Nakula and Sahadeva: Unsung Heroes of the Mahabharata

When the Mahabharata is discussed, much attention is given to Yudhishthira’s righteousness, Bhima’s strength, Arjuna’s valor, Draupadi’s honor, Duryodhana’s cruelty, Karna’s loyalty, and Krishna’s supremacy. However, the contributions and lives of Nakula and Sahadeva, the lesser-known twins, are often overlooked. This article delves into their lives and achievements, shedding light on these fascinating characters.

Birth and Early Childhood

Nakula and Sahadeva were born to Madri, the second wife of Pandu, through the blessings of the Ashwini Twins. Their births were unique compared to their brothers. Nakula, born through Ashwin or Nashatya, was known for his unparalleled handsomeness, while Sahadeva, sired by Dasra or Revanta, was renowned for his intelligence and wit. The names Nakula and Sahadeva translate to “most handsome” and “with the gods,” respectively. According to the legend, Pandu was cursed by sage Kindama that he would die if he engaged in sexual relations. To overcome this curse, Kunti used a boon granted by sage Durvasa to have children with the gods, sharing this boon with Madri, who invoked the Ashwini Twins.

Education and Skills

Both Nakula and Sahadeva were trained alongside their cousins, the Kauravas, under the guidance of Guru Dronacharya. They received extensive training in various arts and sciences. Nakula excelled in swordsmanship and was considered the most handsome man on Earth. He also had a deep knowledge of Ayurveda and veterinary sciences, which made him an expert in horse husbandry.

Sahadeva, on the other hand, was known for his sharp intellect and wisdom. He was an accomplished astrologer and was well-versed in the Vedas, medicine, administration, finance, and the arts. Their knowledge and expertise were unparalleled among the Kuru princes, and they were respected for their scholarly pursuits and practical skills.

Marriages and Offspring

Nakula and Sahadeva, like their brothers, married Draupadi and fathered a child each with her. Nakula’s son with Draupadi was Satanika, and Sahadeva’s son was Shrutasena. Additionally, Nakula married Karenumati, with whom he had a son named Niramitra and a daughter named Printha. Sahadeva married Vijaya and had a son named Suhotra and a daughter named Sumithra with Draupadi.

Nakula’s marriage to Karenumati and Sahadeva’s marriage to Vijaya brought additional alliances and strengthened their political and familial ties. Their children carried forward their legacies, ensuring that their lineages continued with honor and distinction.

Incognito Year

During the year of incognito in the kingdom of Virata, Nakula took on the role of Granthika, tending to horses, while Sahadeva, as Tantipala, herded cows. This period demonstrated their adaptability and willingness to perform humble tasks despite their royal lineage. Their expertise in animal husbandry came to the fore, and they performed their duties diligently, maintaining their incognito status.

Their roles in the kingdom of Virata were crucial for the Pandavas‘ survival during this period of exile. Nakula’s skills in caring for horses and Sahadeva’s management of cattle contributed significantly to their cover and helped them remain undetected.

Sahadeva’s Secret Knowledge

One of the most intriguing aspects of Sahadeva’s character was his ability to foresee the future. This power was granted when he accidentally consumed a piece of his father Pandu’s flesh, which was being carried away by ants after Pandu’s cremation. This incident endowed Sahadeva with the knowledge of past, present, and future events. However, Lord Krishna forbade him from revealing this knowledge to anyone.

Sahadeva’s foresight was both a blessing and a curse. He was aware of many tragic events before they occurred, including the burning of the lac palace, the gambling game’s outcome, the disrobing of Draupadi, the deaths in the Kurukshetra war, and even the death of his own son. Despite this, he remained silent, displaying immense patience and mental fortitude throughout the Mahabharata. His silence was a testament to his strength, as he carried the burden of this knowledge alone.

The Debate on Sahadeva’s Intelligence

There is ongoing debate about the authenticity of the story of Sahadeva consuming Pandu’s flesh. Some argue that this incident is not included in the Adi Parva, and that Sahadeva’s intelligence was a result of the blessings of the Ashwini Twins and his teachings from Brihaspati. Regardless of the source of his knowledge, Sahadeva was undoubtedly one of the most intelligent characters in the Mahabharata.

Role in the Kurukshetra War

Both Nakula and Sahadeva played crucial roles in the Kurukshetra war. Nakula’s prowess as a warrior was evident in his numerous battles, where he showcased his exceptional swordsmanship. He was responsible for the defeat of several key warriors on the Kaurava side and played a vital role in the overall strategy of the Pandavas.

Sahadeva, with his strategic acumen and foresight, contributed significantly to the Pandavas’ war efforts. He had vowed to kill Shakuni, the mastermind behind many of the Kauravas’ evil plans, and he fulfilled this vow on the penultimate day of the war. After a brief dialogue where Shakuni admitted his role in the Kurukshetra war and the suffering it caused, Sahadeva decapitated him, thus avenging the numerous wrongs committed by Shakuni.

Conclusion

Nakula and Sahadeva, the uncharted twins of the Mahabharata, were remarkable figures whose contributions often go unrecognized. Their intelligence, skills, and unwavering dedication to their family and dharma are an integral part of the epic’s rich tapestry. Through their lives and actions, they exemplify the virtues of patience, knowledge, and valor, making them unforgettable characters in the Mahabharata.