Mahabharata Companion

Into Virata

Part 1 / Chapter 35 / 83 chapters

Chapter35 / 48
Part 1Chapter 35

Into Virata

The Pandavas begin the thirteenth year by choosing as their hiding place and assigning each person a disguise for service in Virata's court. After sending followers away, receiving 's blessing, hiding their weapons near the city, and receiving Durga's protection, they enter Virata one by one. The key change is that the final incognito year has begun, with each Pandava and settled into a role that must hold until the vow is complete.

Krishna Dharma Edition
Purchase Your Copy

This guide follows Krishna Dharma's retelling as the source of truth. This panel notes broad edition-level framing or compression that helps a reader orient themselves.

Krishna Dharma keeps the focus practical: the chapter tracks how the Pandavas manage risk, conceal identity, and depend on divine protection without letting the incognito plan become effortless.
Key Events
  1. 1

    The incognito year begins

    calculates that the thirteenth year is about to begin, and the Pandavas discuss how to stay hidden despite 's expected spies.

  2. 2

    is chosen

    suggests considering friendly countries, and chooses because Virata is righteous, charitable, powerful, and favorable toward them.

  3. 3

    and choose roles

    plans to enter as Kanka, a dicing companion and former friend of . chooses the name Vallabha and will serve as a cook, wrestler, and performer of feats of strength.

  4. 4

    becomes Brhannala

    Remembering 's curse and Indra's instruction, plans to live as Brhannala and teach the palace women singing and dancing while concealing the marks of his bowstring.

  5. 5

    The remaining disguises are fixed

    will serve as Granthika, keeper of horses, and will serve as Tantripala, a cowherd. will enter 's service as Sairindhri, saying she once served herself.

  6. 6

    Followers are sent away

    To keep their whereabouts secret, sends to Drupada's city with the sacred fires and orders Indrasena and the servants to go to with a cover story.

  7. 7

    blesses the departure

    offers oblations, invokes auspiciousness, and blesses the Pandavas and before they leave the hermitage for .

  8. 8

    The Pandavas reach

    The brothers travel lean and bearded, presenting themselves as hunters, while carries . After many days they arrive in and see the roads leading to the capital.

  9. 9

    warns the brothers

    Near the city, gives careful instructions about conduct in a king's presence so they will not lose the vow when only one year remains.

  10. 10

    The weapons are hidden

    Because Gandiva and the other weapons would expose them, the Pandavas wrap their bows, swords, quivers, and arrows and secure the bundle high in a sami tree near a cremation ground.

  11. 11

    Durga grants protection

    At the city gate prays to Durga, and the goddess promises that neither the Kurus nor Virata's people will recognize the Pandavas until the year has expired.

  12. 12

    Kanka enters the court

    enters first as Kanka, claims to be a Brahmin friend of , and is accepted by Virata as a dicing companion, friend, and counselor.

  13. 13

    Vallabha and Sairindhri are accepted

    enters as Vallabha and becomes head of the kitchens. enters as Malini of the Sairindhri class, persuades to protect her conditions, and begins palace service.

  14. 14

    The final posts are secured

    is placed over Virata's cows, as Brhannala becomes Princess 's music and dance teacher, and takes charge of the royal stables. The Pandavas and begin the final year unsuspected by anyone.