Reading Notes: Mahabharata C

The Court of King Virata

• The Pandavas brothers are entering their final year of exile
• A goddess answered one of the brothers' prayer of protection, guaranteeing that they would not be recognized
• While hiding in the city of Virata, they became favored by the rajah
• Each brother was given an important position at court:
• Yudhishthira taught the rajah how to play dice
• Bhima became the chief cook
• Arjuna, who was disguised as a eunuch, became the dance teacher of the harem 
• Nakula was in charge of the horses
• Sahadeva was in charge of the cows
• all the brothers thrived at their new jobs, and won more favor from the rajah and the rest of the city
• Draupadi gained the favor of the queen and was made an honored bondwoman 
• Bhima fought in festivals and earned fame for his strength, and was given gifts and access to women
• All of the brothers were loved and respected

Source: Indian Myth and Legend by Donald A. Mackenzie (1913).

The jobs of the Pandavas