Shloka 24
Virāṭanagara-nivāsa-nirṇaya
Decision to Reside in Virāṭa’s City
सभास्तारो भविष्यामि तस्य राज्ञों महात्मन: । कड्को नाम द्विजो भूत्वा मताक्ष: प्रियदेवन:
yudhiṣṭhira uvāca | sabhāstaro bhaviṣyāmi tasya rājño mahātmanaḥ | kaṅko nāma dvijo bhūtvā matākṣaḥ priyadevanaḥ ||
Yudhiṣṭhira said: “I shall become a member of that great-souled King Virāṭa’s royal assembly. Taking the name Kaṅka and assuming the guise of a brāhmaṇa, skilled with dice and fond of the game, I will remain there as a court companion.”
युधिछिर उवाच
Educational Q&A
Even while living in disguise and under constraint, Yudhiṣṭhira chooses a socially plausible role aligned with his known skill (dice), highlighting prudence and adaptability; at the same time, the verse implicitly recalls the ethical danger of gambling and the need for restraint and vigilance.
As the Pāṇḍavas plan their incognito year in King Virāṭa’s realm, Yudhiṣṭhira declares he will enter the king’s court as a brāhmaṇa named Kaṅka and serve as a member of the royal assembly, known for expertise in dice-play.