The Pandavas live in disguise in Virata Nagar
The Pandavas choose the place and disguise for the 13th year
Having in this way obtained boons from the god of Justice, that best of virtuous men, Yudhishthira, returned to the asylum and related unto the Brahmanas all that had happened. Having related everything unto them, Yudhishthira restored to that regenerate Brahmana, who had followed him the churning staff and the fire-sticks he had lost. The son of the god of Justice, the royal Yudhishthira of high soul then called together all his younger brothers and addressed them, saying,
“Exiled from our kingdom, we have passed twelve years. The thirteenth year, hard to spend, has now come. Therefore, O Arjuna, the son of Kunti, select some spot where we may pass our days undiscovered by our enemies.”
Arjuna replied,
"By virtue of Dharma's boon, we shall, O lord of men, range about undiscovered by men. Still, for purposes of residence, I shall mention some spots that are both delightful and secluded. You select some one of them. Surrounding the kingdom of the Kurus, are, many countries beautiful and abounding in corn, such as Panchala, Chedi, Matsya, Shurasena, Pattachchara, Dasharna, Navarashtra, Malla, Salva, Yugandhara, Saurashtra, Avanti, and the spacious Kuntirashtra. Which of these, O king, would you choose, and where, O foremost of monarchs, shall we spend this year?"
Yudhishthira said,
"O them of mighty arms, it is even so. What that adorable Lord of all creatures has said must become true. Surely, after consulting together, we must select some delightful, auspicious, and agreeable region for our abode, where we may live free from fear. The aged Virata, king of the Matsyas, is virtuous and powerful and charitable, and is liked by all. He is also attached to the Pandavas. In the city of Virata, O child, we shall, O Bharata, spend this year, entering his service. Tell me, you sons of the Kuru race, in what capacities you will severally present yourselves before the king of the Matsyas!"
Arjuna said,
"O god among men, what service will you take in Virata's kingdom? O righteous one, in what capacity will you reside in the city of Virata? You are mild, and charitable, and modest, and virtuous, and firm in promise. What will you, O king, afflicted as you are with calamity, do? A king is qualified to bear trouble like an ordinary person. How will you overcome this great calamity that has overtaken you?"
Yudhishthira replied,
"You sons of the Kuru race, you bulls among men, hear what I shall do on appearing before king Virata. Presenting myself as a Brahmana, Kanka by name, skilled in dice and fond of play, I shall become a courtier of that high-souled king. And moving upon chess-boards beautiful pawns made of ivory, of blue and yellow and red and white hue, by throws of black and red dice. I shall entertain the king with his courtiers and friends. And while I shall continue to thus delight the king, nobody will succeed in discovering me. And should the monarch ask me, I shall say, 'Formerly I was the bosom friend of Yudhishthira.' I tell you that it is thus that I shall pass my days in the city of Virata. What office will you, O Vrikodara, fill in the city of Virata?"
Bhima said,
"I intend to present myself before the lord of Virata as a cook bearing the name of Vallava. I am skilled in culinary are, and I shall prepare curries for the king, and excelling all those skilful cooks that had hitherto dressed his food I shall gratify the monarch. And I shall carry mighty loads of wood. And witnessing that mighty feat, the monarch will be pleased. And, O Bharata, beholding such superhuman feats of mine, the servants of the royal household will honour me as a king. And I shall have entire control over all kinds of viands and drinks. And commanded to subdue powerful elephants and mighty bulls, I will do as bidden. And if any combatants will fight with me in the lists, then will I vanquish them, and thereby entertain the monarch. But I shall not take the life of any of them. I shall only bring them down in such way that they may not be killed. And on being asked as regards my antecedent I shall say that - Formerly I was the wrestler and cook of Yudhishthira. Thus shall I, O king, maintain myself."
Yudhishthira said,
"And what office will be performed by that mighty descendant of the Kurus, Dhananjaya, the son of Kunti, that foremost of men possessed of long arms, invincible in fight, and before whom, while he was staying with Krishna, the divine Agni himself desirous of consuming the forest of Khandava had formerly appeared in the guise of a Brahmana? What office will be performed by that best of warriors, Arjuna, who proceeded to that forest and gratified Agni, vanquishing on a single car and slaying huge Nagas and Rakshasas, and who married the sister of Vasuki himself, the king of the Nagas? Even as the sun is the foremost of all heat-giving bodies, as the Brahmana is the best of all bipeds, as the cobra is the foremost of all serpents, as Fire is the first of all things possessed of energy, as the thunderbolt is the foremost of all weapons, as the humped bull is the foremost of all animals of the bovine breed, as the ocean is the foremost of all watery expanses, as clouds charged with rain are the foremost of all clouds, as Ananta is the first of all Nagas, as Airavata is the foremost of all elephants, as the son is the foremost of all beloved objects, and lastly, as the wife is the best of all friends, so, O Vrikodara, is the youthful Gudakesha, the foremost of all bowmen. And O Bharata, what office will be performed by Bibhatsu, the wielder of Gandiva, whose car is drawn by white horses, and who is not inferior to Indra or Vasudeva Himself? What office will be performed by Arjuna who, dwelling for five years in the abode of the thousand-eyed Deity Indra shining in celestial lustre, acquired by his own energy the science of superhuman arms with all celestial weapons, and whom I regard as the tenth Rudra, the thirteenth Aditya, the ninth Vasu, and the tenth Graha, whose arms, symmetrical and long, have the skin hardened by constant strokes of the bowstring and cicatrices which resemble those on the humps of bulls, - that foremost of warriors who is as Himavat among mountains, the ocean among expanses of water, Shakra among the celestial, Havya-vaha fire among the Vasus, the tiger among beasts, and Garuda among feathery tribes!"
