Bhishma and others try to talk to Duryodhana

Janmajeya asked - Please tell what did the Pandavas do? Whom did they send as a mediator?What did the Kauravas do when they were defeated by Arjuna?
The sage said - Listen to me.

Having been defeated, the Kauravas came back to their camp. Karna said they would plan to kill the Pandavas like Indra killed Vrittasura and Shiva vanquished Tripura. It had to be planned carefully. Get them here and then let us put an end to them.Invite all for a feast and poison their food.
Duryodhana said All my plans are spoiled. The Pandavas survived the forest and the one year in hiding. Now they will demand their land. I will not give up without a fight. I will send out messages asking people to join me for the war. All my allies should join me.

Karna praised Duryodhana and said Well said.

Bhishma said What you say is not correct and I am not pleased. Do not fight the Pandavas. Form a truce. The Pandavas will readily accept a small part and go happily. You cheated them but they did not harm you in anyway. They have fulfilled all their conditions. Now they are entitled to their kingdom.

Duryodhana kept quiet for a while and then said I will not go and please my enemy. The war will happen.

Bhishma said Then do whatever you wish. You will not listen to good advise.

Drona, Kripa, Dhritarashtra and Vidura tried to talk to Duryodhana but he would not listen. They tried to tell Duryodhana about how Ravana was proud and had great warriors but yet faced defeat. They said they would tell about what had happened in the earlier times. 

Abhimanyu weds Uttara

Messengers were sent out. Allies of the Pandavas, hearing they were well all rushed to the kingdom of Matysa. Hearing the news Krishna and Balarama rushed towards Matsya on Garuda. His sons, wives and other faily members followed. Drupada came with his wife and sons.

Seeing Krishna, the Pandavas greeted him with eyes full of tears. Nephew of Krishna, Abhimanyu, came there and well amazed to see him.

With with all rites and rituals Abhimanyu was married to Uttara. Slowly the guests started departing. Krishna stayed back to spend some time with the Pandavas.

Thus ends the Virat Parva of Mahabharata. 

Virata gets to know the Pandavas

In the night the Pandavas and Draupadi met. Yudhistira said to Arjuna I heard you fought a great battle and killed many.
Arjuna said I saw Duryodhana and realize now that a war is inevitable and Duryodhana will not give up our kingdom without a battle. Yudhistira wanted to know how Arjuna knew this and Arjuna said Drona had told him so, indirectly through his actions.
Yudhistira said Why did you go and disclose your self. We have to be in exile again. Sahadeva, please calculate and let me know how many days are left for our exile to be over.
Sahadeva said We have entered the fourteenth year. Our time is up.
Yudhistira asked then when was the next auspicious day. Sahadeva said that was in three days time.

Three days from then, all got up and early and dressed up in royal robes. When the time was correct, Yudhitira sat on the throne of Virata and Draupadi sat near him on his left. Bhima stood on the right holding the umbrella. Arjuna stood near with folded hands and Nakula and Sahadeva stood with fans.

This was reported to Virata. The king rushed there with his sons Shweta and Shankha. Uttar heard this and he too rushed there. Uttar went there and bowed down to Yudhistira.

Virata entered and said Kanka, How can you dare to sit on my throne? You had said you had no needs and were happy to sleep on the floor and now you desire my throne. And then Sairandhari is sitting there too. You have no shame. I am seeing Brihannala here along with my cook and cowherd and stable man. Sairandhri I thought was devoted to her husbands. Then how could she desire Kanka and sit with him.

Uttar tried to stop his father.

Virata said How can you act like this? How do act this, being my son?

Bhima tried to do something but Yudhistira stopped him.
Slowly, with a smile, Arjuna said - What you say is true. There are thrones which are respected by the Gods and that is the throne that Kanka should be sitting on. So why should he sitting on this throne? He who is worshiped by kings from all lands, how can he sit on this throne? One who is protected by Bhima and Arjuna, how can he sit here? One who had the sons of Madri to cover his back and has lost games of dice with Duryodhana, how can he sit here? One who roamed for twelve years in the forest, this is Yudhistira.

Virata said If this is true Brihannala, then tell me where is the daughter of Drupada? Where are his other brothers?

Arjuna said There is Vrikodara (Bhima) whose name itself brings fear in the hearts of enemies. He is the one killed your brother in law, Kichaka. The cowherd and the stable hand are the sons of Madri. The Lotus eyed one sitting with the king is the daughter of Drupada. Also know me as Dhanajaya.

Uttar then said Struck by misfortune, the Pandavas took refuge in our kingdom. It is because of some good deeds in the past, that they came to us.

Virata with folded hands fell on the ground and said Forgive me. I have done you wrong.

The king hearted Yudhistira asked Arjuna to life Virata up.

Virata asked for forgiveness and Yudhistira said there was nothing to fault him.

