Notes: The Pandavas in the Virata Kingdom (Virata Parva)
• The 13th Year: After spending 12 years in forest exile, the Pandavas had to spend their 13th year completely in hiding (Agyatavas).
• The Penalty: If discovered by the Kauravas before the year ended, they would be forced into another 12 years of exile.
• The Choice: They chose the Virata Kingdom (Matsya Kingdom), ruled by King Virata, as their hiding place.
Disguises and Alter-Egos
To remain unnoticed, each Pandava and Draupadi took on a distinct identity matching their skills but lowering their royal status:
• Yudhishthira (Kanka): Disguised himself as a Brahmin courtier and counselor to King Virata. He entertained the king by playing dice.
• Bhima (Valsala): Took the role of a palace cook and wrestler.
• Arjuna (Brihannala): Lived under a curse from the Apsara Urvashi that turned him into a eunuch for a year. He taught dance and music to Princess Uttara.
• Nakula (Kranthika): Worked as a horse trainer and keeper of the royal stables.
• Sahadeva (Tantripala): Worked as a cowherd and supervised the royal cattle.
• Draupadi (Sairandhri): Served as a maid and hairstylist to Queen Sudeshna.
Key Plot Conflicts
1. The Slaying of Kichaka
• The Threat: Kichaka, the powerful commander-in-chief and brother-in-law of King Virata, went after Draupadi (Sairandhri) and harassed her.
• The Resolution: Draupadi appealed to Bhima. Bhima set a trap in the dance hall at night, disguised himself, and killed Kichaka in a brutal fight.
• The Consequence: Kichaka’s death signaled to spies outside that someone of extraordinary strength (likely Bhima) was hiding in Matsya.
• The 13th Year: After spending 12 years in forest exile, the Pandavas had to spend their 13th year completely in hiding (Agyatavas).
• The Penalty: If discovered by the Kauravas before the year ended, they would be forced into another 12 years of exile.
• The Choice: They chose the Virata Kingdom (Matsya Kingdom), ruled by King Virata, as their hiding place.
Disguises and Alter-Egos
To remain unnoticed, each Pandava and Draupadi took on a distinct identity matching their skills but lowering their royal status:
• Yudhishthira (Kanka): Disguised himself as a Brahmin courtier and counselor to King Virata. He entertained the king by playing dice.
• Bhima (Valsala): Took the role of a palace cook and wrestler.
• Arjuna (Brihannala): Lived under a curse from the Apsara Urvashi that turned him into a eunuch for a year. He taught dance and music to Princess Uttara.
• Nakula (Kranthika): Worked as a horse trainer and keeper of the royal stables.
• Sahadeva (Tantripala): Worked as a cowherd and supervised the royal cattle.
• Draupadi (Sairandhri): Served as a maid and hairstylist to Queen Sudeshna.
Key Plot Conflicts
1. The Slaying of Kichaka
• The Threat: Kichaka, the powerful commander-in-chief and brother-in-law of King Virata, went after Draupadi (Sairandhri) and harassed her.
• The Resolution: Draupadi appealed to Bhima. Bhima set a trap in the dance hall at night, disguised himself, and killed Kichaka in a brutal fight.
• The Consequence: Kichaka’s death signaled to spies outside that someone of extraordinary strength (likely Bhima) was hiding in Matsya.
Reminder :Your child will need to bring their My Prayers book, Bala Vihar Handbook, pencilmand notebook to every class in their Bala Vihar bag.
This Sunday Sept 27, 2026 is HOUSE INAUGURAL ASSEMBLY, few important points below:
- Our class is DURGA's DAREDEVILS- So will be nice if we all (children, parents & teachers) are all dressed in our House COLOR- RED
- There will be a fun activity in the assembly based on Temples of India, that our volunteers have put together for the children to do within a stipulated time. This will be a contest!
Warm regards
Prasanna ji & Sapna ji
