This is the story of how Prince Uttar got fame with the help of Arjuna.
Virata, the king of Virat Nagar and the father of Prince Uttar
The Pandavas after exhausting for 12 years in the forest, now were expected to spend their last year of exile in disguise as it was demanded by Duryodhana.
So, they searched, deliberately for a safe place where they could hide their identities.
After some research, they got to know about King Virata and his Kingdom Viratanagar.
King Virata was a formidable ruler. He was exceptionally good and skilled. He had conquered many dynasties. Furthermore, he was an enemy of Kauravas, and for that reason, they all went under his shelter.
Disguise of Pandavas
However, they all had to conceal their identities, Yudhisthira presented himself as Kankabhatta, who possessed a great knowledge of different subjects. He was a critical thinker and a wonderful problem solver. Hence, he was appointed as an advisor to the king.
Bhima, the second brother was a food enthusiast, and having a good Knowledge of food and its preparation made him a ‘valala’, the royal chef at the palace.
Now it was the turn of Arjuna. He became Vrihanalla, who was a well-learned dancer. In past, he took dance lessons from Chitrasena when he was young, so he was appointed as a dance teacher to train Princess Uttara and her friends.
Arjuna had to dress up like a girl to enter the chambers of the Queen’s palace as no men were allowed inside.
Nakula, got the opportunity to take care of horses at the stable as he was very good at taking care of animals.
He quickly became the horse’s friend. He used to train them, feed them, give them a good bath and all. Sahadeva, the youngest of all took the opportunity of herding the Cows.
Now it was Draupadi’s turn to come forward, she introduced herself as Sairandhri, a Professional Caretaker at the Queen’s chamber.
Everything was going well until one day Duryodhana got to know that Pandavas were hiding in the protection of King Virata.
Without any further delay, Duryodhan unleashed a fury against Viratnagar. King Virata was helpless as his commander in chief “Kichaka” died because of his misdeeds at the hands of Arjuna.
The conversation between Arjuna and Prince Uttar
All the Pandavas cаmе forward to help in the war, while Arjuna has to stay at the palace because everyone supposed that he is a girl and girls are not allowed in wars. Everyone went to war but the coward Prince “Uttar’ was sitting alone in his room. When Arjuna asked him why he did not go to the battle, he answered with shame on his face “I am not a skilled warrior like my father and I am still young and inexperienced to handle such great wars against Kauravas; what do I do?”. “Apart from this I don’t have a charioteer to accompany me”.
Arujuna became the charioteer of Prince Uttar
Then Arjuna said “I can drive your chariot” and they both rushed to the battlefield. While making progress Arjuna stopped the chariot near a tree in an empty field where he had hidden his arms. Arjuna quickly took his Bow and Arrow and asked Prince Uttar to take over the chariot as his charioteer from now on. But Uttar was in extreme surprise and shock when he got to know that this disguised lady was none other than the mighty warrior Arjuna himself. Prince Uttar bowed to him as he took the position of a charioteer of Arjuna.
Arjuna who was an ideal warrior, hero, an exceptional archer, fearless and courageous fighter won this battle by oneself.
This victory brought a sense of elation to the Kingdom as all the accolades went to Prince Uttar for bravery on the battlefield because Arjuna never wanted anyone to know that he himself fought the war, but only accompanied and advised Prince Uttar during the war.
King Virata was grateful to Pandavas after this incident as they all helped him to protect the boundaries of Virata Nagar from enemies. The King blessed them all and the Pandavas went back to Hastinapur because their exile came to an end……
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