Introduction
Virata is the king of Matsya, the husband of Sudeshna and the father of Uttara, Uttar Kumara and Shveta.
This article primarily follows the Mahabharata. Where a well-known detail comes from a Puranic or later source, the article identifies it.
Family
The thirteenth year
The Pandavas and Draupadi lived at Virata's court in disguise: Yudhishthira as the courtier Kanka, Bhima as the cook Ballava, Arjuna as the dance teacher Brihannala, Nakula as the horse keeper, Sahadeva as the cowherd and Draupadi as the maid Sairandhri.
The cattle raid
When the Kauravas raided Matsya's cattle, Arjuna revealed himself and defeated them. Virata gave his daughter Uttara to Arjuna, who accepted her as a daughter-in-law, and she married Abhimanyu.
The war
Virata fought for the Pandavas. He was killed by Drona.