, and even though the act was carried out accidentally, Kalabendana was killed instantly.
 
When the [[Bharatayuddha]] war broke out, Abhimanyu was actually killed by the [[Kauravas]] on the 13th day. On the 14th day, Arjuna managed to avenge his son's death by beheading [[Jayadratha]]. [[Duryodhana]] was very sad over the death of Jayadratha, his own brother-in-law. He forced [[Karna]] to attack the [[Pandava]] camp that night. Karna obeyed even though this violates the rules of the war. After learning that the Kauravas launched a night attack, the Pandavas sent Gatotkaca to head off. Gatotkaca was deliberately chosen because ''Kotang Antrakusuma'' armor which he wears is able to emit bright light to shine on Kaurava's army. Gatotkaca successfully killed a Kaurava ally named Lembusa. Meanwhile, two of his uncles, Brajalamadan and Brajawikalpa, died at the hands of their enemies, each named Lembusura and Lembusana.
 
Gatotkaca faced Karna, the wielder of Kontawijaya weapon. He created his twins as many as a thousand people to make Karna feel confused. On the instructions of his father, named [[Surya|Batara Surya]], Karna managed to find the original Gatotkaca. He then released Konta weapon in the direction of Gatotkaca. Gatotkaca tried to evade this by flying as high as possible. But the spirit of Kalabendana suddenly appeared to catch Kontawijaya while delivering news from heaven that the death of Gatotkaca had been set that night. Gatotkaca surrenders himself to his fate and requests that his body would be used to kill Kaurava's armies. Kalabendana agrees, then stabbed Gatotkaca's navel using Konta weapon. The weapon merges back into its sheath, which is the mastaba wood still stored in Gatotkaca's gut. Gatotkaca dies, and the spirit of Kalabendana threw his body towards Karna which managed to jump to escape death. Karna's chariot was shattered to pieces as a result of being crushed by Gatotkaca's body, and the fragments of the chariot shot in all directions and killed the Kaurava soldiers who were around it.
 
==Lineage==
Ghatotkacha had 3 sons - Barbarika, Anjanaparvan and Meghavarna. The existence of Barbarika is debated as he is mentioned in the later additions to the [[Skanda Purana]], and not in the official renditions of the [[Mahabharata]].
 
However, Ghatotkacha's Lineage is supposed to have extended longer. The royal family of the [[Dimasa Kingdom]] claimed descent from Ghatotkacha.


==Temples==
==Temples==
[[File:Candi Gatotkaca, Dieng 1163.jpg|thumb|Gatotkaca temple in [[Central Java]], [[Indonesia]].]]
[[File:Candi Gatotkaca, Dieng 1163.jpg|thumb|Gatotkaca temple in [[Central Java]], [[Indonesia]]]]
* There is a temple built in [[Champawat]], [[Uttrakhand]] where it is meant his head fell after he was killed by [[Karna]] in the battle of [[Mahabharata]].
* There is a temple built in [[Champawat]], [[Uttrakhand]] where it is meant his head fell after he was killed by [[Karna]] in the battle of [[Mahabharata]].
* There is a temple built to honor Ghatotkacha in [[Manali, Himachal Pradesh]] near the [[Hidimba Devi Temple]].
* There is a temple built to honor Ghatotkacha in [[Manali, Himachal Pradesh]] near the [[Hidimba Devi Temple]].
* An ancient [[7th Century]] Hindu temple structure in [[Dieng temples|Dieng Temples]] complex, [[Central Java]] is named as "Gatotkaca Temple" in honour of the Mahabharata character.
* An ancient [[7th Century]] Hindu temple structure in [[Dieng temples|Dieng Temples]] complex, [[Central Java]] is named as "Ghatotkacha Temple" in honour of the Mahabharata character.


