Virata Parva (The Book of Virata)

Summary

The Virata Parva describes the thirteenth year of the Pandavas' exile, which they had to spend incognito (Agyatavasa). If discovered during this year, they would have to repeat the twelve years of forest exile. The Pandavas choose the kingdom of Matsya, ruled by King Virata, for their disguise. Yudhishthira becomes Kanka (a courtier), Bhima becomes Ballava (a cook), Arjuna becomes Brihannala (a dance teacher), Nakula becomes Granthika (keeper of horses), Sahadeva becomes Tantipala (herdsman), and Draupadi becomes Sairandhri (a maid).

The narrative covers the challenges they face in maintaining their disguises. A major incident involves the general Kichaka, the queen's brother, who harasses Draupadi and is subsequently killed by Bhima. Hearing of Kichaka's death, the Kauravas suspect the Pandavas' presence and launch an attack on Virata to steal cattle and expose them. The parva culminates in a battle where Arjuna, revealing himself after the time limit expires, single-handedly defeats the Kaurava army. The book ends with the marriage of Virata's daughter Uttara to Arjuna's son, Abhimanyu, cementing an alliance.

Key Events

• The Pandavas hiding their weapons in a Shami tree.
• Assumption of disguises in King Virata's court.
• Kichaka's harassment of Draupadi and his death at the hands of Bhima.
• The Trigartas attacking Matsya and capturing King Virata.
• Bhima and Yudhishthira rescuing Virata.
• The Kauravas attacking Matsya (Gograhan) to expose the Pandavas.
• Arjuna (as Brihannala) taking Prince Uttara to the battlefield.
• Arjuna retrieving his Gandiva bow and defeating the Kaurava army.
• The revelation of the Pandavas' true identities.
• The wedding of Abhimanyu and Uttara.