Virata said If you are happy then let my daughter Uttara marry Arjuna.

Arjuna said That is not possible.

Virata said I and my queen may have wronged you but what did my daughter do? Why do you reject her?

Arjuna said I lived for a year as womand and I know your daughter is pure. She has taught by me and she deserves to be married to my son Abhimanyu.

Yudhistira asked Virata to send messengers to Dwaraka.

Uttar tells about the battle

Virat then asked his son Do tell about the war that you fought.
Uttar said I was scared seeing the army. When I was wondering what to do a divine person came there. I acted as the charioteer of the person and he fought the battle. I did not defeat the army nor did I free the cattle.
Virata said I want to meet this person.
Uttar said In the next two three days that person will come here and meet you.

Brihannala went where the women folk were and gave the dresses and ornaments to Uttara. 

Virata strikes Kanka

In the meanwhile, having been freed from the king of Trigarta, Virata returned. The people were celebrating his return. He came and sat and all came and greeted him. He looked around and could not see his son. The queen said When you went to fight the Trigarta king, Uttar went to fight the Kauravas who had stolen the cows.He had taken Brihannala as his charioteer.
The king was shocked. How could Uttar fight the Kaurava army with an eunuch as a charioteer?
He asked his army to get ready and go to help Uttar.
Hearing this Yudhitira said to Virata Do not worry., With Brihannala around, even Indra cannot defeat your son.
When this was happening Uttar's messenger arrived. The messenger said Uttar was returning victorious.
Yudhistira said I told you earlier that with Brihannala on his side, your son will not lose.
The messenger was rewarded and Uttara was asked to welcome Brihannala and Uttar.
The king then said to Yudhistira Let us play a game of dice, Sairadhnri, please fetch the game pieces for us.
Yudhistira said This is not the time for the game. This is the time for enjoyment. This game will be the cause of downfall if played at a wrong time.
Virata said I have no enemies. My son has defeated Duryodhana. What do I have to fear?
Yudhistira said Well said. How can one have fear when Brihannala is near.
The king got angry - My son has won over the enemies and all you do is praise Brihannala. Please do not say something which is not pleasing to the ears.
Saying this the king lost his temper and hurled a glass near his hand, at Yudhistira. The dice hit Yudhistira and he started bleeding. Yudhistira held the wound to control the bleeding. Draupadi, who was there, took a glass and held that to prevent the blood from falling on the ground.

Uttar then asked for permission to come there with Brihannala. Virata said Call my son and make sure Brihannala does not come here. The guard went and asked the prince to come alone.

Uttar came and greeted his father. He then saw Yudhistira bleeding. He asked his father Why was Kanka on the floor, bleeding?

Virata said When I was praising you and your skill, Kanka kept praising Brihannala. I lost my temper and hurled a glass at him. This is why he is bleeding.

Uttar said You thought Kanka to be an ordinary Brahaman and did this. Please ask for forgiveness.

The king did what was asked and said He had lost his temper and asked to be forgiven.

Yudhistira said I have no anger in me. All I can say is, it is good that my blood did not spill in your land. If that had happened, misfortune would have hit you.

Uttar said Kanka is kind and for that all are safe. If Brihannala was here and saw the bleeding Kanka, I am not sure what would have happened. 

Weapons are tied back

Arjuna and Uttar returned to the Shami tree and tied up the weapons and kept it back. Arjuna took the form of an eunuch and wore his ornaments and braided his hair.
He said to Uttar - Please do not tell anyone that the Pandavas are in your court. If your father askes, tell him you won the battle fighting yourself.
Uttar said How is this possible? How can I take credit for something you did?I will tell my father in a way that your identity is not disclosed?
Arjuna said I will come to the court in the evening.

Uttar asked a messenger to say that was returning.

Duryodhana's crown falls

The Kaurava army started regaining their senses. Some saw their ornaments missing and some were missing their dresses.
Arjuna from a distance shot arrows touching the feet of Drona and Bhishma. Then with a crescent shaped arrow, Arjuna aimed at the crown of Duryodhana. The crown fell on the ground.
Scared, Duryodhana tried to run but Drona asked him to calm down. He said Arjuna would not kill anyone without the permission of Yudhistira. On the contrary, if Bhima had come, all would have been dead.
After this they started looking for Shanuki. They found him tied on the back of an ass. He was freed and it was reported to Duryodhana that his uncle had been found.

When this was happening, Susharma came there and said he had been defeated by a Gandharva. The counselor of the king, Kanka, had saved his life.

The Kauravas then returned back to Hastinapura.

