According to the agreement made with Duryodhana, the Pandavas had to spend 12 years of exile in forest and for the last year, they must spend 13th year of exile incognito. Everyone knows this story. In that manner, after living in the forest for 12 years, they started to live incognito. While leaving, they prostrated to the head priest, Dhaumya and took his blessings. The Pandavas then discussed about the places suitable to live incognito. Finally, they decided that the country of Matsya is suitable to them. That was ruled by king Virata. He was virtuous and mighty. He had great affection for Pandavas. That is why, they decided to take shelter in the kingdom of King Virata. There, Dharmaraja assumed the identity of Kankubattu, an entertainer for the king. Bhima took the identity of a cook with the name Valana. Arjuna took the form of a woman and dressed himself as Brihannala, who kept the women of the kingdom happy. Nakula took the identity as Dāmagranthi and he used to serve in the horse shed. Sahadēva, with the name Tantripala served as the cow-herd. Draupadi served the queen as maid Sairandhri. This is how each and every one decided to assume concealed identities in the kingdom.
Priest Dhaumya blessed them boutifully and taught them all instructions that are to be followed to work under the king. Those words of Dhaumya are useful to people of any time. He instructed the Pandavas as follows, "Those who work under the king must not talk excessively with anyone and they must know what the king wants and work accordingly. You must give advices to the king only if he asks for. Sometimes, we must also praise the king. Just because you are close to the king, you must not sit either on his throne or on his chariot. It is wrong to sit in front of him too. Whether you receive accolades or scoldings from the king, you must not show your feelings externally. Be careful! King is like fire. Excessive friendship with the king also is dangerous. At the same time, you must not be disrespectful or negligent. We must always have the fear that he can remove anyone from the job anytime. Sometimes, the king shares some secrets with us, out of trust and affection. Even if we get any enmity with the king, we must not reveal the secrets. It is equal to deception. Sometimes, the king gives a higher position to those who are less intellectual, foolish and ineligible. Then, you must not develop hatred on the king. You must be extremely careful in behaving with the women of the kingdom. O Pāndavās! If you follow these rules, you can definitely win the heart of King Virata, get good name and be happy."
The incident of giving instructions to the Pandavas is very beautiful. If everyone follows these rules of serving, irrespective of the power and position, they will not have to face any problem. Hence, one must be very careful! It is also said that both King and Guru are one and the same. One must take similar care in serving Guru also. All the rules told by Dhaumya to Pandavas for their work under King Virata are applicable to those who serve Guru. There is also one more thing mentioned in this context. Sometimes, the king posts some of the subordinates who are foolish, ineligible and less intellectual, in higher positions. He very well knows that they are foolish. Everyone around also know. Despite that, he acts like that purposefully. But, we must not develop hatred on the king thinking that we work very hard and inspite of that, he is elevating them and not us. These rules helped Pandavas a lot. Those who serve Guru also need these rules. It helps us a lot too. Let's be careful!
Jaya Guru Datta!