04.022
Vaiśampāyana said.
At that time, all his relatives gathered there and, surrounding Kīcaka on all sides, wept when they saw him. (04-22-1)
All became frightened, their hairs standing on end, upon seeing Kiicaka—thus like a tortoise withdrawn with all its limbs, lifted up from the ground. (04-22-2)
Having been struck down by Bhīmasena, that demon—just as if by Indra—they set about to take outside, desiring to perform the funeral rites. (04-22-3)
Then the sons of the charioteer, having gathered, saw the dark-complexioned (Draupadi), standing near, of flawless form, clinging to a pillar. (04-22-4)
When the charioteers were gathered together, Upakīcaka said to them: "Quickly kill the unchaste woman for whose sake Kīcaka was killed." (04-22-5)
Alternatively, if she is not to be killed here, let her be burned along with her lover; even for the dead, something dear should always be done for the charioteer's son. (04-22-6)
Then they said to Virāṭa: "Kīcaka has been slain for her sake. It is fitting that, along with his followers, he should be burned. You should allow that." (4-22-7)
But having observed the valour of the charioteers, the king was pleased. O lord of the people, he experienced pain together with the son of Sairandhrī's charioteer. (4-22-8)
The Kīcakās, having come near her—the terrified, lotus-eyed Kṛṣṇā who was greatly bewildered—seized her violently at that place. (04-22-9)
Then, after binding and lifting up that slender-waisted woman, all of them took her and went towards the cremation ground at that time. (04-22-10)
But as she was being carried away, O king, the blameless and chaste Kṛṣṇā (Draupadī), who had a protector, cried out desiring her lord. (04-22-11)
Draupadī said.
Victory, Jayanta, Vijaya, Jayatsena, and Jayadbala — let them understand my words; the sons of the charioteer are leading me. (04-22-12)
The terrifying twang of the bows of those energetic warriors, like the thunder of a thunderbolt, was heard in the great battle. (04-22-13)
The powerful sound of chariots, belonging to the renowned Gandharvas, may they understand my words; the sons of charioteers are leading me. (04-22-14)
Vaiśampāyana said.
When Bhīma heard those piteous lamentations—the words of Kṛṣṇā—he immediately rushed from his bed without any hesitation. (04-22-15)
Bhīmasena said.
I hear the words you have spoken, O Sairandhri. Therefore, O timid one, you need not fear the sons of the charioteer. (04-22-16)
Vaiśampāyana said.
Having thus spoken, the mighty-armed one stretched himself out with harmful intent. Then, extending himself and changing his appearance, he leapt out by a different exit and went outside at that moment. (04-22-17)
Bhīmasena leaped forcefully from the wall, seized a tree, and went toward the cremation ground where the Kīcakas had gone. (04-22-18)
He, strong as he was, seized that ten-vyāma-long tree with its branches and boughs and charged at the charioteers like Death wielding his staff. (04-22-19)
With his great speed, then, the banyan, peepal, and kimshuka trees had fallen to the ground there and were lying in groups. (04-22-20)
Seeing the Gandharva arrive, enraged like a lion, the charioteers on all sides became frightened and trembled with fear and despair. (04-22-21)
Seeing that Gandharva approaching like Yama (the god of death), the Upakīcakas, desiring to burn the elder brother, then, shaking with grief and fear, said to one another. (04-22-22)
"A gandharva is powerful!" In anger he has raised a tree. Release Sairandhrī quickly, for great danger has come upon us. (04-22-23)
However, seeing that tree pierced by Bhīmasena, they released Draupadī there and fled towards the city. (04-22-24)
Observing those who were fleeing, Bhīma, like the wielder of the vajra among demons, sent one hundred and five to the abode of Yama. (04-22-25)
Then, having released Kṛṣṇā, O lord of the people, the mighty-armed Vṛkodara (Bhīma) consoled Pāñcālī—there, Draupadī, whose face was full of tears and who was dejected. (04-22-26)
Thus, O timid one, those who trouble you, though you are faultless, deserve punishment. Go to the city, O Kṛṣṇā; there is no danger to you. I will go to the kitchen of Virāṭa by another way. (04-22-27)
O Bhārata, there, a hundred and five (men) were slain; it lay like a great forest cut down, with its trees fallen. (4-22-28)
Thus, O king, one hundred and five Kīcakas were slain along with their commander earlier—thus, in total, this makes six hundred charioteers. (04-22-29)
O Bhārata, having seen that great wonder, the assembled men and women, attaining supreme amazement, did not say anything. (04-22-30)
