Section XIII - Pandavas in Disguise: Tales of Deceit and Valor in Matsya City
Book index: Mahabharata (English)
This page contains a summary of the Mahabharata Section XIII including examples of moral lessons in daily life. The Maha-Bharata is one of the largest epics ever written containing roughly 100,000 Sanskrit verses. It deals with the legendary history of ancient India and contains a large number of interwoven tales.
Short summary of the chapter:
In the city of the Matsyas, the Pandavas, disguised to remain hidden from the son of Dhritarashtra, lived under the protection of King Virata. Yudhishthira, skilled in dice games, won wealth from the king and distributed it among his brothers, while Bhima sold meat and viands, Arjuna sold worn-out cloths, Sahadeva provided milk and butter, and Nakula managed horses for the king. Meanwhile, Draupadi, in a pitiable condition, tended to her brothers-in-disguise and maintained a low profile to avoid detection.
During a grand festival celebrating the divine Brahma, athletes from various regions came to participate, including the formidable Jimuta who challenged all others to combat. Reluctantly, Bhima was forced to fight Jimuta by the king’s command and engaged in a fierce wrestling match. Despite Jimuta’s strength, Bhima emerged victorious by lifting and whirling him around before dashing him to the ground, impressing the king and the onlookers. This victory led to Bhima fighting and defeating other powerful wrestlers, animals, and even lions to entertain King Virata and his court.
In addition to Bhima’s feats in the arena, Arjuna entertained the king and the ladies with his singing and dancing skills, while Nakula showcased well-trained steeds that impressed Virata. Sahadeva, on the other hand, displayed a herd of bullocks that garnered the king’s favor, leading to him being rewarded with wealth. Despite their skills and accomplishments, Draupadi remained distressed by the suffering and danger faced by her disguised family members, showing her concern and worry for their well-being.
Throughout their stay in disguise, the Pandavas lived in mutual support and servitude to King Virata, each using their individual skills to contribute to the household and court. Despite the challenges they faced and the risks involved in maintaining their secret identities, they successfully navigated their stay in the Matsya kingdom. Their unity, resourcefulness, and dedication to each other’s well-being allowed them to blend in seamlessly and avoid detection, ensuring their safety and enabling them to fulfill their purpose of remaining incognito until the right time to reveal their true identities.
Full English translation:
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Section XIII, online text
English translation by Kisari Mohan Ganguli.
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Mahabharata (English Summary)
by Kisari Mohan Ganguli | ISBN-10: 8121505933
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FAQ of Mahabharata, Section XIII:
What did the Pandavas do while disguised in the city of the Matsyas?
They lived as courtiers, won wealth through games, distributed among themselves, and hid their identities, all while protecting Draupadi.
How did Yudhishthira, Bhima, Arjuna, Sahadeva, and Nakula contribute in Virata's city?
Yudhishthira played dice, Bhima fought wrestlers, Arjuna entertained, Sahadeva managed horses, and Nakula showed well-trained horses.
Who was the mighty athlete Bhima fought in the wrestling combat in Virata's city?
Bhima fought Jimuta, a renowned athlete, and ultimately defeated him by whirling him round until he was insensible.
How did the Pandavas help each other while living in disguise in Virata's city?
They distributed wealth won from Virata, provided food and essentials, protected Draupadi, entertained the king, and showcased their skills.
Daily life: Pandavas in Disguise: Tales of Deceit and Valor in Matsya City:
Drawing inspiration from the above narrative, we can apply the virtues of teamwork, adaptability, and resilience in our daily lives. Just as the Pandavas and Draupadi supported each other while living incognito, we too can seek to uplift and assist our family, friends, and colleagues, sharing our strengths and resources. Life often throws us into unexpected situations, similar to the Pandavas' disguise in the kingdom of Virata, teaching us the importance of adapting to new environments and challenges gracefully.
The Pandavas also exemplify how mastering and utilizing our unique skills can contribute to the well-being of the group and fulfill communal obligations. Whether it’s through leadership, like Yudhishthira's guidance, strength and protection like Bhima, skills and education akin to Arjuna's, or the care and management represented by Nakula, Sahadeva, and Draupadi, each role is crucial. This story teaches us that embracing our individual talents and working cohesively enables us to overcome adversities and achieve common goals.
Moreover, the episode of Bhima’s combat demonstrates resilience and courage. Faced with challenges, stepping up, and tackling them head-on, much like Bhima did, teaches us the value of courage and perseverance in the face of hardships. Rather than shying away from difficulties, confronting them with determination can lead to success and approval, as Bhima’s victory did in the eyes of King Virata and his people.
Lastly, the story highlights the importance of staying true to one’s values and duties, even when the circumstances are unfavorable. The Pandavas, despite their disguised state and the trials it brought, remained loyal to each other and their collective goals. This teaches us to remain faithful to our principles and responsibilities, no matter how challenging life gets, fostering a sense of integrity and honor in our daily endeavors.