A Classical Dictionary of Hindu Mythology and Religion, Geography, History, and Literature c5.522.4

c5.522.4

She stipulated that she should not be required to wash feet or to eat food left by others, and she quieted the jealous fears which her beauty excited in the queen’s mind by representing that she was guarded by five Gandharvas, who would prevent any improper advances. She lived a quiet life for a while, but her beauty excited the passions of Kīchaka, the queen’s brother, who was commander-in-chief; and the leading man in the kingdom. His importunities and insults greatly annoyed her, but she met with no protection from the queen, and was rebuked for her complaints and petulance by Yudhi-shṭhira. Her spirit of revenge was roused, and she appealed as usual to Bhīma, whose fiery passions she well knew how to kindle. She complained of her menial position, of the insults she had received, of the indifference of her husbands, and of the base offices they were content to occupy. Bhīma promised revenge. An assignation was made with Kīchaka which Bhīma kept, and he so mangled the unfortunate gallant that all his flesh and bones were rolled into a ball, and no one could discover the manner of his death. The murder was attributed to Draupadī’s Gandharvas, and she was condemned to be burnt on Kīchaka’s funeral pile. Then Bhīma disguised himself, and tearing up a tree for a club, went to her rescue. He was supposed to be the Gandharva, and every one fled before him. He released Draupadī, and they returned to the city by different ways.