Among the two great epic works of the Hindus Mahabharat is considered to be a realistic approach. The whole epic is an account of characters who are bestowed with higher passion, nobler resolve, fierce jealousy and more biting scorn. Each section of the, 18 Parvas of Mahabharat continue gradually starting with the origin of the Great Epic. The fourth book of Mahabharat, Virata Parva narrates the 13th year of exile spent incognito by the Pandavas at the court of Virata.

The Book of Virata or Virata Parva extends from forty five to forty eight subparvas. The prelude is about the thirteenth year of exiled life of the Pandavas in the forest. Living Incognito was a part of the condition for the Pandavas as decreed. Thus after twelve years of exile, Pandavas decided to proceed to the capital city of the King Virata. Moreover, the Pandavas disguised themselves so that they are not identified.

According to the pertinent description in the Virata Parva, the five Pandavas decided to disguise relating to their quality and personality. The Virata Parva portrays that Yudhisthira was well versed with both the scriptures and skills of dice, rules and functioning of royal court and assumed the name as Kankanbhata. He decided to serve the king in the capacity of his adviser and priest.

Bhima`s mighty and huge body required food to satisfy his appetite. Therefore, he decided to work in the Royal kitchen as the chief cook assuming the name Ballava. On the contrary Arjuna was destined to continue one year as a eunuch based on the curse of Urvashi. He was Brihnnala and took to teach dancing and music to the princess Uttara. Nakul was the Granthic, the caretaker and guard to the horse stable and Sahadeva was was called as Tantipal. Draupadi disguised as Sairandhri and was appointed as the chief maid-servant to the queen.

The book Virata Parva also proceeds with the helpful attitude of the Pandavas forwarded to the King Virata as a sign of gratitude. The prologue of the Virata Parva is thus: in the Sarpa yojna Janamejaya asked Vaisampayana: How did my great-grandfathers, afflicted with the fear of Duryodhana, pass their days undiscovered in the city of Virata? And, O Brahman, how did the highly blessed Draupadi, stricken with woe, devoted to her lords, and ever adoring the Deity 1, spend her days unrecognised?" Vaisampayana expressed, "Listen, O lord of men, how thy great grandfathers passed the period of unrecognition in the city of Virata. Having in this way obtained boons from the god of Justice, that best of virtuous men, Yudhishthira, returned to the asylum and related unto the Brahmanas all that had happened.