Shloka 39
Virāṭa-parva Adhyāya 22 — Draupadī’s Abduction Attempt and Bhīma’s Suppression of the Kīcakas
कीचकश्चाप्यलंकृत्य यथाकाममुपागमत् | तां वेलां नर्तनागारं पाउ्चालीसंगमाशया,इधर कीचक भी इच्छानुसार वस्त्राभूषणोंसे सज-धजकर द्रौपदीके साथ समागमकी अभिलाषासे उसी समय नृत्यशालाके समीप आया
vaishampāyana uvāca |
kīcakaś cāpy alaṅkṛtya yathākāmam upāgamat |
tāṃ velāṃ nartanāgāraṃ pāñcālī-saṅgamāśayā ||
Vaiśampāyana berkata: Kīcaka juga, setelah menghias diri dengan pakaian dan perhiasan menurut kehendaknya, datang pada waktu itu ke dekat balai tari, didorong oleh hasrat untuk bersatu dengan Pāñcālī (Draupadī).
वैशम्पायन उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights adharma arising from unchecked desire: self-adornment and social power are used to pursue another against propriety. In the Mahābhārata’s ethical frame, such intent—especially toward a protected woman—invites consequences and becomes a test of restraint, honor, and rightful protection.
During the Pāṇḍavas’ incognito stay in Virāṭa’s kingdom, Kīcaka, inflamed with desire for Draupadī (serving as Pāñcālī/Sairandhrī), dresses up and comes to the vicinity of the dancing-hall intending to meet her for sexual union.