Arjuna attacks Duryodhana

Seeing Bhishma fainted, his charioteer turned the chariot away. Seeing Arjuna, Duryodhana and his brothers started showering arrows at Arjuna. Arjuna retaliated and the brothers had to flee. Duryodhana then attacked and Arjuna with his arrows cut off the armor of the king. Arjuna then aimed a spear at the elephant on which Duryodhana was riding. The elephant fell on th eground. Duryodhana jumped off the elephant. Seeing Duryodhana fall his brothers came to his rescue. The defeated warriors Drona, Bhishma and Karna also came there.
Arjuna then remembered a weapon which could put people to sleep.  He used that. All on the field went off to sleep including the animals.

Arjuna then said to Uttar, Your sister wanted dresses and ornaments for her dolls. Go and collect all that you need,

Uttar collected all he could and returned back with his booty. 

Arjuna fights Bhishma

Arjuna said to Uttar - Everyone seems to be running away and I am not here to kill people. Take the chariot where Bhishma , son of Shantanu is. He is the protector of the Kaurava army and I want to face him,
Uttar said I am tired and I am not able to control the horses any more. My ears are paining from the noise.
Arjuna said What you are saying is not fit for Kshatriya. Do not worry, this will not be long and soon we will return.  Saying this, Arjuna rubbed Uttar's body and asked him to get ready.
Feeling confident, Uttar grabbed the reins of the horses and turned the chariot towards Bhishma. Arjuna shot two arrows towards Bhishma's feet and Bhishma shot two arrows which touched Arjuna's head. Dushshana and three of this brothers were guarding Bhishma. Seeing Arjuna, they attacked. Arjuna shot arrows and the brothers had to flee.

Coming close to Bhishma, Arjuna said How can a person of your character come to steal the cows of the king of Matsya.

Bhishma said I am not here to steal cows. The spies said you were in this land and I have come to meet you. What need do I have of wealth and land. All I have belongs to you all.

Arjuna said With your blessings we brothers had to stay in the forest for twelve years and had to be in hiding for a year. If you please move away, I will come face to face with Duryodhana.

Bhishma said Duryodhana is under my protection.
Arjuna said Then protect him.

Arrows started flowing as Bhishma and Arjuna attacked each other. Bhishma was very pleased to see Arjuna's skill. Arjuna cut off the bow of Bhishma and his ornaments. Soon Bhishma fainted on the chariot.

Karna comes to fight again

Seeing Ashwatthama without weapons, Karna rushed to his rescue.
Arjuna said You ridiculed the Pandavas and enjoyed the humiliation of Draupadi. I will teach you a lesson you will not easily forget.

Karna said Let me see your skills. Use all your weapons on me. See if you can do anything.

Arjuna said If you had some shame you would not have said this. I killed your brother and you fled.

Arjuna and Karna then began fighting showering arrows on each other.

Arjuna then killed the charioteer of Karna.

All weapons finished, KArna has no option but to leave the battlefield.

Arjuna then spotted Shakuni and went close to him . Shakuni tried to flee and Arjuna chased him. Catching up with him, Arjuna said You are the cause of all troubles. Let us play a game of dice with arrows. I will not fill you as Sahadeva has promised to do that.

Arjuna shot arrows and the chariot of Shakuni started spinning. Shakuni, not able to control this, ran away. 

Arjuna and Ashwatthama

Arjuna cut off the flag from Ashwatthama's chariot.
Even before the battle had started, Ashwatthama saw his chariot destroyed. He started showering arrows at Arjuna.
It was a fierce battle and the weapons clashing against each other, a tremendous noise was being created.
Ashwatthama tried many ways to cut off Arjuna's bow but was unsuccessful. Arjuna then showered arrows which injured the son of Drona.

Soon all arrows and weapons of Ashwatthama were over and he was there empty handed.

Arjuna fights Drona

Arjuna then said to Uttar - Take me to the chariot being drawn by red horses.
Uttar took the chariot close to Drona's chariot.

Seeing his Guru Arjuna shot two arrows at Drona's feet, thus touching his feet. Drona shot two arrows which touched Arjuna's shoulders thus hugging him.

Arjuna asked Drone to leave the path such that he could combat Duryodhana. Drona did not agree to that. Arjuna then said Do not blame me for the consequences.

The Guru and the disciples kept showering arrows at each other. Arjuna cut off all arrows of Drona.

Seeing Drona being subdued Ashwatthama came to help his father. 

Arjuna fights Kripa

Arjuna then asked Uttar to take the chariot near Kripa. Uttar took the chariot and Arjuna blew on the conch shell, Devdutta. Kripacharya blew his conch and then showered arrows on Arjuna. Arjuna cut those off. Arjuna started using divine weapons which scared Kripa. Arjuna cut off the bow of Kripa and his armor. Kripa picked up another bow which Arjuna cut off.
Angry Kripa hurled a weapon at Arjuna which was cut off.
Arjuna then cut off the four horses of the chariot and killed the charioteer.

Taking a mace, Kripa jumped and that too was cut off by Arjuna.
With nothing else left to fight with, Kripa left the battle field.

