When King Virata returned after defeating Susharma, there was no sign of his son Prince Uttar. While searching for him, they got the news of the defeat of the Kaurava army by Prince Uttar. King Virata was extremely proud. But when Yudhishthira praised Brihannala, he hit him with the dice in anger. Meanwhile Prince Uttar returned, and told his father to apologise for striking Yudhishthira. The king was puzzled. The next day, he entered the court and found Kanka, Vallabha, Brihannala, Granthika and Tantipala seated among the ministers! The king was furious till the prince revealed their secret. Prince Uttar said to his father, “Your Highness! They are none other than the five Pandavas and their wife Draupadi. Arjuna helped me win over the Kaurava army.”
King Virata realised the mistake he had made. He asked Yudhishthira for forgiveness. All the people after learning about the Pandavas were awe-struck. At an opportune time King Virata proposed to marry off his daughter Uttara to Arjuna’s son Abhimanyu. Yudhishthira gladfully accepted the proposal. Princess Uttara was married to Abhimanyu.
A messenger from Duryodhana reached Matsya kingdom and brought a message from him. He told the Pandavas that they must go into exile for twelve years again as they were recognised. “O Messenger, tell him that the thirteenth year has already been over! He should return our kingdom,” said the Pandavas in reply.
The news of the Pandavas staying at Virat Nagar and the completion of their exile spread like wildlife. Hearing this Krishna, Balarama, Drupada and Dhrishtadyumna with their armies and several other princes arrived there. The marriage of Abhimanyu and Uttara was celebrated with great pomp and show.
Then discussions began about a war to get the Pandavas their kingdom back. Some, like Balarama, were not in favour of war. Krishna and Drupada said that there were ties of family and friendship between the Pandavas and the Kauravas. War would be very difficult for them and for their allies.
So, it was decided that efforts should be made to find a peaceful solution by sending a messenger to Dhritrashtra, misled by his sons, asking him for the return of the Pandavas’ kingdom. Perhaps Vidura and Bhishma and the great preceptors, Drona and Kripa, would be able to persuade the blind king.