==In popular culture==
==In popular culture==
*The folktale of [[Sasirekha Parinayam]] (not originally in the Mahabharata) about [[Abhimanyu]]'s love for Shashirekha/Vatsala (the daughter of [[Balarama]]) and Ghatotkacha's help in breaking off Vatsala's engagement with [[Laxman Kumara|Laxmana Kumar]] has been filmed numerous times in India. These include:<ref>{{cite book|author1=Ashish Rajadhyaksha|author2=Paul Willemen|title=Encyclopedia of Indian Cinema|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=rF8ABAAAQBAJ&pg=RA39-PA1991|year=2014|publisher=Taylor & Francis|isbn=978-1-135-94325-7|page=39}}</ref>
*The folktale of [[Sasirekha Parinayam]] (not originally in the Mahabharata) about [[Abhimanyu]]'s love for Shashirekha/Vatsala (the daughter of [[Balarama]]) and Ghatotkacha's help in breaking off Vatsala's engagement with [[Laxman Kumara|Lakshmana Kumara]] has been filmed numerous times in India. These include:<ref>{{cite book|author1=Ashish Rajadhyaksha|author2=Paul Willemen|title=Encyclopedia of Indian Cinema|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=rF8ABAAAQBAJ&pg=RA39-PA1991|year=2014|publisher=Taylor & Francis|isbn=978-1-135-94325-7|page=39}}</ref>
** ''Surekha Haran'', a 1921 Indian silent film directed by [[Baburao Painter]].
** ''Surekha Haran'', a 1921 Indian silent film directed by [[Baburao Painter]].
** ''Vatsalaharan'', a 1923 Indian silent film directed by Baburao Painter.
** ''Vatsalaharan'', a 1923 Indian silent film directed by Baburao Painter.
Line 93: Line 94:
** ''Maya Bazaar'', a 1984 Indian Telugu romance drama film directed by [[Dasari Narayana Rao]].
** ''Maya Bazaar'', a 1984 Indian Telugu romance drama film directed by [[Dasari Narayana Rao]].
* Other Indian films about Ghatotkacha include:
* Other Indian films about Ghatotkacha include:
** ''[[Veer Ghatotkach]]'', a 1949 Indian Hindi/[[Marathi language|Marathi]] mythological film.
** ''[[Veer Ghatotkach|Veer Ghatotkacha]]'', a 1949 Indian Hindi/[[Marathi language|Marathi]] mythological film.
** ''Veer Ghatotkajan'', a 1959 Indian [[Tamil film|Tamil]] mythological film directed by [[Babubhai Mistry]].
** ''Veer Ghatotkajan'', a 1959 Indian [[Tamil film|Tamil]] mythological film directed by [[Babubhai Mistry]].
** ''[[Ghatotkachudu]]'', a 1995 Indian [[Telugu film|Telugu]] [[comedy film]] directed by [[S. V. Krishna Reddy]].
** ''[[Ghatotkachudu]]'', a 1995 Indian [[Telugu film|Telugu]] [[comedy film]] directed by [[S. V. Krishna Reddy]].
** ''Veer Ghatotkach'', a 1970 Indian Hindi mythological adventure film directed by [[Shantilal Soni]].
** ''Veer Ghatotkacha'', a 1970 Indian Hindi mythological adventure film directed by [[Shantilal Soni]].
** A 2008 Indian animated film ''[[Ghatothkach]]'' was based on his life. It was directed by [[Singeetham Srinivas Rao]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.rediff.com/movies/report/ssg/20080512.htm|title=Ghatothkach, Cannes-bound!|website=Rediff|access-date=2019-06-05}}</ref>
** A 2008 Indian animated film ''[[Ghatothkach]]'' was based on his life. It was directed by [[Singeetham Srinivas Rao]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.rediff.com/movies/report/ssg/20080512.htm|title=Ghatothkach, Cannes-bound!|website=Rediff|access-date=2019-06-05}}</ref>
** ''Ghatotkacha'', another Indian animated film released in 2008, directed by Rakesh Prasad.<ref>{{cite web |title=Ghatotkacha |url=https://www.amazon.in/Ghatotkacha-Rakesh-Prasad/dp/B006O2MGYQ |website=[[amazon.in]]}}</ref>
** ''Ghatotkacha'', another Indian animated film released in 2008, directed by Rakesh Prasad.<ref>{{cite web |title=Ghatotkacha |url=https://www.amazon.in/Ghatotkacha-Rakesh-Prasad/dp/B006O2MGYQ |website=[[amazon.in]]|date=14 July 2011 }}</ref>
* [[Amar Chitra Katha]], an Indian comic book series, published an [[List of Amar Chitra Katha comics|issue]] on Ghatotkacha. This was later adapted as an episode in the 2010 animated series of the comics.<ref>{{cite web |title=The Amar Chitra Katha Animated Series - Season 1 |url=https://www.primevideo.com/detail/The-Amar-Chitra-Katha-Animated-Series/0FWNPZHRWDF5KR9OZCYLEPN85D |website=[[Amazon Prime Video]] |language=en}}</ref>
