Shloka 23
द्रौपदी-भीमसेनसंवादः
Draupadī–Bhīmasena Dialogue on Suffering, Kāla, and Daiva
सो<थयं राज्ञो विराटस्य कन्यानां नर्तको युवा । आस्ते वेषप्रतिच्छन्न: कन्यानां परिचारक:
so 'thāyaṁ rājño virāṭasya kanyānāṁ nartako yuvā | āste veṣa-praticchannaḥ kanyānāṁ paricārakaḥ ||
Vaiśampāyana said: That very young hero—who once could not be overpowered even by thousands of kings blazing with unmatched might—now remains in King Virāṭa’s palace as a dance-teacher to the princesses, concealed in a disguise and serving them as an attendant. The verse underscores how true strength can accept humility and concealment in order to uphold a larger duty and keep a vow intact.
वैशम्पायन उवाच
Educational Q&A
Great power is not diminished by adopting humility or concealment; a dharmic aim—protecting one’s vow and the larger good—can require restraint, anonymity, and service even from the mightiest.
During the Pāṇḍavas’ incognito year, the hero (under a concealed identity) stays in King Virāṭa’s household, teaching dance to the princesses and serving them as an attendant while remaining hidden by disguise.