Shloka 32
भीमस्य बल्लव-प्रतिज्ञा तथा अर्जुनस्य बृहन्नडा-रूप-निर्णयः
Bhīma’s Ballava Vow and Arjuna’s Decision to Become Bṛhannadā
एतेन विधिना छन्न: कृतकेन यथानल: । विहरिष्यामि राजेन्द्र विराटभवने सुखम्,राजेन्द्र! इस प्रकार कृत्रिम वेशभूषासे राखमें छिपी हुई अग्निके समान अपनेको छिपाकर मैं विराटके महलमें सुखपूर्वक निवास करूँगा
etena vidhinā channaḥ kṛtakena yathānalaḥ | viharīṣyāmi rājendra virāṭa-bhavane sukham ||
Sinabi ni Arjuna: “O Maharlikang Hari, sa paraang ito, nakatago sa isang hiniram na anyo—gaya ng apoy na nakubli sa ilalim ng abo—mananatili akong hindi matutuklasan at mamumuhay nang payapa sa palasyo ni Haring Virāṭa.”
अजुन उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights disciplined concealment and prudent strategy in service of dharma: one may temporarily adopt an assumed role, restrain one’s power, and avoid needless conflict to protect a larger righteous aim (successfully completing the incognito vow).
During the incognito year, Arjuna explains his plan to remain hidden in King Virāṭa’s household. He will live under a fabricated identity, comparing himself to fire concealed by ashes—present and potent, yet outwardly unseen.