This blog post details the character and wisdom of the youngest Pandav, Sahdev.
Sahdev working as a cowherd in exile; Image Source: Ramanarayanadatta Astri
EARLY LIFE
The name spells Deity
The name given to Sahdev has a special meaning. It means deity because, Saha in Sanskrit means ‘With’ and Dev in Sanskrit means, ‘Deity’. So, Sahdev means ‘with deity’. He was also one of the two Ashivenya. The other Ashivenya was his twin brother, Nakul. He was born to his mother Madri from the blessings of Ashwini Kumars. This brought him and Nakul the name Ashivenya. Along with Nakul, he moved to Hastinapur and was raised by Kunti, the mother of the other three Pandavs. She treated them as her sons. In fact, it is said that Sahdev became the favourite son of Kunti.
He gained his expertise under the tutelage of Dronacharya, who taught all the Kauravs and Pandavs.
LIFE EVENTS AND CONTRIBUTIONS TO SOCIETY
An Expert of Nitishastra
One of the most well-known traits of Sahdev was his penchant and excellence in knowledge. With the teachings from the most credible and esteemed teacher, Dronacharya, he became an expert in fencing and weapons. His bent towards acquiring knowledge gained him a lot of expertise. It is said that he was blessed with the knowledge of Nitishastra. When the Pandavs were exiled for 13 years, he took different disguises. One of his disguises was of a cowherd. He took the profession of cowherd and took care of the cows in the Matsya Kingdom.
LIFE AFTER MAJOR EVENTS
An Expert of Astrology
Sahdev, was an expert in Astrology and was known for his expertise in the field. In fact, it is said that Shakuni at the behest of Duryodhan took the advice of Sahadev for choosing the correct time to begin the epic war of Mahabharat. He advised them in all honesty and sincerity even if they were the enemies.
During the war, he took down many important warriors of the Kauravs. It is believed that he defeated around 40 of the Kauravs, together. He was the one who killed Shakuni during the war. He also killed Shakuni’s son.
When the war concluded, Sahdev was declared the king of Southern Madra. He took retirement and started his pilgrimage towards the Himalayas. According to Yudhistir, Sahdev did not reach the heavens at the end of the journey because of his pride in his wisdom and knowledge.
LIFE LESSONS
His Excellence in Knowledge
With the blessings of Brihaspati and the teachings of Dronacharya, Sahdev became one of the most learned people and was known for abundance of wisdom. His spiritual wisdom and knowledge won him an esteemed reputation due to which even Duryodhan took his advice in the matters of Astrology. He had the knowledge of the future. He was also known for his excellence in swordsmanship, politics, medicine etc. He was also the counsellor to Yudhisthir because of his wisdom.
Sahdev, one of the Wisest
From Yudhisthir to Duryodhan, everyone consulted Sahdev for advice on subjects like Astrology. His knowledge was beneficial during the war as well. The character of Sahdev was known for his honesty, expertise and wisdom.
To know about such stellar characters, keep reading blogposts on Sameedh.
