Sahadeva

Fifth Pandava; demigod son of Dasra (younger Aśvinī twin) by Mādrī. Twin brother of Nakula. The wisdom-and-prophecy pole among the Pandavas — foresees the war's outcome before the dice game (Sabha Parva 79) but is bound by an oath of silence. Inherits cattle-knowledge (Gocikitsā) and astrology from Dasra. During the incognito year serves as Tantripāla the cowherd at Virāṭa's Matsya court. Falls in the great-departure march; karmic fault: pride in his learning.

Parentage

• paternal: Dasra
• maternal: Mādrī

Children

• Śrutasena
• Suhotra

Domains

• wisdom and prophecy
• cattle and astrology

Powers

• Foreknows past, present, and future
• Reads the stars and divines fate

Epithets

• माद्रेय devanagari · Mādreya'Son of Mādrī'Mahābhārata (Ādi Parva) (primary)
• अश्विनीपुत्र devanagari · Aśvinīputra'Son of the Aśvins'Mahābhārata (Ādi Parva) (primary)

Relations

• spouse: Vijaya
• sibling: NakulaMahabharata, Adi Parva 124 (primary)
• sibling: YudhiṣṭhiraMahabharata, Adi Parva 124 (primary)
• spouse: DraupadīMahabharata, Adi Parva 198 (primary)
• father of: ŚrutasenaMahabharata, Adi Parva 95.75 (primary)
• father of: SuhotraMahabharata, Adi Parva 95.79 (primary)

Sources

• existence: Mahabharata Adi-Mahāprasthānika Parvas; Bhāgavata Purāṇa 9.22 (primary)
• parentage: Mahabharata, Adi Parva 124 (primary)