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 ||
Waiśampāyana berkata: “Baik para Kuru maupun orang-orang yang tinggal di sana tidak akan mengenali kalian.” Setelah berkata demikian, sang Dewi pemberi anugerah menegur Yudhiṣṭhira, penakluk musuh; lalu setelah menegakkan perlindungan bagi para Pāṇḍava, ia lenyap di tempat itu juga.
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.