* [[Amar Chitra Katha]], an Indian comic book series, published an [[List of Amar Chitra Katha comics|issue]] on Ghatotkacha. This was later adapted as an episode in the 2010 animated series of the comics.<ref>{{cite web |title=The Amar Chitra Katha Animated Series - Season 1 |url=https://www.primevideo.com/detail/The-Amar-Chitra-Katha-Animated-Series/0FWNPZHRWDF5KR9OZCYLEPN85D |website=[[Amazon Prime Video]] |language=en}}</ref>
* [https://example.com Razaq Khan (Not comedian Rajaq Khan)] played Ghatotkacha in 1988 TV Series [[Mahabharat (1988 TV series)|''Mahabharat'']].
* Razaq Khan (Not comedian Rajaq Khan) played Ghatotkacha in 1988 TV Series [[Mahabharat (1988 TV series)|''Mahabharat'']].
* [[Ketan Karande]] played Ghatotkacha in 2013 TV Series [[Mahabharat (2013 TV series)|''Mahabharat'']].
* [[Ketan Karande]] played Ghatotkacha in 2013 TV Series [[Mahabharat (2013 TV series)|''Mahabharat'']].
* Since ancient until current modern [[Indonesia]], Ghatotkacha has become a very popular pop culture figure and ''[[wayang]]'' puppet character, having its own version of stories told in the [[Java]]nese and [[Bali]]nese version of Mahabharata story.
* Since ancient until current modern [[Indonesia]], Ghatotkacha has become a very popular pop culture figure and ''[[wayang]]'' puppet character, having its own version of stories told in the [[Java]]nese and [[Bali]]nese version of Mahabharata story.
** In Javanese wayang, he is known as ''Gatotkoco'' with [[superhero]] fame and well known for the nickname the "''Satria otot kawat balung wesi''" ("Wire muscle and Iron bone Warrior").
** In Javanese wayang, he is known as ''Gatotkoco'' with [[superhero]] fame and well known for the nickname the "''Satria otot kawat balung wesi''" ("Wire muscle and Iron bone Warrior").
** For Javanese and Balinese, Ghatotkacha is revered as a deity and popularly depicted in artworks and statues, such as the ''Satria Gatotkaca'' Park Statue in [[Kuta]] major road intersection in Bali.
** For Javanese and Balinese, Ghatotkacha is revered as a deity and popularly depicted in artworks and statues, such as the Satria Gatotkaca Park Statue in [[Kuta, Bali|Kuta]] major road intersection in Bali.
** Gatotkaca have been frequently depicted in Indonesian popular culture such as music, comics and film, such as the superhero action film ''Satria Dewa: Gatotkaca'' (2020) .
** Ghatotkacha has been frequently depicted in Indonesian popular culture, such as music, comics and film, such as the superhero action film ''[[Satria Dewa Universe|Satria Dewa: Gatotkaca]]'' (2021).<ref>{{cite web |last1=Novita |first1=Cicik |title=Film Satria Dewa GatotKaca: Sinopsis dan Jadwal Tayang Terbaru |url=https://tirto.id/film-satria-dewa-gatotkaca-sinopsis-dan-jadwal-tayang-terbaru-gsew |website=tirto.id |access-date=22 May 2022 |language=id}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Satria Dewa: Gatotkaca |url=https://www.imdb.com/title/tt10090058/ |website=IMDB |publisher=IMDB |access-date=22 May 2022 |date=9 June 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=Mack |first1=Andrew |title=SATRIA DEWA: GATOTKACA: Teasers, Proofs of Concept & More For Indonesian Heroic Martial Arts Movie |url=https://screenanarchy.com/2021/02/satria-dewa-gatotkaca-teasers-proofs-of-concept-more-for-indonesian-heroic-martial-arts-movie.html |website=ScreenAnarchy |publisher=2021 |access-date=22 May 2022 |date=16 February 2021}}</ref>
** Javanese version of Ghatotkacha, known as Gatotkaca, depicted in ''Garudayana'', an Indonesian comic series, is featured as a playable character in the game ''Mobile Legends: Bang Bang''.
** Javanese version of Ghatotkacha, known as Gatotkaca, depicted in ''Garudayana'', an Indonesian comic series, is featured as a playable character in the game ''[[Mobile Legends: Bang Bang]]''.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Sutetjo |first1=Kenneth |title=Mobile Legends Gatotkaca Guide: Best Build, Emblem and Gameplay Tips |url=https://gamingonphone.com/guides/mobile-legends-gatotkaca-guide-tips/ |website=GamingonPhone |access-date=22 May 2022 |date=21 February 2021}}</ref>
** Many Indonesian males usually [[Javanese people]] are named after this character as "Gatot" or "Gatut", such as the former [[Indonesian military]] commander, [[Gatot Nurmantyo]].


