The Year in Disguise

After twelve years in the forest, the five Pandava brothers and their wife Draupadi faced their final, most difficult challenge: a thirteenth year of exile spent in total anonymity. If discovered by the spies of their cousin Duryodhana, they would be forced into another twelve years of banishment. They sought refuge in the kingdom of Matsya, adopting humble disguises that masked their royal identities. Yudhishthira became Kanka, a courtier and dice-player; Bhima became Ballava, the royal cook and wrestler; Arjuna, taking advantage of an old curse, became the eunuch dance teacher Brihannala; Nakula and Sahadeva tended to the stables and cattle; and Draupadi became Sairandhri, a queen’s handmaiden. For a year, the mighty warriors lived as servants, enduring humiliation and the constant threat of exposure. Even when Draupadi was harassed by the villainous Kichaka, they had to act with extreme caution, with Bhima eventually slaying him in secret. Their cover was finally tested during a massive cattle raid by the Kaurava army. Arjuna revealed his true prowess on the battlefield only after the clocks of destiny signaled the end of their term. Their discipline and patience during this 'Agyatvas' proved they were spiritually and tactically ready to reclaim their stolen kingdom.