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 |
Pagkaraan nito, narating ni Pāñcālī (Draupadī) ang pintuan ng kusinang panghari at nakita si Bhīmasena na nakatayo roon, gaya ng isang lasing na dambuhalang elepanteng panginoon. Namangha, marahan siyang nagsalita sa pamamagitan ng mga palihim na hudyat: “Pagpupugay sa hari ng mga Gandharva—sa kanya ako napalaya mula sa isang mabigat na panganib.”
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.