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

• Dasra
• 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
• अश्विनीपुत्र

Relations

• spouse: Vijaya
• sibling: Nakula
• sibling: Yudhiṣṭhira
• spouse: Draupadī
• father of: Śrutasena
• father of: Suhotra

Sources

• Mahabharata Adi-Mahāprasthānika Parvas; Bhāgavata Purāṇa 9.22
• Mahabharata, Adi Parva 124