Arjuna replied,
"O lord of the Earth, I will declare myself as one of the neuter sex. O monarch, it is, indeed difficult to hide the marks of the bowstring on my arms. I will, however, cover both my cicatrized arms with bangles. Wearing brilliant rings on my ears and conch-bangles on my wrists and causing a braid to hang down from my head, I shall, O king, appear as one of the third sex, Brihannala by name. And living as a female I shall (always) entertain the king and the inmates of the inner apartments by reciting stories. O king, I shall also instruct the women of Virata's palace in singing and delightful modes of dancing and in musical instruments of diverse kinds. And I shall also recite the various excellent acts of men and thus conceal myself, O son of Kunti, by feigning disguise. O Bharata should the king enquire, I will say that, I lived as a waiting maid of Draupadi in Yudhishthira's palace. O foremost of kings, concealing myself by this means, as fire is concealed by ashes, I shall pass my days agreeably in the palace of Virata."
Having said this, Arjuna, that best of men and foremost of virtuous persons, became silent. Then the king addressed another brother of his.
Yudhishthira said,
"Tender, possessed of a graceful presence, and deserving of every luxury as you are, what office will you, O heroic Nakula, declare while living in the dominions of that king? Tell me all about it!"
Nakula said,
"Under the name of Granthika, I shall become the keeper of the horses of king Virata. I have a thorough knowledge of this work and am skilful in tending horses. Besides, the task is agreeable to me, and I possess great skill in training and treating horses; and horses are ever dear to me as they are to you, O king of the Kurus. At my hands even colts and mares become docile; these never become vicious in bearing a rider or drawing a car. And those persons in the city of Virata that may enquire of me, I shall, O bull of the Bharata race, say, - Formerly I was employed by Yudhishthira in the charge of his horses. Thus disguised, O king, I shall spend my days delightfully in the city of Virata. No one will be able to discover me as I will gratify the monarch thus!”
Yudhishthira said,
"How will you, O Sahadeva, bear yourself before that king? And what, O child, is that which you will do in order to live in disguise."
Sahadeva replied,
"I will become a keeper of the kine of Virata's king. I am skilled in milking kine and taking their history as well as in taming their fierceness. Passing under the name of Tantripal, I shall perform my duties deftly. Let your heart's fever be dispelled. Formerly I was frequently employed to look after your kine, and, O Lord of earth, I have a particular knowledge of that work. And, O monarch, I am well-acquainted with the nature of kine, as also with their auspicious marks and other matters relating to them. I can also discriminate bulls with auspicious marks, the scent of whose urine may make even the barren being forth child. Even thus will I live, and I always take delight in work of this kind. Indeed, no one will then be able to recognise me, and I will moreover gratify the monarch,"
Yudhishthira said,
"This is our beloved wife dearer to us than our lives. Verily, she deserves to be cherished by us like a mother, and regarded like an elder sister. Unacquainted as she is with any kind of womanly work, what office will Krishna, the daughter of Drupada, perform? Delicate and young, she is a princess of great repute. Devoted to her lords, and eminently virtuous, also, how will she live? Since her birth, she has enjoyed only garlands and perfume? and ornaments and costly robes."
Draupadi replied,
"There is a class of persons called Sairindhris[1], who enter the services of other. Other females, however (that are respectable) do not do so. Of this class there are some. I shall give myself out as a Sairindhri, skilled in dressing hair. O Bharata, on being questioned by the king, I shall say that I served as a waiting woman of Draupadi in Yudhishthira's household. I shall thus pass my days in disguise. I shall serve the famous Sudeshna, the wife of the king. Surely, obtaining me she will cherish me (duly). Do not grieve so, O king."
Yudhishthira said,
"O Krishna, you speak well. But O fair girl, you were born in a respectable family. Chaste as you are, and always engaged in observing virtuous vows, you know not what is sin. Do you, therefore, conduct yourself in such a way that sinful men of evil hearts may not be gladdened by gazing at you."
Yudhishthira continued,
"You have already said what offices you will respectively perform. I also, according to the measure of my sense, have said what office I will perform. Let our priest, accompanied by charioteers and cooks, repair to the abode of Drupada, and there maintain our Agnihotra fires. Let Indrasena and the others, taking with then the empty cars, speedily proceeded to Dwaravati. This is my wish. Let all these maid-servants of Draupadi go to the Panchalas, with our charioteers and cooks. Let all of them say, - We do not know where the Pandavas have gone leaving us at the lake of Dwaitavana."
Dhaumya instructs the Pandavas on how to live in a king’s court
Having thus taken counsel of one another and told one another the offices they would discharge, the Pandavas sought Dhaumya's advice. Dhaumya also gave them advice in the following words, saying,
“You sons of Pandu, the arrangements you have made regarding the Brahmanas, yours friends, cars, weapons, and the (sacred) fires, are excellent. But it befits you, O Yudhishthira, and Arjuna specially, to make provision for the protection of Draupadi. You king, you are well-acquainted with the characters of men. Yet whatever may be your knowledge, friends may from affection be permitted to repeat what is already known. This is subservient to the eternal interests of virtue, pleasure, and profit. I shall, therefore speak to you something. Mark you. To dwell with a king is, alas, difficult. I shall tell you, you princes, how you may reside in the royal household, avoiding every fault. You Kauravas, honourably or otherwise, you will have to pass this year in the king's palace, undiscovered by those that know you. Then in the fourteenth year, you will live happy.
O son of Pandu, in this world, that cherisher and protector of all beings, the king, who is a deity in an embodied form, is as a great fire sanctified with all the mantras. One should present himself before the king, after having obtained his permission at the gate. No one should keep contact with royal secrets. Nor should one desire a seat which another may covet. He who does not, regarding himself to be a favourite, occupy the king's car, or coach, or seat, or vehicle, or elephant, is alone worthy of dwelling in a royal household. He that sits not upon a seat the occupation of which is calculated raise alarm in the minds of malicious people, is alone worthy of dwelling in a royal household. No one should, unasked offer counsel to a king. Paying homage in season unto the king, one should silently and respectfully sit beside the king, for kings take umbrage at babblers, and disgrace laying counsellors. A wise person should not contact friendship with the king's wife, nor with the inmates of the inner apartments, nor with those that are objects of royal displeasure. One about the king should do even the most unimportant acts and with the king's knowledge. Behaving thus with a sovereign, one does not come by harm.
