Shloka 21
Role-Allocation in Virāṭa’s Court: Nakula, Sahadeva, and Draupadī’s Concealment
सुदेष्णां प्रत्युपस्थास्ये राजभार्या यशस्विनीम् । सा रक्षिष्यति मां प्राप्तां मा भूत् ते दु:खमीदृशम्,मैं अपनी रक्षा स्वयं कर लूँगी। आप जो मुझसे पूछते हैं कि तुम वहाँ क्या करोगी? कैसे रहोगी? उसके उत्तरमें निवेदन है कि मैं यशस्विनी राजपत्नी सुदेष्णाके पास जाऊँगी। मुझे अपने पास आयी हुई जानकर वे रख लेंगी और सब प्रकारसे मेरी रक्षा करेंगी। अतः आपके मनमें इस बातका दुःख नहीं होना चाहिये कि द्रौपदी कैसे सुरक्षित रह सकेगा
sudeṣṇāṃ pratyupasthāsye rājabhāryāṃ yaśasvinīm | sā rakṣiṣyati māṃ prāptāṃ mā bhūt te duḥkham īdṛśam ||
Yudhiṣṭhira disse: «Irei apresentar-me a Sudeṣṇā, a ilustre rainha. Quando souber que vim buscar refúgio, ela me manterá perto e me protegerá. Portanto, não deixes que tal tristeza se levante em tua mente.»
युधिछिर उवाच
Educational Q&A
Seeking protection through proper social channels—approaching a lawful guardian (the queen) with humility—reflects dharma and prudence; it also reassures companions by replacing fear with a concrete, ethical plan.
During the incognito period in Virāṭa’s realm, a plan is being stated for safety within the palace: the speaker says he will approach Queen Sudeshnā, who will accept and protect the newcomer, so others should not worry.