Arjuna and Karna fight

Arjuna asked Uttar to take the chariot where Karna is.
Soldiers in front of Karna's chariot started showering arrows at Arjuna. Arjuna with a single arrow killed all the soldiers and drove his chariot forward.
Vikarna, younger brother of Karna, came and blocked Arjuna's path. Arjuna cut off the chariot and the horses and then with another arrow cut off his head.

Seeing his brother fall, Karna rushed there.
Arjuna said Son of Radha, Be careful.
Karna said I am happy to be face to face with the person I wanted to meet.
Arjuna and Karna started fighting, each showering arrows on the other.

Arjuna having the knowledge of divine weapons fired arrows which hit Karna. Karna fainted on the chariot. Karna's charioteer fled with Karna.

Seeing Karna fleeing, the other Kuru warriors attacked Arjuna. Arjuna single handed vanquished them.

Uttar said to Arjuna - I have stories of your fight. Today I am seeing it with my own eyes. 

Arjuna shows Uttar the warriors

Uttar asked Arjuna - Please point out to me the great warriors of the Kuru army.
Arjuna said - The golden chariot with red horses belongs to Drona, my Guru.
Drona is married to Kripi, who is the sister of Kripacharya. He is on the chariot which has a lion on its flag. Kripa and Kripi were brought up by my great grandfather Shantanu.
On the side you see Karna who can single handed defeat Gods and Asuras. He is a disciple of Parashurama. There is Duryodhana with a blue gem on his crown. Then there is my grandfather Bhishma.

Arjuna goes to fight

Arjuna closed his eyes and wished for a chariot. A chariot appeared with Hanumana on the flagstaff. Arjuna went around the chariot and making Uttar the charioteer sped.Arjuna blew on his conch shell. Hearing the sound, the Kaurava army was stunned. Arjuna pulled the bow string.

Drona said This seems like the sound of Gandiva. The army hearing this started planning. They kept Duryodhana and the cows in the center and surrounded them.

Arjuna looked around and said to Uttar - I do not see Duryodhana anywhere. I will fight later. Let me first free the cows. Take the chariot towards the left.

Arjuna shot four arrows at Drona. Two of them touched Drona's feet and two touched Drona's ears.
Drona's charioteer wanted to know the significance of this. Drona said - Two arrows at my feet means someone who is like my son is bowing to me. One at my ear said I am here. The other said Surrender.

Drona shot two arrows. One touched Arjuna's head the other his ear. Uttar asked what that was. Arjuna said Drona kissed me on my head and with the arrow at my ear he asked me to fight.

Arjuna said he was in the lookout for Duryodhana and asked Uttar to take the chariot to the left. Uttar pointed out to Duryodhana hiding in the center.

Arjuna rushed. Seeing him come, the army was scared.

Arjuna smiled and said Let Duryodhana hide for sometime. We will go for the cows.

They went where the cattle was and saw the army surrounding the cattle. Arjuna created a path and the cows all run from there.

Arjuna said Uttar - There are mighty warriors there and they are all quiet.

The great warriors seeing the cows freed, came and surrounded Arjuna. 

Uttar asks Arjuna about his form

Arjuna continued. Listen to me Son of Virata while I tell you about my other names. I can use both hands simultaneously when shooting arrows, so I am also called Sabyasachi.There is no other like me in form so I came to be called Arjuna. I was born under the Falguni constellation, so I am also called Falguni. As I won over Indra I am called Jishnu.

Uttar said Forgive me for having doubted you. My father is blessed to have been able to service you. You are under the protection of Krishna and I seek your protection.

Arjuna said I am pleased with you. Get the weapons and I will fight and rescue the cattle.

Uttar said Why should I fear now that I am in your company. I do have a question. You are known for your physique. Why are you in this form which is not that of a man or a woman?

Arjuna said - As advised by Yudhistira I went to the Himalays to pray to Shiva. Pleasing Him, I went to the heaven and helped Indra kill Kalkeya. The most beautiful of all apsaras, Urvashi, wanted me. When I refused she cursed me to become an eunuch. When I begged off her, she said I will become an eunuch for a year.

Uttar then said - Please tell me now what you wish off me.

Arjuna said Become my charioteer. We will have some fun now with the army.

Uttar questions Arjuna

Arjuna said - Listen Son of Virata. When I was in Hastinapura, my mother worshiped Shiva. The form of Shiva that she worshiped was called Yogeshwar and it was only people from the royal family who worshiped this. Incidentally Gandhari had also planned to worship Shiva that day and both the queens were not aware of each other's intentions.
Gandhari asked Kunti why she was there. Kunti said Like everyday, she had come again to worship Shiva.
Gandhari said This Shiva could only be worshiped by a queen, and when her husband was no more, Kunti was not a queen.
Kunti said she had been performing this worship since the day she came into this family. She saod You have been worshiping Yogeshwar when I was in the forest.
Gandhari said You have no right to this worship.