Even if an individual attain the highest office, he should, as long as he is not asked or commanded, consider himself as born-blind, having regard to the king's dignity, for O repressors of foes, the rulers of men do not forgive even their sons and grandsons and brothers when they happen to tamper with their dignity. Kings should be served with regardful care, even as Agni and other god; and he that is disloyal to his sovereign, is certainly destroyed by him. Renouncing anger, and pride, and negligence, it befits a man to follow the course directed by the monarch. After carefully deliberating on all things, a person should set forth before the king those topics that are both profitable and pleasant; but should a subject be profitable without being pleasant, he should still communicate it, despite its disagreeableness.
It befits a man to be well-disposed towards the king in all his interests, and not to indulge in speech that is alike unpleasant and profitless. Always thinking - I am not liked by the king - one should banish negligence, and be intent on bringing about what is agreeable and advantageous to him. He that swerves not from his place, he that is not friendly to those that are hostile to the king, he that strives not to do wrong to the king, is alone worthy to dwell in a royal household. A learned man should sit either on the king's right or the left; he should not sit behind him for that is the place appointed for armed guards, and to sit before him is always interdicted. Let none, when the king is engaged in doing anything (in respect of his servants) come forward pressing himself zealously before others, for even if the aggrieved be very poor, such conduct would still be inexcusable.
It befits no man to reveal to others any lie the king may have told inasmuch as the king bears ill will to those that report his falsehoods. Kings also always disregard persons that regard themselves as learned. No man should be proud thinking - I am brave, or, I am intelligent, but a person obtains the good graces of a king and enjoys the good things of life, by behaving agreeably to the wishes of the king. O Bharata, obtaining things agreeable, and wealth also which is so hard to acquire, a person should always do what is profitable as well as pleasant to the king. What man that is respected by the wise can even think of doing mischief to one whose ire is great impediment and whose favour is productive of mighty fruits?
No one should move his lips, arms and thighs, before the king. A person should speak and spit before the king only mildly. In the presence of even laughable objects, a man should not break out into loud laughter, like a maniac; nor should one show (unreasonable) gravity by containing himself, to the utmost. One should smile modestly, to show his interest (in what is before him). He that is ever mindful of the king's welfare, and is neither exhilarated by reward nor depressed by disgrace, is alone worthy of dwelling in a royal household.
That learned courtier who always pleases the king and his son with agreeable speeches, succeeds in dwelling in a royal household as a favourite. The favourite courtier who, having lost the royal favour for just reason, does not speak evil of the king, regains prosperity. The man who serves the king or lives in his domains, if sagacious, should speak in praise of the king, both in his presence and absence. The courtier who attempts to obtain his end by employing force on the king, cannot keep his place long and incurs also the risk of death. None should, for the purpose of self-interest, open communications with the king's enemies. Nor should one distinguish himself above the king in matters requiring ability and talents. He that is always cheerful and strong, brave and truthful, and mild, and of subdued senses, and who follows his master like his shadow, is alone worthy to dwell in a royal household.
He that on being entrusted with a work, comes forward, saying, - I will do this - is alone worthy of living in a royal household. He that on being entrusted with a task, either within the king's dominion or out of it, never fears to undertake it, is alone fit to reside in a royal household. He that living away from his home, does no remember his dear ones, and who undergoes (present) misery in expectation of (future) happiness, is alone worthy of dwelling in a royal household.
One should not dress like the king, nor should one indulge, in laughter in the king's presence nor should one disclose royal secrets. By acting thus one may win royal favour. Commissioned to a task, one should not touch bribes for by such appropriation one becomes liable to fetters or death. The robes, ornaments, cars, and other things which the king may be pleased to bestow should always be used, for by this, one wins the royal favour. You children, controlling your minds, do you spend this year, you sons of Pandu, behaving in this way. Regaining your own kingdom, you may live as you please."
Yudhishthira said,
"We have been well taught by you. Blessed be you. There is none that could say so to us, save our mother Kunti and Vidura of great wisdom. It befits you to do all that is necessary now for our departure, and for enabling us to come safely through this woe, as well as for our victory over the foe."
The Pandavas hide their weapons
Thus addressed by Yudhishthira, Dhaumya, that best of Brahmanas, performed according to the ordinance the rites ordained in respect of departure. Lighting up their fires, he offered, with mantras, oblations on them for the prosperity and success of the Pandavas, as for their reconquest of the whole world. Walking round those fires and round the Brahmanas of ascetic wealth, the six set out, placing Yajnaseni in their front. When those heroes had departed, Dhaumya, that best of ascetics, taking their sacred fires, set out for the Panchalas. Indrasena, and others already mentioned, went to the Yadavas, and looking after the horses and the cars of the Pandavas passed their time happily and in privacy.
Girding their waists with swords, and equipped with finger-protectors made of iguana skins and with various weapons, those heroes proceeded in the direction of the river Yamuna. Those bowmen desirous of (speedily) recovering their kingdom, hitherto living in inaccessible hills and forest fastnesses, now terminated their forest-life and proceeded to the southern bank of that river. Those mighty warriors endued with great strength and hitherto leading the lives of hunters by killing the deer of the forest, passed through Yakrilloma and Surasena, leaving behind, on their right, the country of the Panchalas, and on their left, that of the Dasarnas. Those bowmen, looking wan and wearing beards and equipped with swords, entered Matsya's dominions leaving the forest, giving themselves out as hunters.
On arriving at that country, Krishna addressed Yudhishthira, saying,
“We see footpaths here, and various fields. From this it appears that Virata's metropolis is still at a distance. Pass we here what part of the night is still left, for great is my fatigue.”
Yudhishthira answered,
"O Dhananjaya of Bharata's race, take up Panchali and carry her. Just on emerging from this forest, we arrive at the city."
Thereupon like the leader of a herd of elephants, Arjuna speedily took up Draupadi, and on coming to the vicinity of the city, let her down. On reaching the city, Kuru's son Yudhishthira, addressed Arjuna, saying,
“Where shall we deposit our weapons, before entering the city? If, O child, we enter it with our weapons about us, we shall thereby surely excite the alarm of the citizens. Further, the tremendous bow, the Gandiva, is known to all men, so that people will, without doubt, recognise us soon. If one of us is discovered, we shall, according to promise, have to pass another twelve years in the forest.'"
