Losing the game of dice to Duryodhana, the Pandavas were sent into exile for twelve years.

They were going through a forest where Kimira, a terrible demon, carrying a burning torch in his hand, stopped them. He roared and asked, "Who are you? This is my territory and you can't stay here." Yudhisthira introduced himself and his brothers. Enraged Kimira replied, "Bhima had killed my brother Bakasura and my friend Hidimb. He has disgraced us by marrying Hidimba, the demoness. Therefore, I will kill him and take revenge." Saying this he attacked Bhima who fought Kimira back. He uprooted a tree and hit Kimira with it. It was not long before Bhima strangled the demon to death.