Sahadeva Chooses Auspicious Moment For Kauravas and Krishna, For the Pandavas : Episode 126

Recap of Previous Episode :

Kunti extracts a promise from Drona that he will not kill her sons. Shalya is deceived by Duryodhana into pledging support to the Kauravas. In a grand assembly at Upaplavya, Kurukshetra is chosen as the battlefield and Ekadashi of Margashirsha as the starting date. Aravan joins the Pandavas, and Krishna instructs Shalya to turn his enforced allegiance into a strategic advantage.

Sahadeva Reveals the Auspicious Time

Duryodhana and Shakuni request a private audience with Sahadeva while the Pandavas are meeting with Krishna, Drupada, and Virata. At Yudhishtra’s command, everyone leaves. Duryodhana asks Sahadeva to determine the most auspicious time for offering a sacrifice to ensure victory. Without hesitation, Sahadeva calculates and declares that the bali should be performed on the coming new moon day. Duryodhana doubts the honesty of his declaration, but Shakuni assures him that Sahadeva will never violate dharma even for advantage in war. Sahadeva agrees—truth and dharma must never be compromised, even when serving an enemy. Overjoyed, Duryodhana departs, confident that the Pandavas have not yet made their own offering.

Panic and Krishna’s Assurance

After they leave, the Pandavas ask Sahadeva what transpired and are distressed to learn that he revealed the correct muhurta. Yudhishtra turns to Krishna for help. Krishna smiles and says that while the Pandavas earn a noble reputation for upholding dharma, He must now bear the burden of reversing its consequences. Still, He assures them He will always protect those who surrender to Him.

Krishna Alters Time

Krishna begins performing tarpanam. The gods in heaven are bewildered—the new moon should not begin until the following day. The Sun appears to inquire, but Krishna asks him to wait. The Moon appears next, and Krishna immediately rises to offer havisu to both celestial beings.

He explains that since the Sun and Moon stand together, it is now indeed the new moon. He instructs the Pandavas to perform the sacrifice to Goddess Durga at once. They obey.

Duryodhana Feels Betrayed

The following morning, the Kauravas learn that the Pandavas have already completed the ritual. Duryodhana rages that Sahadeva deceived him. Shakuni calms him and advises that they proceed with their scheduled sacrifice.

Bhima boasts that victory is now assured because the Pandavas offered yuddha bali at the perfect moment. Krishna interrupts and says victory is determined not by ritual timing but by confidence and unwavering trust. Even when all else is lost, courage transforms destiny.

At that moment Duryodhana storms in and accuses Sahadeva of treachery. Sahadeva calmly explains that his calculation was accurate and can be verified by learned astrologers. As to why the Pandavas acted earlier—Yudhishtra sought Krishna’s counsel just as Duryodhana had sought Sahadeva’s. Krishna declares: The Pandavas will be victorious if they trust Krishna completely. The Kauravas will be victorious if they place full faith in Sahadeva.

Confused, Duryodhana storms out.

Choosing the Commanders

The Kauravas debate who should lead their army. Duryodhana announces Karna as his choice, but Shakuni objects—Karna is too young and not universally respected. Karna himself addresses the court, declining the position and recommending Bhishma instead. The assembly agrees, and Bhishma is to be unanimously appointed the next day.

At the Pandava camp, Satyaki and Sahadeva (son of Jarasandha) join discussions about leadership. After consideration, Krishna proposes Drishtadyumna, son of Drupada, and the decision is accepted.

Bhishma Accepts Command

The next morning, Bhishma is appointed commander-in-chief of the Kaurava army. Bhishma accepts but sets a condition—he will not kill the Pandavas. Duryodhana is furious, but Shakuni urges acceptance. Bhishma clarifies that he will spare the Pandavas personally, but that others are free to attempt their deaths. Duryodhana reluctantly agrees.

Epilogue: References

Before the Kurukshetra war, both the Pandavas and Kauravas seek divine favor through a war-sacrifice. Sahadeva proclaims that victory will belong to the side that performs the ritual first on the new moon day. Krishna declares that the new moon has arrived by causing the Sun and Moon to appear together, establishing that the Pandavas act in alignment with cosmic truth.

Scriptural Reference

Mahabharata – Udyoga Parva, Sections 140–142 (often titled Amavasya Nirnaya). In K.M. Ganguli’s translation:
Krishna said to Yudhishthira: “Let us perform our rite today itself. I say this day is amavasya.” The moon and the sun were seen together through his grace, and that day was accepted as the new moon.

Symbolic Meaning

Krishna, the Lord of Time, bends time itself.
Victory arises not from calculation, but from alignment with dharma and unwavering faith.