==See also==
==See also==
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* [[Mayabazar]]
* [[Mayabazar]]
* [[Kachari Kingdom]]
* [[Kachari Kingdom]]
* [[List of characters in the Mahabharata]]


==References==
==References==


<references/>
{{reflist}}


==External links==
==External links==
{{Commons category|Ghatotkacha}}
{{Commons category|Ghaṭotkaca}}
* [http://www.sacred-texts.com/hin/m07/m07171.htm Mahābhārata Book 7 Ghatotkacha-vadha Parva]
* [http://www.sacred-texts.com/hin/m07/m07171.htm Mahābhārata Book 7 Ghatotkacha-vadha Parva]
{{Clear}}
{{Clear}}
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[[Category:Rakshasa]]
[[Category:Rakshasa]]
[[Category:Characters in the Mahabharata]]
[[Category:Characters in the Mahabharata]]
[[Category:People of the Kurukshetra War]]
*[https://indianculture.gov.in/snippets/mayong-land-occult Mayong: Land of Occult by Indian Culture Gov India]

Latest revision as of 13:55, 26 February 2026

This article is about a character from Mahabharata. For the Gupta ruler, see Ghatotkacha (king). For the 2008 Indian film, see Ghatothkach.


Ghatotkacha
Karna and Ghatotkacha engaged in war
Devanagariघटोत्कच
AffiliationPandavas
AbodeKamyaka Forest
WeaponGada (mace)
BattlesKurukshetra War
Personal information
Born
Kamyaka Forest
Died
Kurukshetra
Parents
SpouseAhilawati (in folk traditions)
Children
  • Anjanaparva
  • Meghavarna
  • Barbarika (in folk traditions)

Ghatotkacha (Script error: The function "langx" does not exist., IAST: Ghaṭotkaca; lit. 'Bald Pot') is a character in the ancient Indian epic Mahabharata.[1] His name comes from the fact that he was bald (utkacha) and his head was shaped like a ghatam, or a pot.[2] He is the son of the Pandava Bhima and the rakshasi Hidimbi.

