Shloka 12
युधिष्ठटिर उवाच युधिष्ठिरस्पासमहं पुरा सखा वैयाप्रपद्य: पुनरस्मि विप्र: । अक्षान् प्रयोक्तुं कुशलो$स्मि देविनां कड्केति नाम्नास्मि विराट विश्रुत:,युधिष्ठिरने कहा--महाराज विराट! मैं वैयाप्रपद-गोत्रमें उत्पन्न हुआ ब्राह्मण हूँ। लोगोंमें “कंक” नामसे मेरी प्रसिद्धि है। मैं पहले राजा युधिष्ठिरके साथ रहता था। वे मुझे अपना सखा मानते थे। मैं चौसर खेलनेवालोंके बीच पासे फेंकनेकी कलामें कुशल हूँ
yudhiṣṭhira uvāca | yudhiṣṭhirasya asmi ahaṃ purā sakhā vaiyāprapadyaḥ punar asmi vipraḥ | akṣān prayoktuṃ kuśalo 'smi devināṃ kaṅka iti nāmnāsmi virāṭa viśrutaḥ ||
Yudhiṣṭhira said: “O King Virāṭa, I am a brāhmaṇa born in the Vaiyāprapadya lineage. Formerly I lived with King Yudhiṣṭhira, who regarded me as his friend. I am skilled in casting the dice among players; in this land I am well known by the name ‘Kaṅka.’”
युधिष्ठटिर उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights disciplined self-presentation under pressure: Yudhiṣṭhira adopts a socially plausible identity and skill-set to protect a larger dharmic goal (completing the incognito year without endangering others), showing prudence and restraint even when the chosen role touches his past vulnerability to gambling.
During the Pandavas’ incognito stay in King Virāṭa’s realm, Yudhiṣṭhira introduces himself to Virāṭa under the assumed name ‘Kaṅka,’ claiming brāhmaṇa status and proficiency in dice-casting, thereby securing a fitting place at court while concealing his true royal identity.