The revelation of Dharmaraja through Arjuna unfolded in a manner subtle yet profound, stirring many questions in the minds of those assembled. Virata had long reigned as their sovereign, and by royal custom the highest seat in the court was reserved for the king alone; nor was there any throne within the city loftier than his own. Arjuna, perceiving that the king’s understanding was yet veiled, seated himself upon that throne as though by natural right, thereby planting the first seed of disclosure. Virata, struck with wonder and shadowed doubt, asked whether the one before him was indeed Dharmaraja, and if so, where were Bhima, Arjuna, Nakula, Sahadeva, and Draupadi.
Arjuna replied that Bhima stood present in the assembly under the name of Vallabha, serving as chief cook, delighting the court by subduing lions, tigers, and elephants with his bare hands and defeating renowned wrestlers to uphold the honour of the Matsya kingdom. Unconquerable in battle, he was the slayer of Bakasura, who earned the blessings of the Brahmins; the destroyer of Kimera; the protector of forest dwellers and beasts; the conqueror of the dreadful Hidimba; and the husband of his sister Hidimbi. He further declared that the saviour of Virata’s cherished horses, known as Granthika, was Nakula, bane of enemies and nectar to friends, praised by scholars and beloved of the virtuous, the noble son of Madri. Sahadeva, tending the royal cattle as Tantripala, was as precious as life itself to Kunti, radiant in intellect, master of royal conduct and ancient sciences, sanctifying their lineage through righteousness. Draupadi, serving Sudeshna with spotless conduct under the name of Sairandhri, dwelt there unseen. Bhima, having slain Simhabala and those who dishonoured her while appearing as a Gandharva, had guarded her honour in secrecy.
Then Bhima assumed the role of narrator and proclaimed that the dance master who instructed maidens in music and art within the inner chambers, known as Brihannala, was none other than Arjuna himself—the conqueror of Indra’s foes, the one who consigned the Khandava forest to Agni, who destroyed the invincible Kalakeyas at Indra’s command, who annihilated the Nivata-kavachas that tormented gods and sages, and who overcame the Gandharvas to release Duryodhana at Dharmaraja’s behest.
Virata listened in hushed astonishment. Uttara Kumara, fearing his father might falter in awe, testified with folded hands and tearful joy that it was Arjuna alone who had borne the burden of war; who seated him upon the chariot when fear seized his limbs; who infused courage before the gaze of Duryodhana; who rebuked the fleeing foe, declaring the battlefield no place for dice but for valour—a chivalry known only to Arjuna.
Overwhelmed by reverence, Virata embraced Arjuna and bowed at the feet of Dharmaraja, who lifted him with affection. He embraced Bhima, Nakula, and Sahadeva, and stood with folded hands awaiting command. Arjuna affectionately presented his brothers to Uttara. In accordance with tradition, Virata summoned his ministers to introduce the Pandavas to his kin and court, urging his soldiers to seek their blessings. He expressed his desire to serve Dharmaraja with all his house and sought leave to sit according to rank. Wise women were sent to enlighten Sudeshna and to bring Draupadi forth with due honour. Arjuna assured the king that the period of concealment had been fulfilled, completed as gently and safely as a child resting in its mother’s womb, dispelling every fear.
Thereupon Virata declared that he was no outsider but kin, proclaiming that his kingdom, capital, elephants, horses, chariots, and herds belonged to Dharmaraja by right. He pledged eternal loyalty and vowed aid even against Hastina. Yet Uttara Kumara, with mature counsel, reminded him that the kingdom already belonged to the Pandavas by right and valour; that their failure to honour them during their concealment weighed heavily upon their hearts; and that forgiveness must be sought through a unique offering.
Thus, Uttara was summoned, adorned like a celestial maiden beneath a jewelled canopy, likened to Lakshmi amidst autumn clouds, accompanied by Vedic chants and showers of sanctified rice. Virata, with all his household, prostrated before Dharmaraja, confessing his ignorance and offering Uttara in marriage to Arjuna. Arjuna, however, declared that he would accept her as a daughter-in-law for his son Abhimanyu—his noble disciple, nephew of Krishna, brave, learned, compassionate, and virtuous. Dharmaraja approved this righteous resolve, thereby sanctifying the lineage of Matsya with that of the Kurus.
Oaths were taken, astrologers fixed an auspicious hour, and messengers were sent to the Yadavas and Panchalas. Dharmaraja praised Virata as equal in affection to Krishna. Meanwhile, elsewhere, Duryodhana—swayed by Karna, Shakuni, and Dussasana—sent envoys to question whether the vow of concealment had indeed been fulfilled. He was silenced by Bhishma’s rebuke and the certainty of truth, for Arjuna would never break his oath. Thus, the delusion of Duryodhana revealed the very seeds of ruin that would soon unbar the gates of devastation.
