Section 28 - Battle of Kurukshetra: Sahadeva defeats Shakuni
Book index: Mahabharata (English)
This page contains a summary of the Mahabharata Section 28 including examples of moral lessons in daily life. The Maha-Bharata is one of the largest epics ever written containing roughly 100,000 Sanskrit verses. It deals with the legendary history of ancient India and contains a large number of interwoven tales.
Short summary of the chapter:
During the destructive battle, Shakuni, accompanied by his son Uluka, confronted Sahadeva and Bhima of the Pandavas. Sahadeva and Bhima fought fiercely against their adversaries, with arrows flying in all directions, darkening the sky and covering the field with fallen warriors. Shakuni and Uluka targeted Sahadeva and Bhima, but were ultimately defeated by the valiant Pandavas, with Uluka meeting his end at the hands of Sahadeva. The Pandavas, led by Sahadeva, pursued Shakuni who fled in fear, and ultimately Sahadeva beheaded Shakuni in a fierce one-on-one encounter.
The battle turned in favor of the Pandavas as they vanquished Shakuni and his forces, causing fear and panic among the Kauravas. Sahadeva's brave actions in defeating Shakuni were hailed by his brothers and comrades, who praised him for bringing an end to the source of much of the Kuru's wickedness. The Pandavas, led by Sahadeva, rejoiced in their victory, blowing their conchs and worshiping Keshava in gratitude. The defeat of Shakuni served as a morale boost for the Pandavas, who were now strengthened in their resolve to defeat the Kauravas and reclaim their rightful kingdom. The Kauravas, witnessing the fall of Shakuni, were filled with terror and fled the battlefield in disarray.
Sahadeva's skill and valor were on full display as he single-handedly took on Shakuni and emerged victorious, cutting off his head with a well-aimed arrow. The Pandavas, led by Bhima and Sahadeva, stood triumphant over their enemies, signaling a turning point in the battle. With Shakuni's demise, a significant threat to the Pandavas was eliminated, boosting their chances of emerging victorious in the war. The sound of the Gandiva bow and the conchs being blown by the Pandavas resonated across the battlefield, instilling fear in the hearts of the Kauravas and bolstering the morale of the Pandava army. Shakuni's defeat was a decisive moment in the battle, setting the stage for the eventual triumph of the Pandavas.
The Pandavas' unity and determination were key factors in their success against the forces of the Kauravas, leading to the defeat of Shakuni and his son Uluka. Sahadeva's courage and skill in battle were instrumental in bringing down one of the most cunning and treacherous foes of the Pandavas. The Pandavas, supported by Lord Krishna, continued to press forward in the battle, with their victory over Shakuni boosting their confidence and resolve. With Shakuni's death, the Pandavas had removed a major obstacle in their path to reclaiming their kingdom and establishing justice and righteousness. The fall of Shakuni marked a significant turning point in the battle, shifting the momentum in favor of the Pandavas and signaling their eventual triumph over the Kauravas.
Full English translation:
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Section 28, online text
English translation by Kisari Mohan Ganguli.
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Mahabharata (English Summary)
by Kisari Mohan Ganguli | ISBN-10: 8121505933
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FAQ of Mahabharata, Section 28:
Who was Shakuni and how did he meet his end in battle?
Shakuni was Subala's son who faced Sahadeva and was defeated. Sahadeva decapitated him.
What weapons were used by Sahadeva and Shakuni in battle?
Sahadeva used a bow and arrow, while Shakuni used a sword and mace.
How did the Pandavas react to Sahadeva's victory over Shakuni?
The Pandavas were filled with delight and blew their conchs in battle.
What was the outcome of the battle between Sahadeva and Shakuni?
Sahadeva defeated Shakuni, cut off his head, and the Kauravas fled in fear.
Daily life: Battle of Kurukshetra: Sahadeva defeats Shakuni:
The story vividly depicts the consequences of deceit and the eventual triumph of justice through the characters of Sahadeva and Shakuni. It teaches us the importance of facing the results of our actions. Shakuni's deceit and manipulation eventually led to his downfall, highlighting the timeless principle that actions rooted in dishonesty and malice lead to undesirable outcomes. This can be applied in our daily lives by emphasizing the value of honesty and integrity in our interactions and decisions.
Embracing truthfulness strengthens relationships and builds trust, whereas deception, even if it brings temporary gain, often results in long-term damage and isolation. The narrative also demonstrates resilience and determination, as seen in Sahadeva's relentless pursuit of justice against Shakuni, illustrating how perseverance in the face of adversity can lead to eventual success.
Incorporating this lesson, we should strive to confront challenges with courage and remain steadfast in our moral values. It encourages us to reflect on our actions and their impacts, urging us to choose paths that align with ethical principles. By embodying these values, we contribute to a more just and trustworthy environment in our personal and professional lives, fostering a culture of responsibility and respect.