Shiva came there and said Why do you fight. You should peacefully worship me. What I will say is, the one who is able to get the golden champaka flowers tomorrow morning will have the right to worship me.

Hearing this Gandhari went to her sons and asked them to get the flowers for her. Duryodhana asked his servants to go and get the flowers.
Hearing this I said to my mother - Do not worry, I will fetch the flowers.
Early morning, I bowed down to my Guru Drona and then shot two arrows towards the abode of Kubera. The golden flowers came and fell on the Shiva Linga.
My mother then went worshiped Shiva.
Shiva pleased said to my mother - Your sons will be great Kings.
To me, Shiva said having won over wealth (Kubera is the God of Wealth) you will be known as Dhananjaya.

Uttar then said - What did Gandhari do?

Arjuna said - Gandhari went to worship Shiva and saw the worship was over. Gandhari went away sad. Having won over this, I became known as Vijay.

I have four white horses drawing my chariot which is why I am called Shwetavahana.

I wear a golden crown (Kirita) which glows like the sun, which is why I am called Kiriti.

Vibhatsu was the name given to me by Krishna and listen to when I tell you why. Krishna once said I was the most handsome person on the earth. I did not agree and began searching for one. In all I saw Krishna. I said to Krishna and He said there was no difference between me and Him. he hugged me and gave me the name Vibhatsu.

I have a dark bluish complexion thus I am also called Krishna. 

Uttar finds the weapons

Pointing to the tree, Arjuna said to Uttar - You are not yet ready for battle. Climb the tree. There are weapons on the top of the tree. Get those weapons down. Along with you will see quivers and armor. Get everything down.
Uttar said How will I climb this tree? I have heard there is a dead body tied on this. As a prince, how will I do this?
Arjuna said There is no dead body on the tree. I will not tell you do anything wrong. It is not a dead body but a bundle of weapons.
Uttar climbed up and removed a layer of the cloth covering the bundle. He was amazed by the dazzle of the gems and thought this to be snakes with gems on them. He said There are snakes in the bundle.
Arjuna said these are weapons.
Uttar said These are huge wonderful weapons studded with gems. I see these great weapons here. Whom do these belong to? I also see wonderful quivers and conch shells. Whose are these?

Arjuna said there is a bow there with blue gems on it. That is called Gandiva. Brahma had held it and after that Indra had used it. Varuna then got it. Agni asked Varuna to give the bow to me. I used the bow to burn the Khandava forest. There is a bow which had swans etched on it. That belongs to Yudhistira. Previously Guru Dronacharya had given it to me. There is a huge bow there which belongs to Bhima. A bow is there with tigers drawn on it. That is the bow of Nakula. Then there is a bow with the sign of the discus. That belongs to Sahadeva.

Uttar not realizing what he was hearing said Where have the Pandavas gone, hiding their weapons here?

Arjuna smiled. He said I am Arjuna. Kanka in your father's court is Yudhistira. Vallabaha is Bhima. Granthik and Tantripal are Nakula and Sahadeva. Your mother's maid, Sairandhri, is Draupadi.

Uttar said If you are really Arjuna tell me about the names that you got and why.

Uttar runs

The Kuru army was not sure what was happening.
Uttar ran as fast he could with Arjuna chasing him. Panting for breath, Uttar sat down and sat - Do not hit me Brihannala. If you take me home, I will give you marvelous gifts. Leave me and let me go.

Arjuna then said - If you are afraid to fight, then play the role of a charioteer. I will fight and defeat the enemy.
Arjuna then lifted Uttar on the chariot and took him to the Shami tree on which the Pandavas had tied their weapons.

In the battle field, Duryodhana and Karna said - O Drona, O Kripacharya, Where is your Arjuna?
Drona not caring what Duryodhana was saying, turned to Bhishma and said - I see an omen, I see many people dying here. While Duryodhana is having fun, he does not realize the danger he is in. We have brought trouble upon ourselves, because of the cows.

Bhishma said Do not forget that today the day of hiding for the Pandavas has ended. Somewhere in the army, I am sure, is Arjuna. If he comes up to fight, no one will be safe.

Karna said You always praise Arjuna. Where is he?
Duryodhana said If Arjuna comes, my wish will be fulfilled. I had spent spies all over to find them and the Pandavas coming up and disclosing themselves will be a great thing.

Drona said Karna, Do not be proud. Arjuna fought and defeated Indra himself when the Khandava was burnt. He got Balarama's sister fighting the Yadava army. He killed Kalkeya thus helping Indra. You will soon see his might.

