Shloka 24
Kīcaka-vadha-pratisaṃjñā: Rumor in Matsya and the Kaurava Scouts’ Report (कीचकवध-प्रतिसंज्ञा)
त्वया सहोषिता चास्मि त्वं च सर्व: सहोषिता । क्लिश्यन्त्यां त्वयि सुश्रोणि को नु दुःखं न चिन्तयेत्
tvayā sahoṣitā cāsmi tvaṁ ca sarvaḥ sahoṣitā | kliśyantyāṁ tvayi suśroṇi ko nu duḥkhaṁ na cintayet ||
“സുശ്രോണി! ഞാൻ നിനക്കൊപ്പം താമസിച്ചിട്ടുണ്ട്; നീയും ഞങ്ങളൊക്കെയുമൊപ്പം കഴിഞ്ഞിട്ടുണ്ട്. നീ ക്ലേശത്തിലായാൽ ആര്ക്കാണ് ദുഃഖം തോന്നാതിരിക്കുക?”
वैशम्पायन उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse and its context highlight compassionate solidarity—when someone close is in distress, it is natural and right to share their sorrow—and the dharmic principle of reciprocity: noble persons repay kindness with protection and goodwill. It also underscores śaraṇāgati (seeking refuge) and the duty to protect those who depend on one’s shelter.
After Kīcaka’s death, a ‘Gandharva’ voice (linked to Bhīma’s concealed role) reassures and requests that the woman (Draupadī as Sairandhrī) be allowed to remain a few more days, citing gratitude for Virāṭa’s help and the Gandharvas’ intent to repay it. Sudeshnā, shaken by the crisis involving her brother, grants permission and begs Draupadī to protect King Virāṭa and her sons.