Shloka 17
अध्याय १५ — कीचकस्य अत्याचारः, द्रौपद्याः सभाशरणगमनम्
Kīcaka’s coercion and Draupadī’s appeal in the assembly
सा शड्कमाना रुदती दैवं शरणमीयुषी । प्रातिष्ठत सुराहारी कीचकस्य निवेशनम्
sā śaṅkamānā rudatī daivaṁ śaraṇam īyuṣī | prātiṣṭhata surāhārī kīcakasya niveśanam ||
Von Furcht und Zweifel erfüllt und in Tränen, machte sich Draupadī—das Gefäß für den Trank in den Händen—auf zur Wohnstatt Kīcakas. Um ihre Keuschheit und Ehre zu bewahren, nahm sie im Innern Zuflucht beim Göttlichen und richtete ihren Geist auf Sūrya als ihren Beschützer.
वैशम्पायन उवाच
Educational Q&A
In a moment of coercion and danger, the verse highlights an ethical ideal: safeguarding one’s dignity and virtue while seeking inner refuge in the divine. It portrays devotion and moral resolve as a sustaining force when external circumstances are threatening.
Draupadī, compelled to carry a liquor vessel, proceeds anxiously and in tears toward Kīcaka’s residence. Internally she seeks divine protection—especially invoking Sūrya—because she fears for her honor and safety.