Shloka 8
अध्याय १५ — कीचकस्य अत्याचारः, द्रौपद्याः सभाशरणगमनम्
Kīcaka’s coercion and Draupadī’s appeal in the assembly
भक्ष्यांश्व विविधाकारान् बहुंश्वोच्चावचांस्तदा । कारयामास कुशलैरन्नं पानं सुशो भनम्,वैशम्पायनजी कहते हैं--राजन्! बहिनके वचनसे इस प्रकार आश्वासन मिलनेपर कीचक उस समय वहाँसे चला गया और घर जाकर उसने यथासमय चतुर रसोइयोंके द्वारा राजाओंके उपयोगमें आने योग्य उत्तम एवं परिष्कृत मदिरा मँगवायी और भाँति-भाँतिके अनेक विशिष्ट और साधारण भरक्ष्य पदार्थ एवं परम उत्तम अन्न-पानकी तैयारी करायी
bhakṣyāṁś ca vividhākārān bahūṁś coccāvacāṁs tadā | kārayāmāsa kuśalair annaṁ pānaṁ suśobhanam ||
Vaiśampāyana said: Then Kīcaka had skilled cooks prepare an impressive spread—many kinds of foods in diverse forms, both refined and ordinary—along with excellent provisions of food and drink.
वैशम्पायन उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights how indulgence and display of luxury can serve unethical intentions; it foreshadows the moral tension between desire-backed power and the restraint and propriety expected under dharma.
After receiving reassurance, Kīcaka arranges a lavish preparation of varied foods and drinks through expert cooks, indicating a planned, pleasure-oriented gathering connected to his pursuit in the surrounding episode.