Shloka 32
भीमस्य बल्लव-प्रतिज्ञा तथा अर्जुनस्य बृहन्नडा-रूप-निर्णयः
Bhīma’s Ballava Vow and Arjuna’s Decision to Become Bṛhannadā
एतेन विधिना छन्न: कृतकेन यथानल: । विहरिष्यामि राजेन्द्र विराटभवने सुखम्,राजेन्द्र! इस प्रकार कृत्रिम वेशभूषासे राखमें छिपी हुई अग्निके समान अपनेको छिपाकर मैं विराटके महलमें सुखपूर्वक निवास करूँगा
etena vidhinā channaḥ kṛtakena yathānalaḥ | viharīṣyāmi rājendra virāṭa-bhavane sukham ||
Arjuna sprach: „O Königsherr, auf diese Weise, verborgen in einer angenommenen Verkleidung — wie Feuer unter Asche — werde ich unentdeckt bleiben und in König Virāṭas Palast in Ruhe wohnen.“
अजुन उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights disciplined concealment and prudent strategy in service of dharma: one may temporarily adopt an assumed role, restrain one’s power, and avoid needless conflict to protect a larger righteous aim (successfully completing the incognito vow).
During the incognito year, Arjuna explains his plan to remain hidden in King Virāṭa’s household. He will live under a fabricated identity, comparing himself to fire concealed by ashes—present and potent, yet outwardly unseen.