About The Event
This story is based on a significant incident that occurred during the Pandavas Agyatavasa (period of living incognito). During their thirteenth year of exile, the Pandavas hid their true identities and took up various jobs in King Virata's palace. Accompanied by them, Draupadi served Queen Sudeshna as a maidservant under the name Sairandhri. The Conflict Keechaka, the commander-in-chief of King Virata and brother of Queen Sudeshna, was renowned for his immense strength and prowess. However, he was as wicked and lustful as he was powerful. He spared no beautiful woman in the kingdom from his advances. Eventually, his eyes fell upon the beautiful Draupadi. Captivated by her grace, he became blinded by lust, unable to distinguish between love and obsession. Despite knowing she was married, he became determined to possess her and eventually attacked her. When Draupadi rejected him, he insulted and humiliated her in King Virata's full court. Arrogantly, he declared that she had no choice but to submit to him. The Resolution In a tragic irony, this incident unfolded right before the eyes of the Pandavas. Bound by the word of Dharmaraya (Yudhisthira) to maintain their secret identity, none of them came to her rescue. Desperate and heartbroken, Draupadi recalled the trauma of the disrobing in the Kuru court and wept. Seeking justice, she incited Bhima to kill Keechaka. Bhima then took a vow to slay him and instructed Draupadi to lure Keechaka to the Natyashala (dance hall). When Keechaka arrived, expecting Draupadi, he was met by Bhima. A fierce battle ensued, ending with Bhima slaying the tyrant. They decide to use their pseudonyms (secret names) if any trouble arises in the future. Bheema informs Virata and Sudeshna about Keechaka's death and returns to the palace kitchen in his disguised form. A grief-stricken Sudeshna orders that the news of Keechaka's death must not spread anywhere and commands that his funeral be performed secretly that very night. Realizing that Sairandhri's beauty was the cause of Keechaka's death, she tells her to leave the palace immediately. However, the Upakeechakas (Keechaka's brothers) stop her; intending to fulfill Keechaka's final wish, they prepare to tie Sairandhri to his corpse and burn her on the funeral pyre. At that moment, she cries out the secret names of the Pandavas. Once again, Bheema comes to her rescue in his Gandharva disguise and slays all the Upakeechakas. Finally, Draupadi sets fire to Keechaka's funeral pyre. The play concludes by delivering a stern message: this is the ultimate fate of those who lust after and disrespect women
