Shloka 15
Kīcaka-vadha-pratisaṃjñā: Rumor in Matsya and the Kaurava Scouts’ Report (कीचकवध-प्रतिसंज्ञा)
तदनन्तर पाकशालाके द्वारपर पहुँचकर पांचालीने वहाँ मतवाले गजराजके समान भीमसेनको खड़ा देखा ।।
tadanantaraṁ pākaśālāyā dvāraparī prāpya pāñcālī tatra mattavāraṇarājavat sthitaṁ bhīmasenaṁ dadarśa | taṁ vismayantī śanakaiḥ saṁjñābhir idam abravīt— gandharvarājāya namo yenāsmi parimocitā |
Depois disso, Pāñcālī (Draupadī) chegou à entrada da cozinha real e viu Bhīmasena ali de pé, como um elefante régio embriagado. Espantada, falou baixinho por sinais discretos: “Saudações ao rei dos Gandharvas—por quem fui libertada de um grande perigo.”
वैशम्पायन उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights dharmic prudence: even when gratitude is due, one should speak with discretion in a dangerous setting. Draupadī’s respectful but coded praise protects the rescuer’s identity and avoids provoking further harm, showing ethical speech (vāg-dharma) guided by circumstance.
Draupadī comes to the kitchen doorway and sees Bhīma standing powerfully. Surprised, she communicates quietly through gestures and, without naming him, offers thanks to the “king of Gandharvas,” a tactful cover-reference to the one who freed her from peril.