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The Pandavas were in exile in the forest. They wandered through the wilderness and often had adventures and unusual experiences.
While they rested in the forest of Narayanshrama, a beautiful flower wafted into Draupadi`s hands. Enamoured with the fragrance and beauty of the flower, she requested Bhima to bring her many more.

In his search, Bhima wandered into a grove of plantain trees at the foot of a mountain. There he saw an enormous monkey lying across his path, and blocking it. He tried to scare the monkey away but in vain.

The monkey merely said that he couldn`t move. Besides, no human was allowed to go further on this path, which belonged to the Gods. Bhima exasperated with this idle talk, insisted the monkey move out of the way.The monkey replied he was too frail to stir. Bhima, he said, could either jump over him or move his tail out of the way and make way for himself.

The burly Bhima tugged at the tail, but to his amazement he couldn`t move it. Even using all his considerable strength, he found that the monkey didn`t budge an inch. Shamefaced and humiliated, he stood aside and asked the monkey who he really was.
The monkey then spoke gently to Bhima, telling him that he was actually his brother Hanuman. He then transformed himself to his holy form and stood towering over the mountains, shining with glory.

The two brothers embraced each other in delight. Hanuman promised to help the Pandavas in their battle against the Kauravas and assured them of victory.
He further told Bhima where exactly he would find the flower he was looking for. Thus Bhima found what he was looking for and returned to Draupadi and his brothers.

This was an unusual experience for Bhima. He not only met his half brother Hanuman for the very first time, but was also, unusually for him, subjugated in strength.