Arjuna said,
"Beyond the cemetery and near that inaccessible peak is a mighty Sami tree, throwing-about its gigantic branches and difficult to ascend. Nor is there any human being, who, I think, O Pandu's son, will spy us depositing our arms at that place. That tree is in the midst of an out-of-the way forest abounding in beasts and snakes, and is in the vicinity of a dreary cemetery. Stowing away our weapons on the Sami tree, let us, O Bharata, go to the city, and live there, free from anxiety!"
Having spoken thus to king Yudhishthira the just, Arjuna prepared to deposit the weapons (on the tree). That bull among the Kurus, then loosened the string of the large and dreadful Gandiva, ever producing thundering twang and always destructive of hostile hosts, and with which he had conquered, on a single car, gods and men and Nagas and swelling provinces. The warlike Yudhishthira, that repressor of foes, unfastened the undecaying string of that bow with which he had defended the field of Kurukshetra. The illustrious Bhimasena unstrung that bow by means of which that sinless one had vanquished in fight the Panchalas and the lord of Sindhu, and with which, during his career of conquest, he had, single-handed, opposed innumerable foes, and hearing whose twang which was like unto the roar of the thunder or the splitting of a mountain, enemies always fly (in panic) from the field of battle. And that son of Pandu of coppery complexion and mild speech who is endued with great prowess in the field, and is called Nakula in consequence of his unexampled beauty in the family, then unfastened the string of that bow with which he had conquered all the regions of the west. And the heroic Sahadeva also, possessed of a mild disposition, then united the string of that bow with which he had subjugated the countries of the south.
With their bows, they put together their long and flashing swords, their precious quivers, and their arrows sharp as razors. Nakula ascended the tree, and deposited on it the bows and the other weapons. He tied them fast on those parts of the tree which he thought would not break, and where the rain would not penetrate. The Pandavas hung up a corpse (on the tree), knowing that people smelling the stench of the corpse would say--here sure, is a dead body, and avoid the tree from a distance. On being asked by the shepherds and cowherds regarding the corpse, those repressors of foes said unto them,
“This is our mother, aged one hundred and eighty years. We have hung up her dead body, in accordance with the custom observed by our forefathers.”
And then those resisters of foes approached the city. For purposes of non-discovery Yudhishthira kept these (five) names for himself and his brothers respectively, viz., Jaya, Jayanta, Vijaya, Jayatsena, and Jayadbala. Then they entered the great city, with the view to passing the thirteenth year undiscovered in that kingdom, agreeably to the promise (to Duryodhana).
While Yudhishthira was on his way to the delightful city of Virata, he began to praise mentally the Divine Durga, the Supreme Goddess of the Universe, born on the womb of Yashoda, and fond of the boons bestowed on her by Narayana, sprung from the race of cowherd Nanda, and the giver of prosperity, the enhancer (of the glory) of (the worshipper's) family, the terrifier of Kansa, and the destroyer of Asuras, - and saluted the Goddess - her who ascended the skies when dashed (by Kamsa) on a stony platform, who is the sister of Vasudeva, one who is always decked in celestial garlands and attired in celestial robes, - who is armed with scimitar and shield, and always rescues the worshipper sunk in sin, like a cow in the mire, who in the hours of distress calls upon that eternal giver of blessings for relieving him of their burdens. And the king, desirous with his brothers of obtaining a sight of the Goddess, invoked her and began to praise her by reciting various names derived from (approved) hymns. Yudhishthira said,
“Salutations to you, O giver of boons. O you that are identical with Krishna, O maiden, O you that has observed the vow of Brahmacharya, O you of body bright as the newly-risen Sun, O you efface beautiful as the full moon.
Salutations to you, O you of four hands and four faces, O you of fair round hips and deep bosom, O you that wears bangles made of emeralds and sapphires, O you that bears excellent bracelets on your upper arm. You shine, O Goddess, as Padma, the consort of Narayana. O you that ranges the ethereal regions, your true form and your Brahmacharya are both of the purest kind. Sable as the black clouds, your face is beautiful as that of Sankarshana.
You bear two large arms long as a couple of poles raised in honour of Indra. In your (six) other arms you bear a vessel, a lotus, a bell, a noose, a bow, a large discus, and various other weapons. You are the only female in the universe that possesses the attribute of purity. You are decked with a pair of well-made ears graced with excellent rings. O Goddess, you shine with a face that challenges the moon in beauty. With an excellent diadem and beautiful braid with robes made of the bodies of snakes, and with also the brilliant girdle round your hips, you shine like the Mandara mountain encircled with snakes. You shine also with peacock-plumes standing erect on your head, and you have sanctified the celestial regions by adopting the vow of perpetual maiden-hood. It is for this, O you that has slain the Mahishasura, that you are praised and worshipped by the gods for the protection of the three worlds. O you foremost of all deities, extend to me your grace, show me your mercy, and be you the source of blessings to me.
You are Jaya and Vijaya, and it is you that gives victory in battle. Grant me victory, O Goddess, and give me boons also at this hour of distress. Your eternal abode is on Vindhya - that foremost of mountains.
O Kali, O Kali, you are the great Kali, ever fond of wine and meat and animal sacrifice. Capable of going everywhere at will, and bestowing boons on your devotees, you are ever followed in your journeys by Brahma and the other gods. By them that call upon you for the relief of their burdens, and by them also that bow to you at daybreak on Earth, there is nothing that cannot be attained in respect either of offspring or wealth. And because you rescue people from difficulties whether when they are afflicted in the wilderness or sinking in the great ocean, it is for this that you are called Durga[2] by all. You are the sole refuge of men when attacked by robbers or while afflicted in crossing streams and seas or in wilderness and; forests. Those men that remember you are never prostrated, O great Goddess.
You are Fame, you are Prosperity, you are Steadiness, you are Success; you are the Wife, you are men's Offspring, you are Knowledge, and you are the Intellect. You are the two Twilights, the Night Sleep, Light - both solar and lunar, Beauty, Forgiveness, Mercy, and every other thing. You dispel, worshipped by the devotees their fetters, ignorance, loss of children and loss of wealth, disease, death, and fear. I, who have been deprived of my kingdom, seek your protection.
