Journey into hiding

The Pandavas decided to remain in the kingdom of Virata during their year of stay in disguise. They discussed among themselves and decided what role each would take. They also chose two different names for each, one to the outside world and the other for the secret exchange of news among themselves.

It was agreed that Dhaumya would stay in the Panchala kingdom of Draupadi’s father during that time. The chief priest gave valuable advices to the Pandavas for their life in hiding in an alien land. The Pandavas took the blessing of all the Brahmins and of Dhaymya and left for the Matsya kingdom.

Safe deposit of weapons

They could not take their weapons with them. Many, like the Gandiva of Arjuna, would let out their secret too easily. They found a suitable tree on the way which had a copse hanging from one of its branches. Nakula secured all their weapons on a high branch, hidden from the view of the passers by. The copse would, anyway, scare people away.

The second life

Yudhishthira first went to Virata as a Brahmin with the name of Kanka. The senior Pandava had a problem. Truthfulness was his life’s motto. He had to conceal the truth to remain anonymous and, yet, avoid telling a lie. So, everything he said of himself in his assumed role was true in one sense.

King Virata was highly impressed, even from a distance, looking at the visitor who was coming to him. The guest was dressed like Brahmin, but, looked more like an eminent king. All the people in the assembly of the Matsya king thought that a great dignitary was paying them a visit.

Virata welcomed his guest and spoke. “You appear as a Brahmin. Tell me all about yourself and about your ancestry”. It was the custom in ancient days to know about people from their lineage.

Yudhishthira said that he was a Brahmin (Dwija) who had lost all that he possessed by misfortune. The word, meaning twice born, was applicable even to the ruling class, though normally used for Brahmins. Vyaghrapada was his distinguished ancestor. There was a famous sage by that name. The word was also used as an epithet of Dharmaraja, the father of Yudhishthira.

The Brahmin had a bag hanging from his shoulder which carried a variety of dice. He said that he would entertain the king playing various games with him. Virata asked him many questions and decided that the Brahmin was a welcome guest in his assembly.

A new cook in the palace

Within a day or two of the arrival of the Brahmin Virata found someone walking with firm steps towards his palace. He carried a ladle and a knife along with him. The king sent his attendants to bring the visitor to his presence to know more about him. When asked who he was, Bhima introduced himself as Valala, an expert cook. He would do all menial jobs like cutting and bringing firewood from nearby forests and cook excellent dishes for the king. Virata liked the appearance of the new cook and decided to try him.

The new maid

Draupadi entered next wearing soiled clothes. She called herself Malini who worked as a maid (Sairandhri). She asked for a meeting with the queen of Matsya, Sudeshna by name.

The queen was surprised to find a new comer with such extraordinary good looks. Malini introduced herself to the queen and said that she did odd jobs for a living. She was skilled in making cosmetics and could attend upon the queen. She would work with dedication and please the queen with hard work.

But, Sudeshna was hesitant. How could she have such a beautiful maid in her palace and keep young men at bay? She would not trust her own husband, if he ever set his eyes on the maid.

Malini replied with all humility. “Queen, have no worry on that count. I have five Gandharvas as lovers who keep a constant watch over me. They would protect me from all dangers”.

If that was the case, Sudeshna was very happy to have such a pleasant woman as her maid.

Entry of a cowherd

Sahadeva came next to the king of Matsya. He was dressed like a cowherd and called himself Arishtanemi. He said that he had looked after the cattle of the Pandavas while they ruled their kingdom. Now, bad times had befallen them and they have all disappeared without any trace. He has been without a proper job ever since. He knew everything about cows and oxen and would look after the cattle of Virata to his best.

The Matsya king owned one hundred thousand heads of cattle. He did not have any dedicated keeper for them with any expertise. So, Virata employed Arishtanemi in his barns.

Brihannala, the eunuch

The master disguise was employed by Arjuna. He decided to use the curse from the celestial damsel, Urvasi, during his life in disguise. Urvasi had cursed Arjuna to become a eunuch for turning down her amourous advances to him. The curse was later reduced to last one year, that too, at the will of the Pandava. Arjuna had been trained in music and dances by the Gandharva, Chitrasena, during his stay in heaven as suggested by Indra.

Arjuna decided to turn the curse to his advantage now (hence, the saying, “Urvasee Saapam Upakaaram”, meaning the curse of Urvasi became a blessing). He made elaborate make ups to appear like a woman as is the custom of the bisexuals.

He called himself Brihannala. Brihannala entered the palace of Virata and introduced herself as a eunuch willing to teach the princesses singing and dancing. She would also entertain the ladies in the harem by performing. Virata had a daughter by name Uttaraa (and a son with the same name, Uttara). Brihannala was employed to teach music and dances to princess Uttaraa.

The skilled stockman

One of those days, king Virata noticed a stranger with good looks closely observing his horses. The king was curious and went to the visitor asking who he was. Nakula replied. “King, my name is Granthika. I know all about horses and make a living by looking after them. I was inspecting the ones with excellent breed among your stock”.

Virata was impressed and employed Granthika to take care of his horses.

That was how the Pandavas started their year of stay in hiding in the land of Matsyas. Next, we go into the story of the “learned man with eight bends on his body (Ashtavakra)” in www.kunjunny.blogspot.com and return to know more about the Pandavas.