The Pandavas met and discussed which could be the possible places where they could live in disguise, with out being discovered. Duryodhana's spies were everywhere, Dwaraka, the capital of Vrishnis would be their first target. Finally all the Pandavas agreed that the capital of Matsyadesh, Virata would be an appropriate place where they could dwell in peace. Virata was a righteous and kindly person. He was friendly towards the Pandavas. It was thought that they all could find some disguise to live in his kingdom. Having decided this question, the Pandavas started towards Virata.

Next question facing them was what could they do to disguise themselves. Their manners, looks all betrayed their royal personages. They were hearts broken to think of Yudhisthira the once greater emperor on the earth, to live as a subordinate to some one. All the Pandavas and Draupadi were quite upset and sad. Yudhisthira consoled them said, "Please don't be too overwhelmed with grief, I shall disguise as an expert dice player and seek the companionship of Virata as a brahmin well versed in all the Vedas, Shastras and dice playing.

Bhima, being fond of eating was an excellent cook. He thought he could seek employment as a cook in Virata's kitchen. Arjuna reminded them of Urvashi curse on him. He had to live as eunuch for one year. He could seek the job of dance teacher to the princess and other inmates of Virata's household. He, being an eunuch, would be accepted in Viratas private quarters meant for the womenfolk. Similarly, Nakula proposed that in view of his expert knowledge about the horses he would be ideal for a job in Viratas' stable. Sahdeva told about his special skill in the art of tending the cattle and animal-husbandry. Finally, Draupadi, thought of becoming a chamber-maid to the queen.

Thus, settling their occupations they reached near Virata. On the out skirts of the city they decided to hide their weapons so that they could retrieve them after a year. They concealed their weapons in a shroud like cloth, giving them a shape of a dead body. They landed this on a treetop.

Then, Yudhisthira was first to approach the court of Virata. The king watched a well-built brahmin of exceptional grace and dignity greeting him. Virata inquired from Yudhisthira who he was and the purpose of his visit to the court. Yudhisthira gave his story that he had been in Yudhisthira court and could play the game of dice expertly. Besides he was well versed in the Vedas, Shastras etc. Impressed by him, Virata offered to take him as his companion. Yudhisthira, gave his name as 'Kanka'.

Next to arrive was Bhima, "His magnificent physique attracted every one's attention". He told that he had been in charge of Yudhisthira's Kitchen and also taught wrestling since the Pandavas were out in exile he needed some position to support himself. Virata asked him to take charge of his royal kitchen and that of the gymnasium. He gave his name as Volala. When Arjuna came, he was dressed as a eunuch. Every one was laughing. But Arjuna, who had assumed that name of Brihannala told that she could teach dancing and singing to the princess. She was taught these arts by gandharvas and was the very best in the field. Convinced, the king offered her the position. She was to teach singing and dancing to the daughter of Virata, Uttara and her companions.

Draupadi could also reach the chambers of the queen Sudeshna. She also told the queen that she had been a maid to queen Draupadi. She told that she was an expert in hair making, perfumes and other adornments. Draupadi's job was not a easy one. Seeing the exceptional beauty of Draupadi queen was having apprehensions that the king might fall in love with her. Draupadi told the queen that she was married to five gandharvas who were very protective about her. Finally, she was also taken into queen's personal service. Nakula used to visit the king's stable appreciated the fine pedigree of the horses. Once king noticed him and the king wanted to know who the young and handsome man was. After some discussion about horses, the king did not have any doubts about his expert knowledge about the horses. Nakula was made incharge of the King's stable.

Sahdeva approached the king, pleading that he was an expert cowherd and a wanted a job. He too got a job to tend the kings' herds of cows and bulls. Thus all the Pandavas could find some positions for themselves in the king Viratas court. While Yudhisthira assumed the name of 'Kanka'. Bhima was known as 'Volala', Arjuna became 'Brihannala', the eunuch, Nakula named himself as 'Damagran' while Sahdeva was called 'Tantripala', Draupadi was called 'Sairandhri'. The Pandavas settled themselves comfortably. They found that their thirteenth year of living in disguise was not very difficult after all.