
The Slaying of Keechaka
Draupadi seeks justice for Keechak's unwanted advances.
श्रेयान्स्वधर्मो विगुणः परधर्मात्स्वनुष्ठितात्। स्वधर्मे निधनं श्रेयः परधर्मो भयावहः।।3.35।।
BG 3.35Better is one's own duty, though devoid of merit, than the duty of another well discharged. Better is death in one's own duty; the duty of another is fraught with fear.
Chapter 1: A Feast and a Promise

Once upon a time, in a grand kingdom ruled by the wise King Virat, there lived a queen named Sudeshna. She was kind-hearted and beloved by everyone. But not all in the kingdom shared her goodness. Among them was a man named Keechak, known for his unsavory intentions. Queen Sudeshna was always cautious around him.
One day, Queen Sudeshna organized a grand feast, inviting King Virat and many important guests. The feast was a splendid affair, with delicious food and drinks prepared for all. Keechak was among the guests, but his mind was set on meeting a special lady named Draupadi. Draupadi was known for her beauty and intelligence, and she was well aware of Keechak's reputation. She did not wish to meet him.
Worried about the upcoming feast, Draupadi prayed to the Sun God for protection. The Sun God, hearing her plea, promised to shield her from harm. With a heart slightly eased, Draupadi attended the feast. As soon as Keechak saw her, his face lit up with a greedy smile. He tried to approach her, offering gifts and trying to persuade her to stay with him. But Draupadi was not interested.
Keechak's persistence grew, but Draupadi remained steadfast. "No," she told him firmly, recalling the Sun God's promise. She knew she needed to be wise and courageous to keep herself safe. With the Sun God's protection, Draupadi managed to keep Keechak at bay.
The palace echoed with music and laughter, but Draupadi felt deeply insulted by Keechak's behavior. Distressed, she sought out Bhima, one of the Pandava brothers, who was disguised as a cook named Vallabha. She poured out her heart to Bhima, describing the insult she had endured. Anger flared in Bhima's eyes as he listened, his fists clenching with suppressed rage.
Determined to find justice, Draupadi approached King Virat and pleaded for protection. "Your Majesty," she said, her voice steady despite her turmoil, "I seek justice for the wrongs I have faced." But King Virat appeared hesitant, unsure of how to respond, leaving Draupadi feeling isolated in her struggle.
Unaware of Draupadi's deep sorrow, the palace continued its festivities. King Virat's inaction left Draupadi feeling helpless, yet she knew she had to rely on her inner strength and the support of Bhima. She remembered her Gandharva husbands and wished for their guidance in her time of need.
With renewed determination, Draupadi returned to Bhima. "I need your help," she said, her voice filled with resolve. "Kichaka must be punished for his wrongdoings." Bhima, his heart filled with love and anger, vowed to aid her. "He will not go unpunished," he promised.
Relief washed over Draupadi, knowing Bhima stood by her side. As night descended, she hoped for a better tomorrow, where she could live with dignity and honor.
In the stillness of the night, Draupadi's sadness lingered. Quietly, she made her way towards the kitchen, her footsteps as soft as whispers. Bhima, sensing her presence, followed closely, ensuring no one was watching. The city of Virat lay in peaceful slumber as Bhima entered the kitchen quietly.
Draupadi embraced Bhima tightly, finding solace in his strength. She whispered, her voice barely audible, "You must help me. Kichaka has insulted me, and I cannot bear it anymore. You are strong and brave. Please, do something."
In that moment, under the watchful gaze of the stars, Draupadi found hope in Bhima's unwavering promise of justice.
Chapter 2: The Secret Plan

Draupadi's heart was heavy with the memories of insults she had endured. Yet, determined to seek justice, she knew the time had come to act. She shared her plan with Bhima, her eyes fierce with resolve. Together, they decided to keep it a secret, knowing the importance of their mission.
The five Pandavas, Bhima included, were renowned warriors, and Draupadi, also known as Krishnaa, was their beloved wife. With courage and hard work, they prepared to face the challenges ahead. Their mother, Kunti, was different from them in many ways, but she supported them wholeheartedly in their quest for justice.
In the kingdom of Virat, where they lived in disguise, there was a brave warrior named Bhima. One day, Bhima was entrusted with a special task. Draupadi needed his help because of a man named Kichaka, who was causing her great distress.
Bhima devised a plan to stop Kichaka. He invited him to a secluded place where they could meet. Though Draupadi was worried about what might happen, she placed her trust in Bhima, knowing his strength and bravery.
As the day gave way to night, Kichaka dressed in fine clothes and adorned himself with fragrant flowers, believing he was going to meet Draupadi. But instead, it was Bhima who awaited him. When Kichaka arrived, Bhima confronted him, and a fierce battle ensued. With his great strength, Bhima defeated Kichaka, freeing Draupadi from her troubles.
After the fight, Draupadi was relieved and deeply grateful to Bhima. "Thank you," she said, her voice filled with gratitude, "for your bravery and kindness." Bhima's actions restored peace to the kingdom, and everyone rejoiced.
From that day on, Draupadi, Bhima, and their friends continued to serve King Virat faithfully. They knew that as long as they worked together, no challenge was too great for them to overcome.
In a grand dance hall, Keechak, feeling proud and dressed like a king, was unaware of the fate that awaited him. One morning, Bhimasena, wrapped in shadow, entered the hall. The memory of Draupadi's humiliation burned within him, fueling his anger.
Unaware of Bhimasena's presence, Keechak spoke with a sweet tongue, "Oh beautiful one with lovely hair, come to me, and I will give you many servants, treasures, and precious jewels. Everyone praises your beauty, saying you are the most beautiful and graceful person here. Why not accept my offer and become the queen of this place?"
But Bhimasena had no interest in Keechak's deceitful words. His heart was set on justice. In the darkness, Keechak touched Bhimasena, mistaking him for someone else, and began to speak again. However, Bhimasena, driven by his great strength and righteous fury, attacked Keechak. The battle was swift, and Keechak's life ended at the hands of Bhimasena's might.
With Keechak defeated, Bhimasena dragged the lifeless body away, making it appear like a giant piece of meat. Draupadi was avenged, and Keechak's end was a testament to Bhimasena's power.
In the quiet aftermath, the kingdom of Virat returned to its peaceful slumber, with Bhima and Draupadi knowing that justice had been served.
Related Characters
seeker
Draupadi
Draupadi, born of King Drupada's yajna and known as Panchali and Yajnaseni, is the courageous, outspoken queen shared by the five Pandava brothers. Her unwavering devotion to Krishna and her demand for dharma in the face of humiliation make her a central moral force in the Mahabh
protector
Bhima
A warrior engaged in a fierce mace fight with Duryodhana during the Kurukshetra war, determined to defeat his opponent.
tyrant
Keechak
A man with unsavory intentions who persistently harasses Draupadi and is ultimately defeated by Bhima.
protector
Virat
The wise ruler of the kingdom who hesitates to act when Draupadi seeks his protection.
protector
Sudeshna
The kind-hearted queen who organizes the grand feast where Keechak attempts to approach Draupadi.



