Ekacakrā was a brāhmaṇa town. The Pāṇḍavas and Kuntī took refuge here after they escaped the burning lākshāgṛha (the house of lac) at Vāraṇāvata. They lived here in disguise, as brāhmaṇa students, in the home of a kind brāhmaṇa family. In Ekacakrā, Bhīma killed the rākshasa Baka and freed the town from the tribute that Baka had long forced on it. This happened before the Pāṇḍavas left for Pāñcāla and the svayaṃvara (the bride’s choice of husband) of Draupadī.

Place of refuge

The Pāṇḍavas escaped the fire of the lākshāgṛha through the tunnel dug by Vidura’s agent. They walked through the forest by night, carrying Kuntī and keeping clear of anyone who followed. At last they came to Ekacakrā, and a brāhmaṇa family offered them shelter. The Pāṇḍavas lived there as brāhmaṇa students and kept up the disguise. They went on bhikshā (rounds for alms) to gather food.

Under Baka’s rule

Ekacakrā lived under a tribute set by the rākshasa Baka, who lived in a forest nearby. At fixed times the town had to send him a cartload of food and a human being as his prey. Each household took its turn. When the turn came to the brāhmaṇa family with whom the Pāṇḍavas stayed, the household fell into grief.

Kuntī learned of this and decided that Bhīma would go in their place. Bhīma drove the cart to the place where Baka lived. He ate all the food himself, to make Baka angry, and killed him in a fight. Baka’s followers ran away, and Ekacakrā was free.

Departure

After Baka was killed, wandering brāhmaṇas told the Pāṇḍavas of the svayaṃvara that Drupada was holding for his daughter Draupadī, the great contest of the fish-target. The Pāṇḍavas decided to go. They left Ekacakrā and set out towards Pāñcāla.

Sources

Mahābhārata, Ādi Parva