And as I bow to you with bended head, O Supreme Goddess, grant me protection, O you of eyes like lotus leaves. And be you as boon-giving Truth unto us that are acting according to Truth. O Durga, kind as you are unto all that seek your protection, and affectionate unto all your devotees, grant me protection!”
Thus praised by the son of Pandu, the Goddess showed herself unto him. Approaching the king, she addressed him in these words,
“O mighty armed king, listen, O Lord, to these words of mine. Having vanquished and slain the ranks of the Kauravas through my grace, victory in battle will soon be yours. You shall again lord it over the entire Earth, having made your dominions destitute of thorns. O king, you shall also, with your brothers, obtain great happiness. Through my grace, joy and health will be yours. They also in the world who will recite my attributes and achievements will be freed from their sins, and gratified. I will bestow upon them kingdom, long life, beauty of person, and offspring. And they, O king, who will invoke me, after your manner, in exile or in the city, in the midst of battle or of dangers from foes, in forests or in inaccessible deserts, in seas or mountain fastnesses, there is nothing that they will not obtain in this world. And you sons of Pandu, he will achieve success in every business of his that will listen to, or himself recite with devotion, this excellent hymn. And through my grace neither the Kuru's spies, nor those that dwell in the country of the Matsyas, will succeed in recognising you all as long as you reside in Virata's city!”
Having said these words unto Yudhishthira, that chastiser of foes, and having arranged for the protection of the sons of Pandu, the Goddess disappeared there and then.
Yudhishthira enters Virata court
Then tying up in his cloth the dice made of gold and set with lapis lazuli, and holding them below his arm-pit, king Yudhishthira, that illustrious lord of men, that high-souled perpetuator of the Kuru race, regarded by kings, irrepressible in might, and like unto a snake of virulent poison, that bull among men, endued with strength and beauty and prowess, and possessed of greatness, and resembling in form a celestial though now like unto the sun enveloped in dense clouds, or fire covered with ashes, first made his appearance when the famous king Virata was seated in his court. Beholding with his followers that son of Pandu in his court, looking like the moon hid in clouds and possessed of a face beautiful as the full moon, king Virata addressed his counsellors and the twice-born ones and the charioteers and the Vaisyas and others, saying,
"Enquire you who it is, so like a king that looks on my court for the first time. He cannot be a Brahmana. Methinks he is a man of men, and a lord of earth. He has neither slaves, nor cars, nor elephants with him, yet he shineth like the very Indra. The marks on his person indicate him to be one whose coronal locks have undergone the sacred investiture. This is my belief. He approaches me without any hesitation, even as an elephant in rut approaches an assemblage of lotuses!”
As the king was indulging in these thoughts, that bull among men, Yudhishthira, came before Virata and addressed him, saying,
“O great king! Know me for a Brahmana who, having lost his all has come to you for the means of subsistence. I desire, O sinless one, to live here beside you acting under your commands, O lord.
The king then, well-pleased, replied unto him saying,
“You are welcome. Do you then accept the appointment you seek!'
And having appointed the lion among kings in the post he had prayed for, king Virata addressed him with a glad heart, saying,
“O child, I ask you from affection, from the dominions of what king do you come here? Tell me also truly what is your name and family, and what you has a knowledge of.'"
Yudhishthira said,
"My name is Kanka, and I am a Brahmana belonging to the family known by the name of Vaiyaghra. I am skilled in casting dice, and formerly I was a friend of Yudhishthira."
Virata replied,
"I will grant you whatever boon you may desire. Do you rule the Matsyas - I shall remain in submission to you. Even cunning gamblers are liked by me. You, on the other hand, are like a god, and deserve a kingdom."
Yudhishthira said,
"My first prayer, O lord of earth, is that I may not be involved in any dispute (on account of dice) with low people. Further, a person defeated by me (at dice) shall not be permitted to retain the wealth (won by me). Let this boon be granted to me through your grace."
Virata replied,
"I shall certainly slay him who may happen to displease you, and should be one of the twice-born ones, I shall banish him from my dominions. Let the assembled subjects listen! Kanka is as much lord of this realm as I myself, You (Kanka) shall be my friend and shall ride the same vehicles as I. There shall also be at your disposal apparel in plenty, and various kinds of viands and drinks. You shall look into my affairs, both internal and external. For you all my doors shall be open. When men out of employ or of strained circumstances will apply to you, do you at all hours bring their words unto me, and I will surely give them whatever they desire. No fear shall be yours as long as you reside with me."
Having thus obtained an interview with Virata's king, and received from him boons, that heroic bull among men, began to live happily, highly regarded by all. Nor could any one discover him as he lived there.
Bhima enters Virata’s court
Then another endued with the dreadful strength and blazing in beauty, approached king Virata, with the playful gait of the lion. Holding in hand a cooking ladle and a spoon, as also an unsheathed sword of sable hue and without a spot on the blade, he came in the guise of a cook illumining all around him by his splendour like the sun discovering the whole world. Attired in black and possessed of the strength of the king of mountains, he approached the king of the Matsyas and stood before him. Beholding that king-like person before him, Virata addressed his assembled subjects saying,
“Who is that youth, that bull among men, with shoulders broad like those of a lion, and so exceedingly beautiful? That person, never seen before, is like the sun. Revolving the matter in my mind, I cannot ascertain who he is, nor can I with even serious thoughts guess the intention of that bull among men (in coming here). Beholding him, it seems to me that he is either the king of the Gandharvas, or Purandara himself. Do you ascertain who it is that stands before my eyes. Let him have quickly what he seeks.”
Thus commanded by king Virata, his swift-footed messengers went up to the son of Kunti and informed that younger brother of Yudhishthira of everything the king had said. Then the high-souled son of Pandu, approaching Virata, addressed him in words that were not unsuited to his object, saying,
“O foremost of kings, I am a cook, Vallava by name. I am skilled in dressing dishes. Do you employ me in the kitchen!”