Uttar sees the army

Uttar was dejected. He said to Arjuna - I am not sure what to do. Father took the entire army to fight Susharma and we are just two. How will we be able to fight the Kaurava army? What do you say Brihannala? Take the chariot back. I do not want to loose my life because of the cows.

Arjuna said You are just seeing the battlefield and wanting to run. I am not the kind of charioteer who runs away. Now that we are here, we cannot turn back. As I said earlier, I will not turn back. I will take the chariot in the middle of the battlefield. Discard your fear. What will people say when you run away? Sairandhri made me your charioteer. Where does that leave me? What will people say about me? if I knew this would happen, I would not have come with you. I will become a laughing stock among the women and I would rather die than become that. Leave the fear and win the cattle back by your might.

Uttar says It is like an insect trying to attack the fire. This is an ocean of army. How will I manage to fight them? Why should I put my hand inside the mouth of a poisonous snake? If I am alive, I will come back another day. You are not a man, so you do not respect masculinity. if you refuse to turn the charaiot back, I will jump off and run away.

Uttar jumped off the chariot and started running back. Seeing this, Arjuna too jumped down and started chasing the prince. 

Kauravas steal the cows

While Susharma was fighting Virata, Duryodhana and his army attacked the cowsheds of Matsya and stole all the cows. The cowhers reported to Uttar, son of Virata.

Uttar said he was Iu charge while his father was away. He had one problem though. He did not have a proper charioteer to help him. He said - I can put fear in the minds of the enemy. I can fight a battle which will be known for years. I can capture the Kauravas if I get a charioteer. I will fight like Arjuna.

Uttar was saying this in the company of women. Draupadi who was there heard this and went to the dance hall where Arjuna was. She said You alone can save the cows of Virata. Go and help.

Arjuan said I cannot go unless Yudhistira asks me to go.
Draupadi said We need to help Virata who has helped us in the time of need.

Arjuna agreed. Draupadi asked Uttara, Uttar's sister to go to her brother and say that Brihanalla was a great charioteer. When Pandavas had won wars, Brihannala had been a charioteer for them. She had helped Arjuna win battles. If Brihannala goes as the charioteer, Uttar will win the battle.

Arjuna went with Uttara where Uttar was.

Hearing from his sister, Uttar said I have heard you are a great charioteer. You are equal to the charioteer of Indra, Daruka of Krishna, Aruna of Surya and Sumantra of Dashratha. If what is said is true, then I will win this battle and come.

Arjuna said I do not know all this. I know the arts of music and dance only.

Uttar said But what I have heard is different. You are an able charioteer; this is what I have been told.

Arjuna said Then I have a condition. I will take the chariot where you want but I will not leave the battlefield and run.

Uttara was happy and got ready for the battle. Uttara then said I want to decorate my dolls. Please get the dresses of the enemy which I use to dress my dolls. I want the dress of Bhishma and Drona. Please get those for me.

Arjuna said When your brothers wins the war, he will get what you want.

The women said to Arjuna, Help Uttar the way you helped Arjuna burn the Khandava forest.

Bhima rescues Susharma

Having achieved his motive, Susharma went with his prisoner to the banks of the river Krishna. There a camp was setup and food was being prepared.
Susharma said to Virata - See, Without your brother in law, you are nothing.

Suddenly Bhima attacked. The people there were scared to this huge person come there. Bhima started using his hands. He saw a broken chariot and picking up the flagstaff of that, he started fighting. Catching the horses, he flung them on the other horses.

Susharma got the news that a strange being had attacked and was calling out to him. Bhima saw Susharma. Susharma was scared to see Bhima. With his left hand, he grabbed Susharma by his hair and with his right hand he grabbed Virata. He then rushed where Yudhistira was. Both Virata and Susharma had fainted. Virata coming to his senses saw Yudhistira there. He asked what had happened, where had the gandharva vanished, the one who had rescued him.

Yudhistira said The gandharva likes you, so he rescued you. Do not fear him.

To Susharma, Yudhistira said, Who asked you to come here? You would have heard of the Gandharvas who are staying here.
To Virata, he said - Pardon the king of Trigarta, Susharma, and let him go.

Virata agreed and pardoned Susharma.

With the treasures and Virata, the Pandavas returned back.

Susharma steals the cows

While Pandavas were in hiding, Duryodhana was sending spies to trace them out. The spies reported back - We have no sign of the Pandavas. If they were alive they should have been spotted.
One spy who had come from the south said - I agree but I want to add something. You have heard of the prince of Kaikeya, Kichaka who is also the brother in law of the Matsya King, Virata. Kichaka and his brothers have been mysteriously killed there.

Susharma, a king, was in Duryodhana's court. He got up and said - Killing of Kichaka is good. He had forcibly taken over my land. With Kichaka gone, Virata is weak. We can loot him and take his treasures.

Duryodhana agreed and said Let Susharma go first. We will follow later. Let him take over his land. We will then steal the cows from the land of Matsya.

