Virāṭa-parva Adhyāya 13 — Kīcaka’s Proposition and Draupadī’s Dharmic Refusal
सहदेवो<पि गोपानां वेषमास्थाय पाण्डव: । दध्षि क्षीरं घृतं चैव पाण्डवेभ्य: प्रयच्छति,पाण्डुनन्दन सहदेव भी ग्वालोंका वेश धारणकर पाण्डवोंको दही, दूध और घी दिया करते थे
sahadevo ’pi gopānāṁ veṣam āsthāya pāṇḍavaḥ | dadhi kṣīraṁ ghṛtaṁ caiva pāṇḍavebhyaḥ prayacchati ||
Sinabi ni Vaiśampāyana: Si Sahadeva, anak ni Pāṇḍu, ay nag-anyong pastol ng baka. Sa ganyang tungkulin, nagbibigay siya sa mga Pāṇḍava ng gatas-asim, gatas, at ghee—tahimik na tumutustos sa kanila sa panahong lihim ang pamumuhay.
वैशम्पायन उवाच
Dharma in adversity often appears as quiet, disciplined service: Sahadeva supports his brothers through an unglamorous role, showing loyalty, restraint, and responsibility without seeking recognition.
During the Pāṇḍavas’ incognito year, Sahadeva takes on a cowherd’s disguise and provides essential dairy provisions—curd, milk, and ghee—to the Pāṇḍavas, helping them maintain their hidden life.