अध्याय १५ — कीचकस्य अत्याचारः, द्रौपद्याः सभाशरणगमनम्
Kīcaka’s coercion and Draupadī’s appeal in the assembly
वैशम्पायन उवाच इत्युक्त: स विनिष्क्रम्य भगिन्या वचनात् तदा । सुरामाहारयामास राजार्हा सुपरिष्कृताम्
vaiśampāyana uvāca | ity uktaḥ sa viniṣkramya bhaginyā vacanāt tadā | surām āhārayāmāsa rājārhāṃ supariṣkṛtām ||
Dijo Vaiśampāyana: Así interpelado, en aquel momento salió conforme a las palabras de su hermana. Al volver a su casa, a su debido tiempo, mandó traer licor finamente preparado, digno del uso de un rey; y, por medio de cocineros diestros, dispuso en abundancia manjares selectos y comunes, y lo mejor en comida y bebida.
वैशम्पायन उवाच
The verse highlights how indulgence and calculated preparation can serve unethical intent: outwardly refined hospitality (royal liquor and delicacies) may be used to facilitate coercion or wrongdoing, reminding readers to judge actions by purpose and dharma rather than by polish or luxury.
After receiving reassurance based on his sister’s words, Kīcaka leaves and arranges for refined, king-worthy liquor and an elaborate spread of food and drink through skilled cooks—setting up the next stage of the episode in the Virāṭa court.