In the month of Ashada, on the fifth day of the moon, Susharma attacked the Matsya kingdom. He asked his soldiers to capture the cows from the kingdom and take them away. The soldiers got busy taking not only the cows but whatever wealth they could find.

The cow herds rushed to Virata and reported this. The king orders the army to get ready. He asked the Pandavas in court to help him fight. All were asked except Arjuna.

A great battle started. The sky was covered in dust from the chariots and soldiers. Virata attacked Susharma and killed the horses pulling the chariot. Susharma jumped off from the chariot. Picking up a mace, he rushed to attack Virata. He killed the horses of the chariot and threw the charioteer from the chariot. He then took Virata as a prisoner and started dragging him towards his chariot.

The army seeing their king captive, started running. Yudhistira then asked Bhima to do something. Virata had done them a big favor by hiding them. They needed to repay that.

Bhima said he would do that. He would rescue Virata. Bhima went to uproot a tree but Yudhistira stopped him. As they were in hiding, they could not disclose their identity. He asked Bhima to use the bow and arrow.

Bhima said he would do the needful. He would not uproot a tree but do what he needed to do with his bare hands. 

Kichaka's brothers killed

Draupadi went to the court and announced the death of Kichaka. People rushed and saw the dead body of Kichaka lying in the dance hall. He had been beaten to death and his body was barely recognizable. The king was angry that the commander of his army was dead. He ordered Sairadhri to be tied and burnt. She started crying out to Jay, Vijay, Jayanta, Jayantasena, Jayadwal (names that had give to the Pandavas) to come to her rescue. Kichaka's brothers were trying to drag her, when Bhima heard her cried. Changing his dress quickly he jumped to the spot.
The brothers of Kichaka seeing this tried to run, but Bhima caught them. It was night time when Bhima killed them all, and no one saw this happening. Draupadi was told to go back to her room.

In the morning, the news reached the king that the gandharva who had killed Kichaka had killed his brothers also, who were trying to kill the maid.

The king went to the queen and said troubles were arising because of the maid. The queen calling Draupadi asked her to leave.

Draupadi said I want your permission to stay here for thirteen more days. On the fourteenth day, I will be gone.

The Queen agreed to that.

Kichaka and Draupadi

Janmajeya asked the sage - What did the Pandavas do after this?
The sage said - Eleven months and the Pandavas were successful in concealing themselves.
One day, the lieutenant of the army of Virata, Kichaka, saw Draupadi. He approached her and said he wanted to have her at any cost.
Draupadi said I am a maid of the queen and for your own welfare, I am warning you to stay away from me. I have gandharvas as my husband and you will meet your end at their hands, if you chase me.

Hurt, Kichaka, who was also the brother of the Queen, went to his sister. He asked her to get the maid for him. The Queen tried to reason with her brother and asked him to leave the maid alone.

Kichaka said he was not afraid of gandharvas and would get the maid at any cost. The Queen said she would think of a way.

When Kichaka left, the queen called Draupadi. She said - I am very thirsty. I have left my drink in thr house of my brother. Please fetch that for me.

It was, as if a thunderbolt had struck Draupadi. She said - You promised me that you will keep in your house and not let me go anywhere. Why do you go back on your word now. There are other maids. Please ask them to fetch the drink for you.

The Queen said - A maid should not command thus. You will go where I tell you to go. Please take the pitcher and go fast.

Whispering a silent prayer, Draupadi left. Kichaka saw her approaching and came out. Draupadi said She did not have time and had come to fetch the drink for the queen.

Kichaka tried to catch her and Draupadi ran from there. If she went to the queen, she may not get help. Thinking thus, Draupadi ran towards the court of the king.

In the court, Kichaka pushed Draupadi. Draupadi fell on the ground. The pitcher broke. Bhima, in the court saw this and stood there, helpless.

To the king, Draupadi said I am being hurt for no fault of mine.

Yudhistira said to the king that Kichaka needed to be punished. To Draupadi, Bhima said quietly I will kill Kichaka. Tell him to come to the dance hall in the dawn and ask him to meet you.

Draupadi dried her tears and went away.

Draupadi went to Kichaka. Kichaka said What did the King do? No one can save you from me.

Draupadi said I am fearing my husbands. Do one thing. At the break of dawn, meet in the dance hall.

Kichaka was happy. He went and decked himself and waited for dawn.

Draupadi went and told Bhima. Bhima went to the dance hall and waited there.

When Kichaka entered, the room was dark. Thinking Bhima to be Draupadi, he grabbed him.
Bhima started hitting Kichaka. Kichaka was no match. Bhima easily conquered him and then killed him.

He told Draupadi the task was done. He quietly went to the kitchen, had a bath and lay down to sleep.

