India, Oct. 13 -- Strength does not vanish when it is hidden; sometimes it waits, protected, for the right time.

After twelve years in the forest, the Pandavas had to spend a thirteenth year in disguise, unrecognised by anyone. Before entering the kingdom of Virata, they wrapped their weapons, including Arjuna's great bow Gandiva, in cloth and hid them high in a shami tree on the edge of a burial ground, where people would be too afraid to look. For a year, these warriors lived in humble roles: Yudhishthira as a courtier, Bhima as a cook, Arjuna as a dance teacher, Draupadi as a maid. No one guessed who they were.

When the Kauravas attacked Virata's cattle, the moment arrived. Arjuna took down the weapons, worshipped them, and defeated ...