Virata said,
"I do not believe, O Vallava, that cooking is your office. You resemble the deity of a thousand eyes; and in grace and beauty and prowess, you shine among these all as a king!"
Bhima replied,
"O king of kings, I am your cook and servant in the first place. It is not curries only of which I have knowledge, O monarch, although king Yudhishthira always used in days gone by to taste my dishes. O lord of earth, I am also a wrestler. Nor is there one that is equal to me in strength. And engaging in fight with lions and elephants, I shall, O sinless one, always contribute to your entertainment."
Virata said,
"I will grant you boons. You will do what you wish, as you describe yourself skilled in it. I do not, however, think, that this office is worthy of you, for you deserve this (entire) earth girt round by the sea. But do as you like. Be the superintendent of my kitchen, and you are placed at the head of those who have been appointed there before by me."
Thus appointed in the kitchen, Bhima soon became the favourite of king Virata. He continued to live there unrecognised by the other servants of Virata as also by other people!
Draupadi is employed as Sairindhri in queen Sudeshna’s inner quarters
Binding her black, soft, fine, long and faultless tresses with crisped ends into a knotted braid, Draupadi of black eyes and sweet smiles, throwing it upon her right shoulders, concealed it by her cloth. She wore a single piece of a black and dirty though costly cloth. Dressing herself as a Sairindhri, she began to wander here and thither in seeming affliction. Beholding her wandering, men and women came to her hastily and addressed her, saying, “Who are you? And what do you seek?”
She replied,
“I am a king's Sairindhri. I desire to serve any one that will maintain me.”
But beholding her beauty and dress, and hearing also her speech that was so sweet, the people could not take her for a maid-servant in search of subsistence. It came to pass that while looking this way and that from the terrace, Virata's beloved queen, daughter of the king of Kekaya, saw Draupadi. Beholding her forlorn and clad in a single piece of cloth, the queen addressed her saying,
“O beautiful one, who are you, and what do you seek?”
Thereupon, Draupadi answered her, saying,
“O foremost of queen, I am Sairindhri. I will serve anybody that will maintain me.”
Then Sudeshna said,
“What you say (regarding your profession) can never be compatible with so much beauty. (On the contrary) you might well be the mistress of servants both, male and female. Your heels are not prominent, and your thighs touch each other. Your intelligence is great, and your navel deep, and your words solemn. Your great toes, and bust and hips, and back and sides, and toe-nails, and palms are all well-developed. Your palms, soles, and face are ruddy. Your speech is sweet even as the voice of the swan. Your hair is beautiful, and your bust shapely, and you are possessed of the highest grace. Your hips and bust are plump. Like a Kashmerean mare you are furnished with every auspicious mark. Your eye-lashes are (beautiful) bent, and your nether-lip is like the ruddy ground. Your waist is slender, and your neck bears lines that resemble those of the conch. Your veins are scarcely visible. Indeed, your countenance is like the full moon, and your eyes resemble the leaves of the autumnal lotus, and your body is fragrant as the lotus itself. Verily, in beauty you resemble Sri herself, whose seat is the autumnal lotus. Tell me, O beautiful damsel, who you are. You can never be a maidservant. Are you a Yakshi, a Goddess, a Gandharvi, or an Apsara? Are you the daughter of a celestial, or are you a female Naga? Are you the guardian goddess of some city, a Vidyadhari, or a Kinnari - or are you Rohini herself? Or are you Alambusha, or Mishrakeshi, Pundarika, or Malini, or the queen of Indra, or of Varuna? Or, are you the spouse of Vishwakarma, or of the creative Lord himself? Of these goddesses who are renowned in the celestial regions, who are you, O graceful one?”
Draupadi replied,
“O auspicious lady, I am neither a goddess nor a Gandharvi, nor a Yakshi, nor a Rakshasi. I am a maid-servant of the Sairindhri class. I tell you this truly. I know to dress the hair to pound (fragrant substances) for preparing unguents, and also to make beautiful and variegated garlands. O beauteous lady, of jasmines and lotuses and blue lilies and Champakas. Formerly I served Krishna's favourite queen Satyabhama, and also Draupadi, the wife of the Pandavas and the foremost beauty of the Kuru race. I wander about alone, earning good food and dress; and as long as I get these, I continue to live in the place where they are obtainable. Draupadi herself called me Malini (maker of garlands).”
Hearing this, Sudeshna said,
“I would keep you upon my head itself, if the doubt did not cross my mind that the king himself would be attracted towards you with his whole heart. Attracted by your beauty, the females of the royal household and my maids are looking at you. What male person then is there that can resist your attraction? Surely, O you of well-rounded hips, O damsel of exquisite charms, beholding your form of superhuman beauty, king Virata is sure to forsake me, and will turn to you with his whole heart. O you of faultless limbs, O you that are endued with large eyes casting quick glances, he upon whom you will look with desire is sure to be stricken. O you of sweet smiles, O you that possesses a faultless form, he that will behold you constantly, will surely catch the flame. Even as a person that climbs up a tree for compassing his own destruction, even as the crab conceives for her own ruin, I may, O you of sweet smiles, bring destruction upon myself by harbouring you.”
Draupadi replied,
“O fair lady, neither Virata nor any other person will be able to have me, for my five youthful husbands, who are Gandharvas and sons of a Gandharva king of exceeding power, always protect me. None can do me a wrong. It is the wish of my Gandharva husbands that I should serve only such persons as will not give me to touch food already partaken of by another, or tell me to wash their feet. Any man that attempts to have me like any common woman, meets with death that very night. No one can succeed in having me, for, O beautiful lady, O you of sweet smiles, those beloved Gandharvas, possessed of great energy and mighty strength always protect me secretly.”
Sudeshna said,
“O you that brings delight to the heart, if it is as you say, I will take you into my household. You shall not have to touch food that has been partaken of by another, or to wash another's feet.”
Thus addressed by Virata's wife, Krishna (Draupadi) ever devoted to her lords, began to live in that city. Nor could anyone ascertain who in reality she was!
