Mahabharata 4.13.14 — Virata Parva, Adhyaya 13, Shloka 14
Virāṭa-parva Adhyāya 13 — Kīcaka’s Proposition and Draupadī’s Dharmic Refusal
राजन! दुर्योधनद्वारा पहचान लिये जानेके भयसे पाण्डव सदा सशंक रहते थे; अत: वे उस समय द्रौपदीकी देखभाल करते हुए भी छिपकर ही वहाँ निवास करते थे ।।
rājan! duryodhanadvārā parijñāyitvā bhayena pāṇḍavāḥ sadā saśaṅkāḥ āsan; ataḥ te tasmin kāle draupadyāḥ paripālanaṃ kurvanto 'pi channam eva tatra nyavasan. atha māse caturthe tu brahmaṇaḥ sumahotsavaḥ āsīt samṛddho matsyeṣu puruṣāṇāṃ susammataḥ.
राजन्, दुर्योधनाने ओळखून टाकील या भयाने पांडव सदैव साशंक असत; म्हणून त्या वेळी द्रौपदीची देखभाल करत असूनही तेथे ते लपूनच राहिले. पुढे चौथा महिना सुरू होताच मत्स्यदेशात ब्रह्मदेवाच्या पूजेचा भव्य, समृद्ध आणि लोकमान्य उत्सव भरू लागला।
वैशम्पायन उवाच
Educational Q&A
Even when one’s cause is righteous, prudence and self-restraint are necessary: the Pāṇḍavas protect Draupadī and their mission by remaining concealed, showing that dharma is upheld not only by valor but also by disciplined caution and timely action.
During the Pāṇḍavas’ hidden residence in the Matsya kingdom, they remain anxious about being identified by Duryodhana. As the fourth month begins, a major public festival honoring Brahmā starts in Matsya, drawing large crowds—an event that increases both opportunity and risk for those living in disguise.
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