As the head of one akshauhini army, he was an important fighter from the Pandava side in the Kurukshetra War and caused a great deal of destruction to the Kaurava army. Ghatotkacha killed many demons like Alambusha, Alayudha, and many gigantic asuras. He was specifically called out as the warrior who forced Karna to use his vasavi shakti weapon, and courted a hero’s death in the great war.

Biography[edit | edit source]

Name[edit | edit source]

His name refers to his round bald head; ghata means 'pot' and utkacha means 'head' in Sanskrit.

Birth and early life[edit | edit source]

On the burning of the Lakshagriha, the Pandavas escape through a tunnel and reach a forest. While they were sleeping, the rakshasa chief Hidimba in the forest sees the Pandavas from the top of a tree, and he appoints his sister Hidimbi to bring them to him for food. Hidimbi goes to the Pandavas in the guise of a beautiful woman. She is attracted to Bhima and prays for the reciprocity of her love. She alerts the Pandavas to her brother's demands, pleading with them to leave the forest; however, Bhima refuses. Impatient at the delay, Hidimba runs towards the Pandavas but is slain by Bhima. Hidimbi then approaches Kunti and requests Bhima's hand in marriage. The Pandavas agree to the proposal on the condition that once a child is born to Hidimbi, they'd have to continue their peregrinations. Later, Ghatotkacha is born to Hidimbi and Bhima. Indra bestows on Ghaṭotkacha prowess enough to be a suitable opponent to Karna. Ghatotkacha grows up under the care of Hidimbi.[3][4]

Ghatotkacha's wife was Ahilawati. According to the Mahabharata, Ghatotkacha has two sons Anjanaparva—who is killed during the Kurukshetra War by the warrior Ashvatthama[5]—and Meghavarna—who survives the war and participates in the ashvamedha of the Pandavas. Some accounts note a third son, Barbarika.[6][7]

Interactions with Bhima[edit | edit source]

During their exile the pandavas were too tired to walk further, then Bhima remembers Ghatotkacha, who immediately appeared before the Pandavas, and also brought down many demons at the behest of Bhima. Ghatotkacha carrying Draupadi on his shoulders, and the rakshasas carrying Pandava brothers on their shoulders went by air to Badrikashrama, where Nara-Narayana were meditating, landed them there, and then he (Ghatotkacha and his companions) bid farewell to the Pandavas.[8]

Ghatotkacha is considered a loyal and humble figure. He and his followers were available to his father Bhima at any time; all Bhima had to do was to think of him, and he would appear. Like his father, Ghatotkacha primarily fought with the mace.

Kurukshetra War[edit | edit source]

Karna Attacks Ghatotkacha (text, recto; painting, verso), folio from a Razmnama (Book of War) series

In the Kurukshetra War, Ghatotkacha is summoned by Bhima to fight on the Pandava side. In the battle of the first day he fought against Alambusha, Duryodhana, and Bhagadatta. Terrified of the terrible course of the battle, the Kauravas deliberately postponed the battle for that day. On the 8th day of battle, Ghatotkacha has a prolonged clash with Alambusha, and though he manages to severely wound the other demon, he is unable to prevent his retreat.

The 14th day of battle features Ghatotkacha in a major role. During the morning battle, he becomes enraged when his mighty son Anjanparva is killed by Ashwatthama. Invoking his magical powers, he brings great havoc to the Kaurava army using his power of illusion, even scaring away great warriors like Drona, Duryodhana, Karna and Dushasana. Ashwatthama attempts to rally fleeing soldiers, dispelling Ghatotkacha's illusion and managing to knock the demon unconscious. After coming to his senses, Ghatotkacha fights with Ashwatthama in a long duel. During the fight, both combatants use their magical powers and celestial weapons, though Ashwatthama manages to hold his ground and forces Ghatotkacha to withdraw.

