Shloka 39
Virāṭa-parva Adhyāya 22 — Draupadī’s Abduction Attempt and Bhīma’s Suppression of the Kīcakas
कीचकश्चाप्यलंकृत्य यथाकाममुपागमत् | तां वेलां नर्तनागारं पाउ्चालीसंगमाशया,इधर कीचक भी इच्छानुसार वस्त्राभूषणोंसे सज-धजकर द्रौपदीके साथ समागमकी अभिलाषासे उसी समय नृत्यशालाके समीप आया
vaishampāyana uvāca |
kīcakaś cāpy alaṅkṛtya yathākāmam upāgamat |
tāṃ velāṃ nartanāgāraṃ pāñcālī-saṅgamāśayā ||
Vaiśampāyana sprach: Auch Kīcaka, nach seinem Belieben mit Gewändern und Schmuck geschmückt, kam zu jener Zeit in die Nähe der Tanzhalle, getrieben vom Verlangen, sich mit Pāñcālī (Draupadī) zu vereinigen.
वैशम्पायन उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights adharma arising from unchecked desire: self-adornment and social power are used to pursue another against propriety. In the Mahābhārata’s ethical frame, such intent—especially toward a protected woman—invites consequences and becomes a test of restraint, honor, and rightful protection.
During the Pāṇḍavas’ incognito stay in Virāṭa’s kingdom, Kīcaka, inflamed with desire for Draupadī (serving as Pāñcālī/Sairandhrī), dresses up and comes to the vicinity of the dancing-hall intending to meet her for sexual union.