Shloka 17
अध्याय १५ — कीचकस्य अत्याचारः, द्रौपद्याः सभाशरणगमनम्
Kīcaka’s coercion and Draupadī’s appeal in the assembly
सा शड्कमाना रुदती दैवं शरणमीयुषी । प्रातिष्ठत सुराहारी कीचकस्य निवेशनम्
sā śaṅkamānā rudatī daivaṁ śaraṇam īyuṣī | prātiṣṭhata surāhārī kīcakasya niveśanam ||
Llorando, presa del temor y la duda, Draupadī—llevando el recipiente para el licor—se encaminó hacia la morada de Kīcaka. Para salvaguardar su castidad y su honor, en lo íntimo buscó amparo en lo divino, fijando su mente en Sūrya como protector.
वैशम्पायन उवाच
Educational Q&A
In a moment of coercion and danger, the verse highlights an ethical ideal: safeguarding one’s dignity and virtue while seeking inner refuge in the divine. It portrays devotion and moral resolve as a sustaining force when external circumstances are threatening.
Draupadī, compelled to carry a liquor vessel, proceeds anxiously and in tears toward Kīcaka’s residence. Internally she seeks divine protection—especially invoking Sūrya—because she fears for her honor and safety.