During their thirteenth year of exile, the Pandavas and Draupadi disguised themselves as servants in King Virata’s court, to fullfill the terms of their exile.
Draupadi, disguised as Sairandhri, served as a maid to Queen Sudeshna. To protect herself, she claimed to be married to five Gandharvas, celestial musicians known for their power and quick temper. Despite this claim, Draupadi’s beauty, though dimmed by her modest attire, still shone brightly enough to catch the eye of Kichaka, the queen’s brother and commander of Virata’s forces.
Unwanted Attention
Kichaka, intrigued by the new maid, questioned his sister about her. “Who is this Sairandhri?” he asked. “I’ve never seen a maid of such grace and beauty.”
Queen Sudeshna replied, “She sought refuge here, claiming to be protected by five Gandharva husbands.?” Kichaka scoffed at this. “Gandharvas? Surely that’s just a tale to keep suitors at bay. No Gandharva would let his wife work as a maid.”
The Confrontation
Unable to contain his desire, Kichaka cornered Sairandhri in the palace garden. “Beautiful Sairandhri,” he said, his voice low and intense, “your loveliness outshines even these lamps. Accept my love, and I will make you the queen of queens.”
Draupadi, her heart racing with fear and anger, stood her ground. “Sir,” she replied firmly, “remember your station and mine. I am a married woman, faithful to my Gandharva husbands.”
As Kichaka reached out to touch Draupadi’s arm, she swiftly stepped back, her eyes flashing. “Do not touch me!” she exclaimed. “I am like a fire wrapped in cloth, capable of burning you to ashes if provoked.” Startled by her vehemence, Kichaka retreated a step, but his desire remained undiminished. “You will change your mind, proud Sairandhri,” he muttered as he walked away. “One way or another, you will be mine.”
The Plan
Draupadi sought out Bhima, disguised as the palace cook. “Oh Bhima,” she said, tears of anger in her eyes, “Kichaka will not leave me in peace. His obsession grows daily, and I fear what he might do.” Bhima’s hands clenched into fists, his muscles rippling with suppressed rage. “Fear not, beloved,” he growled, his voice low. “I will end this threat to your honor”. Draupadi, her mind working quickly, suggested a plan. “I will tell Kichaka to meet me in the dance hall at midnight. But it will be you waiting there, not me.”
The Trap
That night, Kichaka made his way to the dance hall, his heart pounding with anticipation. As he entered the dimly lit room, he called out, “Sairandhri, my love, where are you?” A deep voice responded from the shadows, “Here, Kichaka. Come and be with me.” Before Kichaka could react, Bhima emerged, his massive form blocking the exit.
The Reckoning
Realization dawned on Kichaka’s face. “You… you’re not Sairandhri! What trickery is this?” Bhima’s voice was cold as steel. “This is the price of your obsession, Kichaka. You dared to dishonor a woman under our protection. Now, face the consequences of ignoring the warning about her Gandharva husbands.” A fierce battle ensued, but Kichaka, strong as he was, was no match for Bhima’s godlike strength. In the end, Kichaka lay defeated, his obsession having led to his downfall. As dawn broke, whispers of Kichaka’s mysterious death spread through the palace.
Relief and Caution
Draupadi, her honor defended, felt a mix of relief and sorrow. “Was there no other way?” she asked Bhima. Bhima shook his head. “Some fires, once ignited, can only be extinguished by decisive action. Kichaka’s obsession was such a fire.” Yudhishthira, hearing of the night’s events, gathered his brothers and wife. “We must be more cautious now,” he warned. “Kichaka’s death will raise questions. Our disguises and the tale of the Gandharvas must hold firm, for we have only a short time left in our exile.” As the sun rose fully, casting long shadows in the palace corridors, the Pandavas resumed their disguises, their secret safe for now, but the danger of discovery ever-present.