Did uou know that Sahadeva, the youngest Pandava, fullfilled his vow of killing Shakuni, King of Madra, but also defeated 40 brothers of Kaurava Duryodhana?

The Kurukshetra War between the two adeversaries - the Pandavas and the Kauarvas - started on the date scheduled by Sahadeva astrologocally as per the Hindu calendar on the 11th day of the waxing moon of the Margashirsha (Agrahayan) month of the Hindu calendar. The war spanned eighteen days of intense fight at the end of which only twelve major warriors survived - the five Pandavas, Krishna, Satyaki, Ashwatthama, Kripacharya, Yuyutsu, Vrishaketu, and Kritavarma.

Even before the war, following a solar eclipse all the kings particpating in the war had gathered in Kurukshetra to purify themselves in the five lakes created by Parashurama.

Sahadeva played a significant role in the war, apart from the major roles played by his brothers Arjuna, Bhima and Yudishthira and their allies. Arjuna decapitated Karna, his arch rival on the 17th day of the war, Sahadeva slayed Shakuni on the 18th day, and Bhima killed Duryodhana with his mace on the night of the last day of the war. The most gruesome act of slaying all the Pandavas' remaining army including their children was perpetrated on the night of the 18th day by Ashwatthama, Kripacharya, and Kritavarma

At the begining of the war, Sahadeva, flying the flag on his chariot which bore the image of a silver swan, carrying his sword called and blowing his conch (shanku) known as Manipuspaka (meaning “ Jewel bracelet) enters the battle ground of Kurukshetra. When the war is declared the Pandava and Kaurava armies are arrayed before each other on the battlefield. Before the battle begins, Yudhishthira drops his weapons, takes off his armor, and walks towards the Kaurava army with folded hands in prayer. He falls on Bhishma's feet to seek his blessing for success in battle, and he is blessed. Yudhishthira returned to his chariot and the battle was ready to commence.

Arjuna also drops his weapons, turns to Krishna for divine advice and teachings as he is not able reconcile to the fact that he has to face his kin and gurus in war. Krishna, who Arjuna chose as his charioteer, advised him of his duty. Krishna instructs Arjuna not to yield to degrading impotence and to fight his kin. He also reminds him that it is a war between righteousness and unrighteousness (dharma and adharma), and it is Arjuna's duty to slay anyone who supported the cause of unrighteousness, or sin. Krishna reveals his divine form - Vishwaroopa- and explains that he is born on earth in each aeon when evil raises its head. The sermon that he delivered to Arjuna on this occaastion is the Bhagavad Gita, the holy scriptures in Hinduism.

As a warrior, Sahadeva slew many prominent warriors of the enemy as the war unfolds. 

Note: to be continued in the last episode titled: Sahadeva - Part 5 (c), 18 days Kurukshetra war and aftermath

Narasipur Char