Virata, the king of the Matsya Kingdom, plays a pivotal role in the final year of the Pandavas’ exile, during the events that lead to the Mahabharata war. His kingdom, adjacent to Hastinapura, had a history of rivalry with the Kuru dynasty, which included both the Pandavas and Kauravas. Virata is the father of Shweta and Uttara, his sons, and a daughter, also named Uttara, whose role in the Mahabharata extends beyond the realm of Matsya, intertwining her fate with the Pandavas and their lineage.
Virata’s Kingdom as a Sanctuary for the Pandavas
When the Pandavas had to spend the thirteenth year of their exile incognito, to avoid being discovered by the Kauravas, they chose to take refuge in Virata’s kingdom, Matsya. This year of exile was particularly significant because if the Pandavas were discovered during this period, they would have to repeat their entire twelve-year exile. Therefore, the Pandavas needed a secure and strategic location to hide their true identities. The Matsya Kingdom, being a traditional rival of the Kuru dynasty, provided the perfect setting for their disguise, as it was unlikely that the Kauravas would seek them out in the court of an enemy.
Each of the Pandavas took on a specific role in the service of King Virata:
- Yudhishthira, the eldest, posed as a Brahmana named Kanka and took up a position in the royal court, advising the king in matters of dice and games. His wisdom and composure allowed him to serve without drawing suspicion.
- Bheema, known for his immense strength, disguised himself as Ballava, a cook in the royal kitchen. Despite his humble role, Bheema’s physical prowess was sometimes evident in his kitchen activities.
- Arjuna, due to a curse from Urvashi, an apsara from Indra’s court, had become an eunuch for a period of time. Under the name Brihannala, he took up employment as a dance and music teacher to the royal ladies of the Matsya court. His exceptional skills in dance, music, and combat made him a beloved and respected figure, particularly to Princess Uttara, his student.
- Nakula, one of the twin brothers, worked in the royal stables, taking care of the horses, while his twin Sahadeva was assigned to the cowshed, ensuring the upkeep of the cattle. Both were known for their affinity with animals and their humble yet diligent service in their roles.
- Draupadi, the wife of the Pandavas, disguised herself as Sairandhri, the tire-woman (personal maid) to the queen of Matsya, Sudeshna. Her presence in the royal household was fraught with danger, particularly due to Kichaka, the queen’s brother, who attempted to harass her, leading to his eventual death at the hands of Bheema.
This year in the Matsya Kingdom demonstrated the Pandavas’ ability to adapt and endure, all while remaining undetected by their enemies.
The Revelation and Arjuna’s Refusal to Marry Uttara
At the end of the thirteenth year, after the Kauravas, led by Duryodhana, failed to uncover the Pandavas’ true identities, the Pandavas revealed themselves to King Virata. Overjoyed at learning the true identities of his humble servants, Virata was exceedingly glad and sought to reward them. He offered his daughter, Uttara, in marriage to Arjuna, recognizing his valor and skill, as well as the pivotal role he had played in protecting the Matsya Kingdom during the Kauravas’ attack.
However, Arjuna, displaying his sense of propriety and moral duty, declined the offer. He explained that because Uttara had been his pupil, he saw her as a daughter, not a potential wife. This decision exemplified Arjuna’s adherence to dharma (righteous conduct) and his respect for the teacher-student relationship. Instead, Arjuna proposed that Uttara be married to his son Abhimanyu, thus forging a strong alliance between the Matsya Kingdom and the Pandavas.
The marriage of Uttara to Abhimanyu was significant not only in terms of strengthening political alliances but also because Parikshit, their son, would later become the sole surviving heir of the Kuru dynasty after the destruction of the Kurukshetra war. Parikshit’s survival and rule marked the continuation of the Pandava lineage, which was central to the post-war restoration of order in the Kuru kingdom.
Virata’s Role in the Kurukshetra War
After the Pandavas revealed themselves and prepared for the inevitable conflict with the Kauravas, King Virata pledged his loyalty to their cause. He fought on the Pandava side during the Kurukshetra war, a battle that symbolized the larger cosmic struggle between dharma (righteousness) and adharma (unrighteousness).
