Shloka 29
भीमस्य बल्लव-प्रतिज्ञा तथा अर्जुनस्य बृहन्नडा-रूप-निर्णयः
Bhīma’s Ballava Vow and Arjuna’s Decision to Become Bṛhannadā
सत्रीभावसे अपने स्वरूपको छिपाकर बारंबार पूर्ववर्ती राजाओंके चरित्रोंका गान करके महाराज विराट तथा अन्तःपुरकी अन्यान्य स्त्रियोंका मनोरंजन करूँगा ।। गीत॑ नृत्यं विचित्र च वादित्रं विविध॑ तथा । शिक्षयिष्याम्यहं राजन् विराटस्य पुरस्त्रिय:,राजन! मैं विराटनगरकी स्त्रियोंको गीत गाने, विचित्र ढंगसे नृत्य करने तथा भाँति- भाँतिके बाजे बजानेकी शिक्षा दूँगा
gītaṁ nṛtyaṁ vicitraṁ ca vāditraṁ vividhaṁ tathā | śikṣayiṣyāmy ahaṁ rājan virāṭasya pura-striyaḥ ||
Arjuna said: “O King, I shall teach the women of Virāṭa’s city to sing, to dance in varied and graceful styles, and to play diverse musical instruments. Thus, while concealing my true identity, I will live by an honorable craft and serve the royal household without compromising dharma.”
अजुन उवाच
Educational Q&A
Even in concealment and danger, one should choose a livelihood aligned with dharma—non-violent, socially beneficial, and disciplined—using one’s skills in service without revealing secrets that would endanger the larger vow and mission.
During the Pāṇḍavas’ incognito year, Arjuna explains the role he will assume in Virāṭa’s kingdom: as a teacher of music and dance to the women of the palace/city, thereby maintaining disguise and securing safe residence.