Mahabharata — Virata Parva, Shloka 35
Adhyāya 6: Kaṅka (Yudhiṣṭhira) Seeks Refuge in Virāṭa’s Assembly
न प्रज्ञास्यन्ति कुरवो नरा वा तन्निवासिन: । इत्युक्त्वा वरदा देवी युधिष्ठिरमरिंदमम् । रक्षां कृत्वा च पाण्डूनां तत्रैवान्तरधीयत
na prajñāsyanti kuravo narā vā tannivāsinaḥ | ity uktvā varadā devī yudhiṣṭhiram ariṃdamam | rakṣāṃ kṛtvā ca pāṇḍūnāṃ tatraivāntaradhīyata ||
Vaiśampāyana said: “Neither the Kurus nor the men dwelling there will recognize you.” Having spoken thus, the boon‑granting goddess addressed Yudhiṣṭhira, the subduer of foes; and after placing a protective safeguard over the Pāṇḍavas, she vanished on the spot.
वैशम्पायन उवाच
Educational Q&A
Righteous aims may require prudent concealment, and when one remains aligned with dharma, protective grace (rakṣā) is portrayed as supporting the vulnerable—here, safeguarding the Pāṇḍavas so they can fulfill their vow without being exposed.
A boon-granting goddess assures Yudhiṣṭhira that the Kurus and local inhabitants will not recognize them; she then establishes a protective safeguard over the Pāṇḍavas and immediately disappears.