Preparing for Incognito Year
“Twelve years complete. One year remains. Everything depends on staying hidden.”
Story Summary
After completing twelve long years of forest exile, the Pandavas realize that one final challenge remains—the thirteenth year must be spent incognito, hiding their true identities. If they are discovered during this year, their entire exile will begin again. They must carefully plan their disguises and choose where to spend this critical year. After much deliberation, they decide to seek refuge in the kingdom of Virata, where they can serve the king while remaining unrecognized. Each Pandava chooses a disguise suited to their skills: Yudhishthira as a learned brahmin counselor, Bhima as a cook, Arjuna as a eunuch dance teacher, Nakula as a stable master, and Sahadeva as a cowherd. Draupadi too must adopt a disguise as a handmaiden. This story marks the crucial transition from Vana Parva to Virata Parva, setting the stage for the incognito year that will test their ability to remain hidden from their enemies.