After the death of Jayadratha on Day 14, with the battle continuing past sunset, Ghatotkacha truly shines; his powers were at their most effective at night as demons' abilities are heightened. Along with his troops, Ghatotkacha kills Alayudha and Alambusha, smashing the latter's head with a mace. With Ghatotkacha on a rampage, another fight took place between Ashwatthama and Ghatotkacha. Ashwatthama manages to defeat Ghatotkacha multiple times, but the powerful demon manages to escape using his illusions. On the other hand Karna also defeats Ghatotkacha twice on the battlefield after some tough battles but yet is unable to prevent Ghatotkacha from wreaking havoc on the Kaurava army. As the army breaks around him, with even Duryodhana forced to flee with his flag in tatters, Karna uses Vasavi Śhakti as a last resort to ultimately kill the powerful demon. This weapon had been bestowed by Indra and could only be used once; Karna had been keeping it in reserve to use against Arjuna.[9]

Though mortally wounded by the weapon vasavi shakti, Ghatotkacha rises to the sky and manages to enlarge his body, crushing one akshauhini of the Kaurava army.[10] The Pandavas were filled with grief at Ghatotkacha's death. Krishna, however, could not help but smile, knowing that Ghatotkacha has saved Arjuna from Karna.

Folklores[edit | edit source]

Hidimbi's sacrifice request[edit | edit source]

According to non canonic folktales, years later, one day Hidimbi asks Ghatotkacha to fetch a human to sacrifice to Kali. On his way to do so, he spots a Brahmin and his wife traveling with their three children. Ghatotkacha approaches them and requests one of them to come with him to be his mother's sacrifice to the goddess.

The Brahmin offers himself, but his wife insists that she would go. Finally, their second son agrees to go with Ghatotkacha but asks to first bathe in the river Ganga. Bhima, living in exile in the forest with his brothers, comes across the scene. Upon discovering the pending sacrifice, he steps in to take the child's place. Ghatotkacha returns to his mother with Bhima in tow, only to become shocked when she tells him that Bhima is his father. Scolded by Bhima, both Ghatotkacha and Hidimbi agree to end the practice of human sacrifice.

Role in the story of Shashirekha[edit | edit source]

Main article: Sasirekha Parayanam

Barbarika[edit | edit source]

Barbarika, though not in any of the official renditions of the Mahabharata, appears as one of Ghatokacha's son in a some folklore.

Indonesian version[edit | edit source]

Ghatotkacha as Javanese Wayang puppet in war attire

The Kurukshetra War in Javanese and also Balinese wayang is usually called by the name Bharatayuddha. The story was adapted and developed from the script Kakawin Bharatayuddha written in 1157 during the time of the Kediri Kingdom (present day East Java, Indonesia). In the wayang puppet version, Ghatotkacha (locally spelled 'Gatotkaca') is very close to his cousin named Abhimanyu, son of Arjuna. Abhimanyu married Uttara the daughter of Virata Kingdom, after he claimed he was a virgin. In fact, Abhimanyu was married to Sitisundari, daughter of Krishna. Sitisundari who is entrusted in the palace of Ghatotkacha heard the news that her husband had remarried. Ghatotkacha's Uncle, named Kalabendana, came to Abhimanyu to take him home (Kalabendana was Arimbi's youngest brother,, a dwarf giant but with a plain and noble heart). This had made Uttara jealous, and Abhimanyu was forced to swear that if he indeed had a wife other than Uttara, he would be willing to die beaten by his enemies later on. Kalabendana met with Ghatotkacha to report Abhimanyu's attitude. Ghatotkacha actually scolded Kalabendana, which he considered presumptuously interfering in his cousin's household affairs. Out of an impulse of anger, Ghatotkacha hit Kalabendana's head, and even though the act was carried out accidentally, Kalabendana was killed instantly.

