Shloka 7
Role-Allocation in Virāṭa’s Court: Nakula, Sahadeva, and Draupadī’s Concealment
युधिछिर उवाच सहदेव कथं तस्य समीपे विहरिष्यसि । किं वा त्वं कर्म कुर्वाण: प्रच्छन्नो विहरिष्यसि,युधिष्ठिरने सहदेवसे पूछा--भैया सहदेव! तुम राजा विराटके समीप कैसे जाओगे उनके यहाँ क्या काम करते हुए गुप्तरूपसे निवास करोगे?
yudhiṣṭhira uvāca sahadeva kathaṁ tasya samīpe vihariṣyasi | kiṁ vā tvaṁ karma kurvāṇaḥ pracchanno vihariṣyasi ||
Yudhiṣṭhira said: “Sahadeva, how will you live in his proximity? And what work will you do, living there in concealment?” In the ethical tension of exile, Yudhiṣṭhira probes not merely the logistics of disguise but the propriety of livelihood and conduct while remaining hidden, so that their survival does not compromise dharma.
युधिछिर उवाच
Educational Q&A
Even under pressure, one should plan survival in a way that preserves dharma: choosing a fitting occupation, maintaining self-control, and avoiding actions that would betray one’s identity or compromise ethical conduct.
During the incognito year in Virāṭa’s realm, Yudhiṣṭhira asks Sahadeva how he will stay near the king and what role or work he will undertake while remaining hidden.