The Upanishads extol the great ones who have guided posterity. Such people are competent to judge and are dedicated to good deeds, having a mind of their own in these matters. They are not influenced by wrong people or ideas, are not cruel by nature and always have a firm will to live by virtue at all costs. The Pandavas exemplify this description and the Virata Parva is dedicated to highlight their glory, versatility, adherence to dharma and their excellent display of righteous conduct, pointed out Sri M.V. Anantapadmanabhachariar in a discourse. They are devoted to Krishna and have surrendered to His leadership and guidance and this is their greatest asset.
Even as Duryodhana makes every effort to seek their whereabouts to expose them before the end of the year in the hope that they could be sent into exile for another thirteen years, their presence in Virata kingdom is guessed by the elders such as Bhishma and Drona. Apart from the death of Keechaka under mysterious circumstances that provides a vague lead, it is pointed out to Duryodhana by Bhishma that to discover the Pandavas one should look for a country where there is peace and all round prosperity. Bhishma does not mince words when he praises the conduct of the Pandavas. “The Pandavas signify dharma and where dharma is, there is victory. Where Yudhishtira lives, the place will be more fruitful. There will be no place for envy, rude speech, ire, etc. The people will be god fearing. The cows will yield plenty of milk and there will be a festive atmosphere.” As a strategist in the court of Duryodhana, Bhishma warns that once the exile is over, Yudhishtira will not go back on his word. He tells Duryodhana that it would be only just to give them back their land.