When the Bharatayuddha war broke out, Abhimanyu was killed by the Kauravas on the 13th day. On the 14th day, Arjuna managed to avenge his son's death by beheading Jayadratha. Duryodhana was very sad over the death of Jayadratha, his own brother-in-law. He forced Karna to attack the Pandava camp that night. Karna obeyed even though this violates the rules of the war. After learning that the Kauravas launched a night attack, the Pandavas sent Ghatotkacha to head off. Ghatotkacha was deliberately chosen because Kotang Antrakusuma armor which he wears is able to emit bright light to shine on Kaurava's army. Ghatotkacha successfully killed a Kaurava ally named Lembusa. Meanwhile, two of his uncles, Brajalamadan and Brajawikalpa, died at the hands of their enemies, each named Lembusura and Lembusana.

Ghatotkacha faced Karna, the wielder of Kontawijaya weapon. He created his twins as many as a thousand people to make Karna feel confused. On the instructions of his father, named Surya, Karna managed to find the original Ghatotkacha. He then released Konta weapon in the direction of Ghatotkacha. Ghatotkacha tried to evade this by flying as high as possible. But the spirit of Kalabendana suddenly appeared to catch Kontawijaya while delivering news from heaven that the death of Ghatotkacha had been set that night. Ghatotkacha surrenders himself to his fate and requests that his body would be used to kill Kaurava's armies. Kalabendana agrees, then stabbed Ghatotkacha's navel using Konta weapon. The weapon merges back into its sheath, which is the mastaba wood still stored in Ghatotkacha's gut. Ghatotkacha dies, and the spirit of Kalabendana threw his body towards Karna who managed to jump to escape death. Karna's chariot was shattered to pieces as a result of being crushed by Ghatotkacha's body, and the fragments of the chariot shot in all directions and killed the Kaurava soldiers who were around it.

Temples[edit | edit source]

Gatotkaca temple in Central Java, Indonesia

In popular culture[edit | edit source]

  • The folktale of Sasirekha Parinayam (not originally in the Mahabharata) about Abhimanyu's love for Shashirekha/Vatsala (the daughter of Balarama) and Ghatotkacha's help in breaking off Vatsala's engagement with Lakshmana Kumara has been filmed numerous times in India. These include:[11]
    • Surekha Haran, a 1921 Indian silent film directed by Baburao Painter.
    • Vatsalaharan, a 1923 Indian silent film directed by Baburao Painter.
    • Maya Bazaar, a 1925 Indian silent film directed by Baburao Painter.
    • Maya Bazaar, a 1932 Indian Hindi film starring Baburao Pendharkar.
    • Maya Bazaar, a 1935 Indian Tamil film directed by R. Padmanabhan.
    • Mayabazar, or Sasirekha Parinayam, a 1936 Indian Telugu-language fantasy film directed by P. V. Das.
    • Maya Bazaar, a 1939 Indian film directed by G. P. Pawar.
    • Maya Bazaar, a 1949 Indian Hindi fantasy film directed by Datta Dharmadhikari.
    • Mayabazar, a 1957 Indian epic fantasy film directed by K. V. Reddy.
    • Maya Bazaar, a 1958 Indian Hindi adventure fantasy film directed by Babubhai Mistry.
    • Maya Bazar, a 1984 Indian Hindi/Gujarati fantasy film directed by Babubhai Mistry.
    • Maya Bazaar, a 1984 Indian Telugu romance drama film directed by Dasari Narayana Rao.
  • Other Indian films about Ghatotkacha include:
  • Amar Chitra Katha, an Indian comic book series, published an issue on Ghatotkacha. This was later adapted as an episode in the 2010 animated series of the comics.[14]
  • Razaq Khan (Not comedian Rajaq Khan) played Ghatotkacha in 1988 TV Series Mahabharat.
  • Ketan Karande played Ghatotkacha in 2013 TV Series Mahabharat.
  • Since ancient until current modern Indonesia, Ghatotkacha has become a very popular pop culture figure and wayang puppet character, having its own version of stories told in the Javanese and Balinese version of Mahabharata story.
    • In Javanese wayang, he is known as Gatotkoco with superhero fame and well known for the nickname the "Satria otot kawat balung wesi" ("Wire muscle and Iron bone Warrior").
    • For Javanese and Balinese, Ghatotkacha is revered as a deity and popularly depicted in artworks and statues, such as the Satria Gatotkaca Park Statue in Kuta major road intersection in Bali.
    • Ghatotkacha has been frequently depicted in Indonesian popular culture, such as music, comics and film, such as the superhero action film Satria Dewa: Gatotkaca (2021).[15][16][17]
    • Javanese version of Ghatotkacha, known as Gatotkaca, depicted in Garudayana, an Indonesian comic series, is featured as a playable character in the game Mobile Legends: Bang Bang.[18]