Sahadeva is appointed as a cowherd in Virata’s cow pen
Then clad in a cowherd's dress, and speaking the dialect of cowherds, Sahadeva came to the cow pen of Virata's city. Beholding that bull among men, who was shining in splendour, the king was struck with amazement. He directed his men to summon Sahadeva. When the latter came, the king addressed him, saying,
“To whom dost you belong? And whence do you come? What work do you seek? I have never seen you before. O bull among men, tell me truly about you.'
Having come before the king that afflicter of foes, Sahadeva answered in accents deep as the roar of the cloud,
“I am a Vaisya, Arishtanemi by name. I was employed as a cowherd in the service of those bulls of the Kuru race, the sons of Pandu. O foremost of men, I intend now to live beside you, for I do not know where those lions among kings, the sons of Pritha, are. I cannot live without service, and, O king, I do not like to enter into the service of anyone else save you.”
Hearing these words, Virata said,
“You must either be a Brahmana or a Kshatriya. You look as if you were the lord of the entire earth surrounded by the sea. Tell me truly, O you that mows down your foes. The office of a Vaisya is not fit for you. Tell me from the dominions of what king you come, and what you know, and in what capacity you would remain with us, and also what pay you would accept.”
Sahadeva answered,
“Yudhishthira, the eldest of the five sons of Pandu, had one division of kine numbering eight hundred and ten thousand, and another, ten thousand, and another, again, twenty thousand, and so on. I was employed in keeping those cattle. People used to call me Tantripala. I know the present, the past, and the future of all kine living within ten Yojanas, and whose case story has been taken. My merits were known to that illustrious one, and the Kuru king Yudhishthira was well-pleased with me. I am also acquainted with the means which aid kine in multiplying within a short time, and by which they may enjoy immunity from disease. Also these arts are known to me. I can also single out bulls having auspicious marks for which they are worshipped by men, and by smelling whose urine, the barren may conceive.”
Virata said,
“I have a hundred thousand kine divided into distinct herds. All those together with their keepers, I place in your charge. Henceforth my beasts will be in your keep.”
Then, undiscovered by that monarch, that lord of men, Sahadeva, maintained by Virata, began to live happily. Nor did anyone else (besides his brothers) recognise him.
Arjuna becomes a dance teacher to princes Uttara
Next appeared at the gate of the ramparts another person of enormous size and exquisite beauty decked in the ornaments of women, and wearing large ear-rings and beautiful conch-bracelets overlaid with gold. That mighty-armed individual with long and abundant hair floating about his neck, resembled an elephant in gait. Shaking the very earth with his tread, he approached Virata and stood in his court. Beholding the son of the great Indra, shining with exquisite lustre and having the gait of a mighty elephant, - that grinder of foes having his true form concealed in disguise, entering the council-hall and advancing towards the monarch, the king addressed all his courtiers, saying,
“Whence does this person come? I have never heard of him before.”
And when the men present spoke of the newcomer as one unknown to them, the king wonderingly said,
“Possessed of great strength, you are like unto a celestial, and young and of darkish hue, you resembles the leader of a herd of elephants. Wearing conch-bracelets overlaid with gold, a braid, and ear-rings, you shine yet like one amongst those that riding on chariots wander about equipped with mail and bow and arrows and decked with garlands and fine hair. I am old and desirous of relinquishing my burden. Be you like my son, or rule you like myself all the Matsyas. It seems to me that such a person as you can never be of the neuter sex.”
Arjuna said,
“I sing, dance, and play on instruments. I am proficient in dance and skilled in song. O lord of men, assign me unto (the princess) Uttara. I shall be dancing-master to the royal maiden. As to how I have come by this form, what will it avail you to hear the account which will only augment my pain? Know me, O king of men, to be Brihannala, a son or daughter without father or mother.”
Virata said,
“O Brihannala, I give you what you desire. Instruct my daughter, and those like her, in dancing. To me, however, this office seems unworthy of you. You deserve (the dominion of) the entire earth girt round by the ocean.”
The king of the Matsyas then tested Brihannala in dancing, music, and other fine arts, and consulting with his various ministers forthwith caused him to be examined by women. Learning that this impotency was of a permanent nature, he sent him to the maiden's apartments. There the mighty Arjuna began giving lessons in singing and instrumental music to the daughter of Virata, her friends, and her waiting-maids, and soon won their good graces. In this manner the self-possessed Arjuna lived there in disguise, partaking of pleasures in their company, and unknown to the people within or without the palace.
Nakula works as a horse-trainer in Virata’s stable
After a while, another powerful son of Pandu was seen making towards king Virata in haste. As he advanced, he seemed to everyone like solar orb emerged from the clouds. He began to observe the horses around. Seeing this, the king of the Matsyas said to his followers,
“I wonder whence this man, possessed of the effulgence of a celestial, cometh. He looks intently at my steeds. Verily, he must be proficient in horse-lore. Let him be ushered into my presence quickly. He is a warrior and looks like a god!”
And that destroyer of foes then went up to the king and accosted him, saying,
“Victory to you, O king, and blessed be you. As a trainer of horses, I have always been highly esteemed by kings. I will be a clever keeper of your horses.”
Virata said,
“I will give you vehicles, wealth, and spacious quarters. You shall be the manager of my horses. But first tell me whence you comes, who you are, and how also you happens to come here. Tell us also all the arts you are master of.”
Nakula replied,
“O mower of enemies, know that Yudhishthira is the eldest brother of the five sons of Pandu. I was formerly employed by him to keep his horses. I am acquainted with the temper of steeds, and know perfectly the art of breaking them. I know also how to correct vicious horses, and all the methods of treating their diseases. No animal in my hands becomes weak or ill. Not to speak of horses, even mares in my hands will never be found to be vicious. People called me Granthika by name and so did Yudhishthira, the son of Pandu.”
Virata said,
“Whatever horses I have, I consign to your care even from today. And all the keepers of my horses and all my charioteers will from today be subordinate to you. If this suits you, say what remuneration is desired by you. But, O you that resembles a celestial, the office of stable is not worthy of you. For you look like a king and I esteem you much. The appearance here has pleased me as much as if Yudhishthira himself were here. Oh, how does that blameless son of Pandu dwell and divert himself in the forest, now destitute of servants as he is.”
