In the previous episode, we had witnessed Yudishtra and Arjuna finally spilling the beans about their real identities. As Arjuna wins over the entire Kaurava army single handedly, Utthara Kumara who had accompanied Arjuna during the war is extremely excited that Brihannala is none other than Arjuna. Thus, to control his excitement, Arjuna instructs Utthara Kumara not to reveal his identity when they are back in the palace until Yudishtra reveals it officially. Utthara Kumara obeys, and thus, both of them return back victoriously with the cows that were abducted earlier by the enemy camp. Moreover, we had seen that as promised by Utthara Kumara by the ladies of the Viraata Desha, he brings all the “Vasthras” (Garments) of the defeated enemy camp, thus, stamping the victory to all of them! As two to three days pass by, Yudishtra decides that it is time to reveal their identities and move on from there. Thus, when the courtroom assembles, Yudishtra and Arjuna are present in the prime chamber where the king sits. As the king arrives, he is surprised to see Kanka and Brihannala near his throne, waiting for his arrival. This usually doesn’t happen every day, and this unusual act surprises him. Vallabha and Sairandhri are also present in the courtroom and as the king takes his place, Yudishtra requests Arjuna to do the talking.
Arjuna commences his report pertaining to the recently concluded wars that endangered the Viraata Desha. He says thus, “Oh King! Yes! Our kingdom had recently gone through turbulent times, but we have come out successfully from those challenges and defended our kingdom perfectly without any problems! Moreover, the people who had facilitated this victory are none other than the Paandava brothers themselves, including me! Oh king! Till today, for the past one year, you would be knowing me as Brihannala, who teaches art forms like music, dance, etc. to your daughter Utthara. Now let me reveal myself to you and in front of everybody in this courtroom – I’m none other than Arjuna, who is an ardent devotee of Bhagawan Krishna and who holds the powerful Gaandeepa bow, which instils fear in any opponent’s mind! I was the one who guided Utthara Kumara in the northern direction, fought single-handedly with the Kaurava army and brought back all the cows and cattle of the Viraata Desha safely. In the northern direction too we tasted victory, didn’t we? Credit goes to Vallabha, whom till date, you might be knowing as a kitchen worker. This Vallabha is none other than the great Bheemasena, who is also my brother. Bheemasena, as you might be aware, is famous for his raw muscle power and can take anybody down with ease! Similarly, your trusted aide in decision making – Kanka, is none other than Yudishtra who stands by “Dharma” at all times! Similarly, my brothers Nakula and Sahadeva were taking care of your horses and cows respectively. My wife, Draupati is none other than your queen’s aide, Sairandhri! All of us were in a disguised form as part of our one-year “Agnyaata Vaasam” period in your kingdom and we came with the good intention to be of some help to you and to your kingdom! We thank you for giving us an opportunity to serve you and contribute to your victories!”
As Arjuna reveals thus, the entire courtroom is shell-shocked! The king doesn’t know what to reply! On one hand, he is extremely happy that a man of Yudishtra’s stature was there near him at all times, guiding him in a lot of administrative affairs. He is also happy that Bheemasena and Arjuna were instrumental in protecting the kingdom from all directions efficiently. On the other hand, a sense of fear grips him as well! A sense of shock prevails in the king’s mind and he is now struggling to express himself through words! Now the king has to do something in exchange to all the good things that the Paandava brothers have done to him, isn’t it? So what is the king going to do? Let us wait till the next episode to witness! Stay tuned! 🙂
The Indian Dharma 