[Pramāṇa](https://indike.org/pramana/) › [Studies](https://indike.org/pramana/ins) › [Reference works](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference) › [Puranic Encyclopaedia: A Comprehensive Dictionary with Special Reference to the Epic and Puranic Literature](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.mani-1975) › c9.4526.2 # Puranic Encyclopaedia: A Comprehensive Dictionary with Special Reference to the Epic and Puranic Literature c9.4526.2 Purāṇic Encyclopaedia: A Comprehensive Dictionary with Special Reference to the Epic and Purāṇic Literature c9.4526.2 - **Language:** English ### [c9.4526.2](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.mani-1975.c9.4526.2) (vii) During the incognito-life of the Pāṇḍavas, King Virāṭa sheltered them in his palace. He took Yudhiṣṭhira as a court-favourite, Bhīmasena as the over-seer of his dining hall, Arjuna as the dancing master, Nakula as the head of the stables, and Sahadeva as the head of the cow-herds. (M.B. Virāṭa Parva, Chapters 7, 8, 10, 11 and 12). (viii) The first wife of King Virāṭa was Surathā, the princess of Kosala. A son named Śveta was born to Virāṭa by Surathā. After the death of Surathā, he married Sudeṣṇā the daughter of Sūta, King of Kekaya. To Sudeṣṇā two sons named Śaṅkha and Uttara and as the youngest, a daughter named Uttarā were born. (M.B. Virāṭa Parva, Dākṣiṇātya Pāṭha, Chapter 16). (ix) It is stated in Mahābhārata, Virāṭa Parva, Dākṣiṇātyapāṭha, Chapter 26, that King Virāṭa had ten brothers. (x) Virāṭa had two brothers named Śatānīka and Madirākṣa. Sūryadatta is another name of Śatānīka. He was the commander of the army of Virāṭa. Madirākṣa was also called Viśālākṣa. (M.B. Virāṭa Parva, Chapters 31 and 32). (xi) At the time of the theft of the cows, King Virāṭa engaged in combat with Suśarmā. (M.B. Virāṭa Parva, Chapter 32, Stanza 28). (xii) Suśarmā caught hold of Virāṭa alive. (M.B. Virāṭa Parva, Chapter 33, Stanza 7). (xiii) Virāṭa was one of the seven prominent commanders of the army of Yudhiṣṭhira. (M.B. Udyoga Parva, Chapter 157, Stanza 11). - [Previous: c9.4526.1](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.mani-1975.c9.4526.1) - [Next: c9.4526.3](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.mani-1975.c9.4526.3) - [Up: c9.4526](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.mani-1975.c9.4526) --- Source: [https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.mani-1975.c9.4526.2](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.mani-1975.c9.4526.2) · Pramāṇa