Shloka 10
द्रौपद्याः शोकवचनम्
Draupadī’s Lament and Indictment of Misfortune
सम्मूर्छितेव कौरव्य प्रजज्वाल च तेजसा । सा वै महानसं प्राप्प भीमसेनं शुचिस्मिता
sammūrchiteva kauravya prajajvāla ca tejasā | sā vai mahānasaṃ prāpya bhīmasenaṃ śucismitā ||
Vaiśampāyana said: “O scion of the Kurus, she seemed as though overcome, yet she blazed with inner radiance. The pure-smiling lady reached the royal kitchen and went to Bhīmasena.” The verse highlights Draupadī’s composed dignity under concealment and danger: even in servitude-like circumstances, her moral force and self-respect shine, and she seeks the protection and strength of Bhīma within the constraints of dharma and their vow of secrecy.
वैशम्पायन उवाच
Educational Q&A
Even when outwardly constrained by fear, disguise, or social vulnerability, inner tejas—moral courage and self-respect—can remain undiminished; dharmic endurance is not passivity but steadfastness that seeks rightful support without breaking one’s vows.
During the Pāṇḍavas’ incognito year in Virāṭa’s realm, Draupadī—radiant despite distress—arrives at the royal kitchen and approaches Bhīma (serving there as cook), indicating her reliance on his strength and protection while maintaining their secrecy.