Arjuna served as the dance teacher Brihannala in King Virata’s court.
During the Pandavas’ thirteenth year of exile, Arjuna adopted the identity of Brihannala, a eunuch and instructor in music and dance. He entered the court of King Virata and taught the king’s daughter, Uttara, along with her companions. The disguise allowed Arjuna to conceal his warrior identity while fulfilling the requirement that the Pandavas remain unrecognized.
Brihannala later became crucial when the Kauravas attacked Matsya’s cattle. Prince Uttara was expected to defend the kingdom but lost confidence when he saw the enemy army. Brihannala became his charioteer, revealed his true identity, retrieved the Pandavas’ hidden weapons, and defeated the invading forces.
A common mix-up is Vallabha, the name used by Bhima, who worked as a cook and wrestler. Nala is associated with a different legendary king, while Shikhandi is a warrior connected with the Panchala royal family. After the disguise ended, Arjuna treated Uttara as a daughter rather than marrying her; she later married his son Abhimanyu.