That youth, like unto a chief of the Gandharvas, was treated thus respectfully by the delighted king Virata. And he conducted himself there in such a manner as to make himself dear and agreeable to all in the palace. No one recognised him while living under Virata's protection. It was in this manner then the sons of Pandu, the very sight of whom had never been fruitless, continued to live in the country of the Matsyas. True to their pledge those lords of the earth bounded by her belt of seas passed their days of incognito with great composure notwithstanding their poignant sufferings.
Samayapalana
By the grace of the sage Trinabindu and of the high-souled lord of justice, the Pandavas continued to live unrecognised by others in the city of Virata. Yudhishthira, as courtier made himself agreeable to Virata and his sons as also to all the Matsyas. An adept in the mysteries of dice, the son of Pandu caused them to play at dice according to his pleasure and made them sit together in the dice-hall like a row of birds bound in a string. That tiger among men, king Yudhishthira the Just, unknown to the monarch, distributed among his brothers, in due proportion, the wealth he won from Virata.
Bhimasena on his part, sold to Yudhishthira for price, meat and viands of various kinds which he obtained from the king. Arjuna distributed among all his brothers the proceeds of worn-out cloths which he earned in the inner apartments of the palace. Sahadeva, too, who was disguised as a cowherd gave milk, curds and clarified butter to his brothers. Nakula also shared with his brothers the wealth the king gave him, satisfied with his management of the horses. Draupadi, herself in a pitiable condition, looked after all those brothers and behaved in such a way as to remain unrecognized. Thus ministering unto one another's wants, those mighty warriors lived in the capital of Virata as hidden from view, as if they were once more in their mother's womb. Those lords of men, the sons of Pandu, apprehensive of danger from the son of Dhritarashtra, continued to dwell there in concealment, watching over their wife Draupadi.
After three months had passed away, in the fourth, the grand festival in honour of the divine Brahma which was celebrated with pomp in the country of the Matsyas, came off. There came athletes from all quarters by thousands, like hosts of celestials to the abode of Brahma or of Shiva to witness that festival. They were endued with huge bodies and great prowess, like the demons called Kalakhanjas. Elated with their prowess and proud of their strength, they were highly honoured by the king. Their shoulders and waists and necks were like those of lions, and their bodies were very clean, and their hearts were quite at ease. They had many a time won success in the lists in the presence of kings. Amongst them there was one who towered above the rest and challenged them all to a combat. There was none that dared to approach him as he proudly stalked in the arena.
When all the athletes stood sad and dispirited, the king of the Matsyas made him fight with his cook. Urged by the king, Bhima made up his mind reluctantly, for he could not openly disobey the royal behest. That tiger among men then having worshipped the king, entered the spacious arena, pacing with the careless steps of a tiger. The son of Kunti then girded up his loins to the great delight of the spectators. Bhima then summoned to the combat that athlete known by the name of Jimuta who was like unto the Asura Vritra whose prowess was widely known. Both of them were possessed of great courage, and both were endued with terrible prowess. They were like a couple of infuriate and huge-bodied elephants, each sixty years old. Those brave tigers among men then cheerfully engaged in a wrestling combat, desirous of vanquishing each other. Terrible was the encounter that took place between them, like the clash of the thunderbolt against the stony mountain-breast. Both of them were exceedingly powerful and extremely delighted at each other's strength. Desirous of vanquishing each other, each stood eager to take advantage of his adversary's lapse. Both were greatly delighted and both looked like infuriate elephants of prodigious size. Various were the modes of attack and defence that they exhibited with their clenched fists.
Each dashed against the other and flung his adversary to a distance. Each cast the other down and pressed him close to the ground. Each got up again and squeezed the other in his arms. Each threw the other violently off his place by boxing him on the breast. Each caught the other by the legs and whirling him round threw him down on the ground. They slapped each other with their palms that struck as hard as the thunderbolt. They also struck each other with their outstretched fingers, and stretching them out like spears thrust the nails into each other's body. They gave each other violent kicks. They struck knee and head against head, producing the crash of one stone against another. In this manner that furious combat between those warriors raged on without weapons, sustained mainly by the power of their arms and their physical and mental energy, to the infinite delight of the concourse of spectators.
All people took deep interest in that encounter of those powerful wrestlers who fought like Indra and the Asura Vritra. They cheered both of them with loud acclamations of applause. The broad-chested and long-armed experts in wrestling then pulled and pressed and whirled and hurled down each other and struck each other with their knees, expressing all the while their scorn for each other in loud voices. They began to fight with their bare arms in this way, which were like spiked maces of iron. At last the powerful and mighty-armed Bhima, the slayer of his foes, shouting aloud seized the vociferous athlete by the arms even as the lion seizes the elephant, and taking him up from the ground and holding him aloft, began to whirl him round, to the great astonishment of the assembled athletes and the people of Matsya. Having whirled him round and round a hundred times till he was insensible, the strong-armed Vrikodara dashed him to death on the ground. When the brave and renowned Jimuta was thus killed, Virata and his friends were filled with great delight.
In the exuberance of his joy, the noble-minded king rewarded Vallava then and there with the liberality of Kubera. Killing numerous athletes and many other men possessed of great bodily strength, he pleased the king very much. When no one could be found there to encounter him in the lists, the king made him fight with tigers and lions and elephants. The king also made him battle with furious and powerful lions in the harem for the pleasure of the ladies.
Arjuna, too, pleased the king and all the ladies of the inner apartments by singing and dancing. Nakula pleased Virata, that best of kings, by showing him fleet and well-trained steeds that followed him wherever he went. The king, gratified with him, rewarded him with ample presents. Beholding around Sahadeva a herd of well-trained bullocks, Virata that bull among men, bestowed upon him also wealth of diverse kinds. Draupadi distressed to see all those warriors suffer pain, sighed incessantly. It was in this way that those eminent persons lived there in disguise, rendering services unto king Virata.
[1] An independent female artisan working in another person's house.--Wilson.
[2] Literally, one that rescues from difficulty.