अध्याय १५ — कीचकस्य अत्याचारः, द्रौपद्याः सभाशरणगमनम्
Kīcaka’s coercion and Draupadī’s appeal in the assembly
अन्तर्हितं ततस्तस्या रक्षो रक्षार्थमादिशत् । तच्चैनां नाजहात् तत्र सर्वावस्थास्वनिन्दिताम्
antarhitaṃ tatastasyā rakṣo rakṣārtham ādiśat | taccaināṃ nājahāt tatra sarvāvasthāsv aninditām ||
Dijo Vaiśampāyana: Entonces, permaneciendo oculto, ordenó a un rākṣasa que la protegiera. Y allí, en toda circunstancia, aquel guardián no abandonó a la intachable Draupadī.
वैशम्पायन उवाच
The verse underscores dharmic protection: a virtuous, blameless person (aninditā) is not to be abandoned in adversity, and righteous safeguarding—whether human or superhuman—is portrayed as a moral necessity.
After understanding Draupadī’s peril, an unseen protector is appointed—a rākṣasa who remains with her and ensures she is not left helpless in any situation.