During their thirteenth year of exile, the Pandavas decided to stay in Viratnagar in the disguise of Brahmins. There they got jobs in King Virata's palace.

Yudhisthira became the King's advisor under the name of Kaka. Bhima became the Royal cook under the name of Vallabha. Draupadi became the maid of the queen under the name of Sairandhri. But she put three conditions for her service - she would not clean dirty utensils, she would not eat leftover food, and she would not wash anybody's feet. Arjuna, who had learnt music, became the royal musician under the name of Brihannala.

Nakula and Sahadeva also had suitable jobs. Meanwhile, Hastinapur, Duryodhana was thinking of evil plans to find the Pandavas and send them to another twelve years of exile and so he sent his spies all around the country to look for them.