Many of you may not have read or studied the Srimad Bhagavad Gita, assuming it is too deep, complicated, or meant only for those who have reached retirement. But that is not true. The Srimad Bhagavad Gita is for everyone, as it helps reset the mind, reshape one’s worldview, and transform one’s entire attitude towards life. By understanding it, one naturally becomes happy, healthy, peaceful, and a valuable contributor to society and the world.
Do yourself a favour and read it at least once. It takes only three hours, and then you can proudly say that you have completed the Srimad Bhagavad Gita—without relying on WhatsApp forwards of Shlokas.
The epic Mahabharata war was inevitable. Massive armies were being prepared for the conflict, and senior leaders made their decisions regarding which side they would support.
The evil-minded Duryodhana, the primary instigator of the catastrophic war, held a meeting with Dronacharya, Bheeshma, Karna, and other senior leaders. Driven by greed and determined to do whatever it took to win the war, Duryodhana carefully considered all factors that might aid his success. He asked his teacher, Dronacharya, to determine an auspicious day and time to perform a Durga Puja and commence the war.
Dronacharya advised Duryodhana to consult Sahadeva, the twin brother of Nakula and the youngest of the Pandavas, as he was a skilled astrologer and the most suitable person for such guidance. Surprised by this suggestion, Duryodhana questioned Dronacharya, asking how he could possibly approach an enemy to determine an auspicious date for performing a Durga Puja to ensure his victory in the war.
Dronacharya explained that Sahadeva would never refuse if Duryodhana approached him immediately after his bath and morning Puja. He further assured Duryodhana that Sahadeva was a steadfast adherent to truth and could be trusted to provide accurate and reliable guidance..
The next morning, Duryodhana approached Sahadeva just after he had completed his Puja. Acknowledging their enmity, Duryodhana expressed his trust in Sahadeva’s commitment to Dharma and his duty as an astrologer to speak the truth. He then requested Sahadeva to consult the almanac and determine the most auspicious time to begin the war to ensure victory for the Kauravas.
Sahadeva promptly consulted the almanac, performed the necessary calculations, and provided his predictions to Duryodhana. He stated that the upcoming Amavasya (New Moon), which was two days away, would be an auspicious time to perform the Durga Puja and commence the war, ensuring victory for Duryodhana. Delighted by this information, Duryodhana thanked Sahadeva and returned to his army’s command centre.
The omniscient Bhagavan Krishna, aware of this conversation, was displeased with Sahadeva for assisting the enemy. However, Sahadeva defended his actions, explaining that his Dharma compelled him to help anyone who sought his guidance after his morning Puja. He further stated that his commitment to truth prevented him from giving false advice to anyone.
Bhagavan Krishna walked away in a pensive mood, contemplating a way to circumvent the serious issue created by Sahadeva’s advice to the enemy. He realised that if Duryodhana initiated the war on Amavasya, victory for the Kauravas was assured.
Bhagavan Krishna went to the Pandavas’ camp and informed them about Sahadeva’s advice to the enemy. This revelation shocked Yudhishthira, Arjuna, Bhima, and even Nakula, but they were not particularly upset with Sahadeva. They understood Duryodhana’s treacherous nature and respected Sahadeva’s unwavering commitment to the principles of Jyotish Shastra, his knowledge of astrology, and his adherence to truth.
The Pandavas, however, were confident that Bhagavan Krishna would devise a brilliant solution to the grave problem they faced. After a short pause, Krishna smiled, a twinkle in His eye, and revealed that He had come up with a plan. He then asked Yudhishthira, Arjuna, Bhima, and Nakula not to disclose His plan to Sahadeva.
The following morning, Bhagavan Krishna led the Pandavas, keeping Sahadeva aside, to the riverside to perform Tarpanam, the oblations to their forefathers. Yudhishthira, surprised, asked Bhagavan Krishna why they were performing the ritual a day before Amavasya, the New Moon. Krishna, with a reassuring smile, asked the Pandavas to trust Him and follow His commands without question.
As the Pandavas began performing the Tarpanam for their father and ancestors, the ‘deities’ in Heaven were perplexed. They discussed amongst themselves, trying to understand what was unfolding on Earth and what the Pandavas were up to.
The two primary ‘deities’ associated with Amavasya, Surya Bhagavan and Chandra Bhagavan, hurried to Bhagavan Krishna to seek an explanation for what was happening.
Surya Bhagavan and Chandra Bhagavan asked Bhagavan Krishna why the Pandavas were performing Tarpanam when it wasn’t yet Amavasya. With a playful twinkle in His eyes, Bhagavan Krishna replied that it certainly wasn’t Amavasya before both Surya Bhagavan and Chandra Bhagavan appeared before Him to ask that very question. However, since the two ‘deities’ had appeared together in conjunction, it was, in essence, Amavasya!
Amavaasya was declared, and the war was started.
Bhagavan Krishna cleverly ensured that Sahadeva did not go against his Dharma of being an honest astrologer, while also ensuring that the war was started at a time that was inauspicious for the Kauravas. Through His divine wisdom, Krishna turned the situation to the Pandavas’ advantage without compromising Sahadeva’s integrity.
The Bodhāyana Amavasya is an additional New Moon that occurs on Chaturdashi, or the day before the actual New Moon.
Tavamithram Sarvada 