Intro
Virata parva is the story of the Pandavas thirteenth year in exile from their kingdom.
https://crackpot.substack.com/t/virata
As It Rhymes
1.
Vaishampayana said,
Kichaka did not accept Draupadi’s round rejection.
Kichaka conspired with sister Sudeshna to entrap Draupadi’s attention.
2.
‘I love Sairandhri’, Kichaka gushed.
Kichaka’s mad bull lust made Sudeshna blush.
3.
The Queen of Virata pitied Kichaka’s crush.Â
Sudeshna agreed to set them up.
4.
After a moment of silent prayer, Sudeshna saw a way to send Sairandhri to Kichaka’s lair.
5.
‘What will be will be in God’s hands.
But I have a master plan to make you friends.
6.
At the right time I will make a demand.
Sairandhri will be sent to you to retrieve a case of wine from your stand.’
7.
Vaishampayana said,Â
With the plan set in motion, Kichaka went home to gnaw on a bone.
8.
Sudeshna asked her chefs to prepare a party feast.
The chefs spit a porky beast.
They had plates and knives and glasses to clink.
But they found there was nothing to drink.
9-10.
Sudeshna summoned Sairandhri to fix the mess.
Sudeshna said,
‘Fetch some wine from this address.’
11.
Sairandhri said,
‘No I won’t go there.
I know that creep.
12.
He wants to go deep.
Every time I pass he looks ready to leap.
13.
When I first came around I told you I don’t play.
I won’t some thick head’s casual lay.
14.
Cupid’s barbs made that man wicked.
If he grabs me he will get nicked before he gets naked.
15.
Send someone in my stead.
There are plenty of pretty fish in the sea for his eyes to see ‘cause it ain’t me.’
16.
Sudeshna said,
‘Trust me he won’t try any funny stuff.
You have to go because I asked and you are on my staff.
Fill this pot just over half.’
17.
Draupadi cried and pulled her hair.
Draupadi spoke to Hari through prayer.
18.
Sairandhri vowed,
‘Come what may, I will not give myself to anyone.
If he makes a play, what will be done will be done.’
19-20.
Vaishampayana said,
Draupadi prayed to Surya for protection.
Surya said, ‘sure don’t mention it.’
20.
Draupadi did not deserve abuse.
Draupadi did not buy Sudeshna’s ruse.
21.
Draupadi went to Kichaka like frightened prey.
Draupadi feared Kichaka would rape her before end of day.
As Kichaka watched Draupadi approach he blazed like a sun ray.
Notes
[1] Vaishyana, ibid.
[2] Sairandhri is Draupadi's alias in Virata
Sudeshna is the queen of Virata. Kichaka is Sudeshna’s brother and King Virata’s top military general.
[17] Hari is Vishnu. Vishnu, the preserver, is one of the three principal deities of Hinduism. Shiva, the destroyer, and Brahma, the creator, are the other two points in the trinity.