Intro
Virata parva is the story of the Pandavas thirteenth year in exile from their kingdom.
https://crackpot.substack.com/t/virata
As It Rhymes
1.
Draupadi said,
‘You asked so I will tell.
Adharma makes me unwell.
2.
Yudhishthira is back on the dice.
Kanka gambles day and night.
3.
When I told Kichaka to buzz off.
Kichaka tried to tear my dress off.
4.
Though I was kicked in front of you.
You still have to ask why I am blue.
5.Â
Dhananjaya sings and dances night and day.
They say Brihannala prances like a sunray.
They say Brihannala’s pony tails never fray.
6.
Bhima Ballava you swing lances to entertain ladies.
When you’re not huffing your puffing pastries.
7.Â
Sahadeva, lord of battle, sleeps with cattle.
Was sandalwood, now Nakula smells like saddle.
8.
Now here is the worst to pray.
When I told Kichaka I was married to five heroes.
Kichaka laughed and poked his finger through a zero.
9.
What’s become of us.
We’re vaishyas.
10.
I remember when.
The Pandavas roared like lions among men.
11.
Here in Virata we stay.
Working day to day for pay.
12.
Granthika, Ballava, Kanka, Tanthipala, Brihannala and Sairandhri.
The names of troubled company.
13.
Oh Bhima! If Kichaka has his way, I will not live with that shame.
I’ll go out like a moth to flame.
14.
You suggest I wait Kichaka out a month like it’s a game.
Easy to say when all Kichaka’s body weight falls on me.
Like a fox hunting prey Kichaka follows me.
15.
Kichaka mocked my husband’s valor when I told Kichaka to buzz off.
‘Send them to me!’ Kichaka scoffed.Â
16.
The five once vanquished vandals.Â
Now its jokes totes fries fire brands and penny pinch pan handles.
Notes
[1] Dharma is moral duty. Adharma is sinful, or regressive, action.
[2] Kanka is Yudhishthira's vaishya alias in Virata.
[5] Dhananjaya is Arjuna. Brihannala is Arjuna's alias in Virata. Â
[6] Ballava is Bhima's alias in Virata
[9] There are four varnas; Brahman (priests), Kshatriya (warrior), Vaishya (merchants and farmors) and Shudra (labor)
[16] For brevity, Draupadi's response to Bhima's request for her to unload her burdens from 3 chapters is abridged to these 16 verses.