See also[edit | edit source]

References[edit | edit source]

  1. ↑ Datta, Amaresh (1 January 2006). The Encyclopaedia of Indian Literature (Volume Two) (Devraj to Jyoti). ISBN 978-81-260-1194-0.
  2. ↑ "Ghatotkacha - Rakshasa Son of Bheema - Indian Mythology". Archived from the original on 10 January 2007. Retrieved 3 December 2006.
  3. ↑ "The Mahabharata, Book 1: Adi Parva: Hidimva-vadha Parva: Section CLVII".
  4. ↑ "Story of Ghaṭotkaca". 28 January 2019.
  5. ↑ "The Mahabharata, Book 7: Drona Parva: Ghatotkacha-badha Parva: Section CLV".
  6. ↑ Hiltebeitel, Alf (15 February 2009). Rethinking India's Oral and Classical Epics: Draupadi among Rajputs, Muslims, and Dalits. University of Chicago Press. p. 431. ISBN 978-0-226-34055-5.
  7. ↑ Swami Parmeshwaranand (1 January 2001). Encyclopaedic Dictionary of Puranas. unknown library. Sarup & Sons. p. 155.
  8. ↑ "The Mahabharata, Book 3: Vana Parva: Tirtha-yatra Parva: Section CXLIV".
  9. ↑ "The Mahabharata, Book 7: Drona Parva: Ghatotkacha-badha Parva: Section CLXXIX".
  10. ↑ Amar Chitra Katha #592, ISBN 9788184821994
  11. ↑ Ashish Rajadhyaksha; Paul Willemen (2014). Encyclopedia of Indian Cinema. Taylor & Francis. p. 39. ISBN 978-1-135-94325-7.
  12. ↑ "Ghatothkach, Cannes-bound!". Rediff. Retrieved 5 June 2019.
  13. ↑ "Ghatotkacha". amazon.in. 14 July 2011.
  14. ↑ "The Amar Chitra Katha Animated Series - Season 1". Amazon Prime Video.
  15. ↑ Novita, Cicik. "Film Satria Dewa GatotKaca: Sinopsis dan Jadwal Tayang Terbaru". tirto.id (in Bahasa Indonesia). Retrieved 22 May 2022.
  16. ↑ "Satria Dewa: Gatotkaca". IMDB. IMDB. 9 June 2022. Retrieved 22 May 2022.
  17. ↑ Mack, Andrew (16 February 2021). "SATRIA DEWA: GATOTKACA: Teasers, Proofs of Concept & More For Indonesian Heroic Martial Arts Movie". ScreenAnarchy. 2021. Retrieved 22 May 2022.
  18. ↑ Sutetjo, Kenneth (21 February 2021). "Mobile Legends Gatotkaca Guide: Best Build, Emblem and Gameplay Tips". GamingonPhone. Retrieved 22 May 2022.

External links[edit | edit source]

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