Shloka 5
Virāṭa-parva Adhyāya 23: Report of the Slain Sūtaputras, Royal Orders, and Sairandhrī’s Return
समवेतेषु सर्वेषु तामूचुरुपकीचका: । हन्यतां शीघ्रमसती यत्कृते कीचको हत:
samaveteṣu sarveṣu tām ūcur upakīcakāḥ | hanyatāṁ śīghram asatī yatkṛte kīcako hataḥ ||
When all had assembled, the Upakīcakas (Kīcaka’s brothers) spoke, pointing to her: “Kill this immoral woman at once, for it is because of her that Kīcaka has been slain.”
वैशम्पायन उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights how anger and attachment can distort judgment: instead of seeking truth and due process, the Upakīcakas hastily condemn Draupadī as a scapegoat. It implicitly contrasts impulsive vengeance with dharmic restraint and fair inquiry.
After Kīcaka has been killed, his brothers/kinsmen (the Upakīcakas) gather with others and publicly accuse Draupadī, demanding that she be executed immediately, claiming Kīcaka died because of her.