Mahabharata — Virata Parva, Shloka 38
Virāṭa-parva Adhyāya 22 — Draupadī’s Abduction Attempt and Bhīma’s Suppression of the Kīcakas
वैशम्पायन उवाच भीमो<थ प्रथमं गत्वा रात्रौ छन्न उपाविशत् | मृगं हरिरिवादृश्य: प्रत्याकाडक्षत कीचकम्
vaiśampāyana uvāca | bhīmo 'tha prathamaṃ gatvā rātrau channa upāviśat | mṛgaṃ harir ivādṛśyaḥ pratyākāṅkṣata kīcakam |
Vaiśampāyana said: Then Bhīma, going ahead first, entered at night and sat concealed. Invisible like a lion lying in wait for its prey, he watched and awaited Kīcaka—setting a trap to punish the aggressor and protect Draupadī’s honor without exposing the Pāṇḍavas’ disguise.
वैशम्पायन उवाच
Educational Q&A
When dharma is threatened—especially the safety and dignity of the vulnerable—force may be used, but with restraint, timing, and strategic concealment to prevent greater harm and to uphold a larger ethical duty.
Bhīma reaches the place first at night, hides, and waits for Kīcaka, like a lion unseen waiting for prey—preparing to confront and punish him while the Pāṇḍavas remain undiscovered in Virāṭa’s court.