In Hiding

The twelve-year exile was about to come to an end. The thirteenth year had to be spent in hiding. As per the rules the Pandavas had to remain untraced. If any of them had been recognised during their hiding period, they would again spend twelve years in exile and one year in hiding.
The Pandavas decided to spend the thirteenth year at the palace of Virata, the king of Matsya. With the permission of the king Yudhishthira would be Kanka, a learned courtier, playing dice with the king, and discussing politics, scriptures and ethics.
Bhima would be Vallabha, a cook, and once in a while have wrestling matches to entertain the king. Nakula, as Granthika, would train and look after the horses in the king’s stables. Sahadeva, as Tantipala, would care for the king’s cattle. Urvashi, a nymph in Indra’s court, had wanted to marry Arjuna. When Arjuna refused, she cursed him to turn into a eunuch. Through Indra’s grace, the curse was reduced to one year when he chose. Now, he would become Brihannala, a eunuch, teaching music and dance to princess Uttara and other royal ladies. Draupadi would be Sairandhri (maid), queen Sudeshna’s companion and attendant.