Virata

In the Mahabharata, the later of the
two great Hindu epics, Virata is the king
who shelters the five Pandava brothers,
the epic’s protagonists, during the year
they spend incognito, following their
twelve years of exile in the forest. This
year is critical because according to the
agreement that the Pandavas have
made with their adversary, Duryodhana,
if they are discovered during this year
the cycle of exile and living incognito
will begin again. Due to Virata’s care
and foresight the Pandavas are not
discovered, even though Duryodhana
has sent legions of spies to find them.
During the Mahabharata war he continues to support the Pandavas and is
eventually killed by the archery
master Drona.