Arriving in Virata
“Disguises donned, identities hidden. The final year of exile begins in a stranger's court.”
Story Summary
After twelve years of forest exile, the Pandavas face their most challenging year yet—the thirteenth year must be spent in complete disguise, living incognito in King Virata's kingdom. If discovered, they must restart the entire thirteen-year exile. One by one, each Pandava arrives separately at Virata's court, taking on a new identity: Yudhishthira becomes Kanka, a learned brahmin counselor; Nakula becomes Granthika, a stable master; Sahadeva becomes Tantipala, a cowherd; Bhima becomes Ballava, a master cook; and Arjuna makes the most dramatic transformation as Brihannala, a eunuch dance teacher. Draupadi arrives last as Sairandhri, a handmaiden to Queen Sudeshna. Each must suppress their royal bearing, maintain perfect disguises, and never acknowledge each other in public. As they secure employment and settle into their roles, the tension of the incognito year begins—one mistake, one moment of recognition, and everything they've endured will be for nothing.