Pandavas in Ekachakra

Staying in Ekachakra, in the house of the brahmana, the Pandavas followed the custom of other brahmanas and went begging for food items, from house to house. Kunti would cook the food for them, and half of the cooked food would be given to Bhima, and the rest of the food would be divided among Kunti and her other sons. Bhima still went hungry.

One day, Bhima stayed back home with his mother, while the other brothers went begging. They heard a lot of wailing coming from inside the house. Kunti asked Bhima to go and find out what was happening. The brahman had given them shelter and in time of need, they should be helped.
Bhima said it would be better if Kunti went. If help was needed, that required strength, then he would help.
Kunti saw the brahman beating his head and crying. He was telling his wife It was not wise to stay in the land where rakshashas lived. See what the times have come to. You are my wife, and our children's mother. It was best you lived and I went to the rakshasha.
His wife said she would go the rakshasha. She would not be able to live a life of widow and needed to go for the sake of the family. If the brahman dies, she would not be able to fend for the family.
Seeing the fmily cry, their daughter said she would go. Her brother, who was small needed the mother. Her parents were needed and she would be a burden on the parents, who would have to arrange for dowry for her wedding.
Hearing this brahman, his wife and daughter started crying.
Seeing this, their son, who was a toddler said, he would go. He picked up a grass blade and said he would kill the rakshasha.
Even in their grief, seeing their son, they also started laughing. They then noticed Kunti.
Kunti wanted to why they were crying.
They said there was a huge monster called Baka who lived in the outskirts of the town. To please him, the town people had decided to give him a cart full of food. The monster would the food and the person bringing the food for him. Today it was the turn of this house to send someone to Baka.

Kunti said not to worry. She had five sons and one of them would go.
Brahman said he would be sinner if he sent his guests instead of one of his family.
Kunti managed to convince the brahmanas and from there went to Bhima. She told him all she had heard.

Ghatotkacha born

Bhima was angry to see Hidimba with them. He said to Kunti to be careful of her. She was a rakshashi and could not be trusted, was there to avenge the death of her brother.
He said he would kill her.
Yudhishtira stopped him.
Hidimba said to Kunti, it is love that has brought me to your son. I want your son as my husband. I have no other intentions. I have left all and come to you. Please do not turn me away. I will serve you all my life. I will help you and make your stay in the jungle comfortable. If you do not help me, I will be compelled to kill myself.
Yudhistira hearing gave Hidimba permission to take Bhima with her and bring him back soon.
Hearing this, Hidimba flew away taking Bhima with her.
They roamed in many fields, valleys, mountains; flew over lakes and rivers.
After sometime, Hidimba gave birth to a son. The child, when born grew to a huge size. His head, which was bald (utkacha), was shaped like a pot (ghata) and so, he was named Ghatotkacha.
He said he would now take leave of Bhima, and go away with his mother. He would come as soon as he was remembered.
Bhima went to his brothers, where he was taken by Hidimba and Ghatotkacha. Taking leave of the Pandavas, Hidimba left with her son.

The Pandavas continued their travels. They would travel, hiding in the jungles afraid of being spotted by the Kauravas. Travelling thus, they crossed many kingdoms and one day found themselves face to face with Vyasa.

Seeing Vyasa, Kunti started crying. Vyasa said he was aware of their fate. He asked them not to worry as they would be victorious in the end. He asked them to go to the town of Ekachakra in the guise of brahmans and stay there. He also asked them to stay there till he came for them.

Saying this Vyasa took them to Ekachakra and got them a place to stay in the house of a brahman there.