Out of Exile

Virata returns victorious from the Trigarta battle and learns that Bhuminjaya has ridden out against the Kurus with Brhannala as charioteer. He fears his son cannot survive against Bhisma, Drona, Karna, and Duryodhana.

Yudhisthira repeatedly tells Virata that anyone protected by Brhannala cannot be defeated, even by celestial hosts. Virata does not understand the reassurance and prepares to send forces after his son.

A messenger reports that the Kurus have retreated, the cows are rescued, and Bhuminjaya and his charioteer are safe. Virata orders the city decorated and sends a festive procession to welcome the prince.

While waiting for Bhuminjaya, Virata plays dice with Kanka and grows angry when Yudhisthira keeps praising Brhannala. Virata throws the dice at Yudhisthira's face, making his nose bleed, and Draupadi quickly helps him stem the flow.

When Bhuminjaya arrives, Yudhisthira tells the messenger to bring the prince alone so Arjuna will not see his blood outside battle and kill Virata under his vow.

Bhuminjaya warns Virata that striking Kanka was a great sin, then refuses credit for the victory. He says a celestial youth stopped his flight, mounted his chariot, and alone routed the Kuru leaders.

At dawn the next day, Yudhisthira and his brothers enter the court in white clothes and gold ornaments and sit on royal thrones before Virata arrives. Virata challenges Kanka for sitting above his station.

Arjuna declares that Kanka is Yudhisthira and identifies Vallabha as Bhima, Granthika as Nakula, Tantripala as Sahadeva, and Sairindhri as Draupadi. He also tells Virata that Bhima killed Kichaka and that he himself is Arjuna.

Virata is moved to tears, bows to Yudhisthira, apologizes for his offenses, and offers his kingdom to the Pandavas. In gratitude for Bhima's rescue and Arjuna's victory, he offers Uttara's hand to Arjuna.

Arjuna refuses to marry Uttara because she has treated him as a father during the year. To protect her honor and strengthen the alliance, he proposes that she marry his son Abhimanyu instead, and Yudhisthira approves.

Virata quarters the Pandavas in his palace and sends word to their friends and allies. Krsna, Balarama, Abhimanyu, Drupada, Kashiraja, and large forces arrive in Virata.

On the next full-moon day, Draupadi leads Uttara to the wedding sacrifice, and Abhimanyu accepts her hand from Virata before the assembled Pandavas, Krsna, Balarama, kings, and Brahmins.

After the wedding, the kings assemble to discuss recovering Yudhisthira's kingdom. Krsna says the Pandavas have completed their vow and recommends sending a reliable messenger to learn Duryodhana's intentions before war.

Balarama agrees that a messenger should go to Hastinapura, but says the Kauravas should be addressed deferentially and that Yudhisthira shares blame for gambling away the kingdom. The Pandavas remain silent despite surprise at his tone.

Satyaki angrily rejects any servile approach and says the kingdom should be restored by force if needed. Drupada agrees that Duryodhana will read softness as weakness and advises preparing for battle while still sending his priest to Dhrtarastra.

Krsna approves Drupada's plan and returns to Dwaraka, promising help if peace fails. Messengers go out, armies gather at Virata and Hastinapura, and Drupada sends his priest to argue Yudhisthira's case and divide Kuru opinion.