Wrestling match

In the kingdom of Matsya, was a festival called Shankar Yatra. The king with his courtiers went to attend that. Many people came there. Wrestling matches were held there.
There was a wrestler who was defeating everyone. Seeing this people loosing, Virata called Vallabha and asked him to fight.
Bhima said This is a great wrestler and I am a mere brahmin who has a hobby of wrestling. If I go there, you may get the sin of the death of a brahmin on your shoulder.
Kanka said to Vallabha - The king wants to see a wrestling match. This is not a duel and there will be no bloodshed here. Please the king and enter the arena.
Vallabha then said As per your wish and the wish of Kanka I will go and wrestle.

Bhima then entered the arena and started wrestling. Bhima easily lifted the wrestler and hurled him on the ground. Seeing this, the other wrestlers attacked Bhima. All fell and fled for their lives.

The king pleased with this gave many gifts to Yudhistira and Bhima.

Draupadi enters

The Pandavas were there in the court and no knew they were there. Soon Draupadi came there. Wearing worn clothes and with a dusty face and hair, she went to the Queen. She was asked who she was. She said - My name is Sairandhri. I used to be a maid of Draupadi.
Seeing her beauty, the Queen appointed her. She said Seeing your beauty, there will be people who will be eyeing you. I will not be able to protect you then.
Draupadi said I have five gandharvas as my husband. Forget touching me, if anyone even loos at me with sinful eyes, my husbands will kill that person. I have one request. Please do not ask me to eat leftover food or touch someone's feet.
The queen said You be my personal maid and stay with me.

In the court, the king of Matsya, Virata, learned the skill of the game of dice from Yudhistira. In the kitchen, everyone praised the cooking skills of Bhima. The king had Arjuna tested and convinced that this was an eunuch (because of Urvashi's curse) praised the music and dance skills. The horses loved Nakula and became quiet when he approached. The cows also loved Sahadeva.

Pandavas in the court of Virata

Yudhistira entered the court first with a bag on his shoulder. The people wondered who this handsome person was. The king Virata asked him who he was and why he had come there. Yudhistira said My name is Kanka. I used to be a friend of the king Yudhistira. We were like one soul. When the king went to the forest, I came here looking for work. I am skilled in the game of dice.
Virata said I am happy to have someone like you in my court.

After some time Bhima came there with utensils on his shoulder. He said to Virata that he was a brahmana and and expert cook. He also had some experience in wrestling. When Virata wanted to know more, Bhima said I am Vallabha. I used o cook for the king Yudhistira. I also used to wrestle there. With the king in the forest, I am looking for work.
Virata appointed him and asked him to go to the kitchen.

After sometime Arjuna entered dressed as a woman. Virata wanted to know who this was, dressed as a woman. Arjuna said - I am an eunuch. I am trained in dancing
Virata said The garb of a woman does not suit you.
Arjuna said I am an eunuch  called Brihannala. I used to be with the queen Draupadi. I used to teach singing and dancing to the royal family. With the Pandavas in exile, I have no where to go.
Virata appointed him and asked him to go to the inner quarters.

Soon Nakula came there. Virata was stunned to see the looks of this person. He said was a veterinarian who specialized in treating horses. His name was Granthika.
The king asked him where he was coming from. Nakula said The King Yudhistira had countless horses and I was in charge of them.
The king appointed him and asked him to go to the stables.

Sahadeva then came there. He said was a keeper of cows. He used to the keeper of cows for the king Yudhistira and his name was Tantripala. Virata appointed him and asked him to take care of his cows.

Where to hide

I pray to the sage Vyasa, son of Parasara, the composer of the great Epic. The one who has a blue hue in his body and has matted locks on his head. Clad in tiger skin, his eyes glow with knowledge. The one who composed the Vedas and the story of Krishna. Kasidasa bows down to this great sage.


Janmajeya said I have heard that the Pandavas lived for a year in the kingdom of Virata. Please tell me what happened there.

Vaishampayana said The Pandavas lived for twelve years in the forest. One day Yudhistira called the priest Dhaumya and the sages and said You all know that for twelve years we had to stay in the forest and go hiding for a year. If we are spotted in that year we will have to start the twelve year cycle again, Do tell us which is the place where we should stay.
Bhima said O King, we are with you and will follow you wherever you take us.

The sages said Yudhistira, this is the time to be calm and patient. Come tomorrow and we will have a solution.

The sages asked the Pandavas to go towards Virata. They walked till they were tired. Yudhistira asked Arjuna to pick up Draupadi on his shoulders. Soon they spotted the gates of the kingdom of Virata.  Yudhistira said If they entered the city armed, they would be suspected.

Arjuna said he could see a big Shami tree. It had many branches and the weapons could be hidden in that tree.
The weapons were hidden there. Then taking names Jay, Vijay, Jayanta, Jayatesena and Jayadwal they entered the city of Virata.