Tragically, during the war, Virata and both of his sons, Shweta and Uttara, were killed in battle. Shweta was slain by Bhishma, the grand patriarch of the Kuru dynasty, on the first day of the war. Uttara, who had been trained by Arjuna, was also killed on the battlefield. Virata himself fell in battle, but his sacrifice and loyalty to the Pandavas cemented his place as a key ally in their quest for justice.
Connection to Other Entities and Stories in Hindu Mythology
Virata’s story and his connection to the Pandavas are deeply intertwined with other important characters and themes in Hindu mythology. His kingdom’s role as a sanctuary for the Pandavas during their final year of exile is reminiscent of other mythological instances where great heroes and divine beings seek refuge in foreign lands to fulfill their destinies.
The Curse of Urvashi and Arjuna’s Disguise
Arjuna’s curse by the celestial nymph Urvashi is a significant episode that not only explains his disguise as a eunuch during the Pandavas’ incognito period but also connects Arjuna to the divine realms. Urvashi, angered by Arjuna’s refusal to engage with her romantically, cursed him to become a eunuch. However, due to Arjuna’s noble character, the curse was modified to last only for a year, which coincided with the Pandavas’ need to remain undetected during their exile.
This curse-turned-disguise was a critical element in maintaining the secrecy of the Pandavas’ identities, and it allowed Arjuna to teach Princess Uttara, further strengthening his bond with the Matsya kingdom.
Draupadi and Kichaka
Draupadi’s time as Sairandhri in the Matsya court was fraught with tension due to the advances of Kichaka, the brother of Queen Sudeshna. Kichaka’s infatuation with Draupadi led to a dramatic confrontation in which Draupadi sought the protection of her husbands. Bheema ultimately killed Kichaka, demonstrating the theme of protection of honor and virtue—a recurring motif in the Mahabharata.
The Importance of Parikshit
The marriage of Abhimanyu and Uttara is of immense significance, as their son Parikshit is the only surviving heir of the Pandava lineage. After the devastating Kurukshetra war, Parikshit ascended to the throne and continued the legacy of the Pandavas. His story is told in the Mahabharata and Bhagavata Purana, where his reign marks a period of peace and prosperity, symbolizing the restoration of dharma after the war.
Table: Key Figures Related to Virata
Character | Relation to Virata | Significance in Mythology |
---|---|---|
Shweta | Son | Fought on the Pandava side in the Kurukshetra war and was killed by Bhishma on the first day of battle. |
Uttara (son) | Son | Trained by Arjuna, fought in the Kurukshetra war, and was killed in battle. |
Uttara (daughter) | Daughter | Married to Abhimanyu, son of Arjuna. Her son, Parikshit, became the sole heir of the Pandava lineage after the Kurukshetra war. |
Kichaka | Brother-in-law | Brother of Queen Sudeshna, he harassed Draupadi, leading to his death at the hands of Bheema. |
Yudhishthira | Incognito as Kanka | Eldest Pandava, who served as an advisor in the Matsya court during their incognito year. |
Arjuna | Incognito as Brihannala | Trained Virata’s daughter Uttara in dance and music. Refused to marry her, instead arranging her marriage to his son, Abhimanyu. |
Abhimanyu | Son-in-law | Son of Arjuna and Subhadra, married Virata’s daughter Uttara. He died in the Kurukshetra war, but his son Parikshit ensured the continuation of the Pandava lineage. |
Conclusion
Virata’s role in the Mahabharata highlights the complexities of loyalty,
protection, and the consequences of war. His kingdom served as a safe haven for the Pandavas during their exile, and his family played a key role in the events leading up to and during the Kurukshetra war. Although his sons and he himself perished in the great battle, his daughter Uttara’s marriage to Abhimanyu ensured that his legacy would live on through Parikshit, marking Virata’s lasting impact on the Pandava dynasty and the preservation of dharma.