सुशर्मन्
Susarman and the Trigartas – Enemies of the Pandavas
Susarman, the King of the Trigartas, ruled from their capital city, Prasthala. A fierce and determined monarch, Susarman and the Trigartas became sworn enemies of the Pandavas, owing to their defeat at the hands of Arjuna during his campaign of conquest to enable Yudhishthira to perform the Rajasuya sacrifice. This enmity defined their role in several pivotal events of the Mahabharata, from attempts to undermine the Pandavas to their decisive participation in the Kurukshetra War.
Conflict with the Pandavas
Alliance with Jayadratha and Abduction of Draupadi
The Trigartas were closely allied with the Saindhavas, particularly their king, Jayadratha. Their hostility toward the Pandavas manifested during the infamous incident when Jayadratha attempted to abduct Draupadi from the Kamyaka forest, where she and the Pandavas were residing during their exile. The Trigartas, led by Kshemankara and Suratha, assisted Jayadratha in this endeavor.
While Jayadratha and the Trigartas initially succeeded in capturing Draupadi, the Pandavas quickly caught up with them. In the ensuing battle:
- Arjuna humiliated Jayadratha by shaving his head, a grave insult for a Kshatriya.
- The Trigartas, alongside Jayadratha, were decisively defeated, further intensifying their animosity toward the Pandavas.
Conflict with the Matsyas and the Role of Keechaka
The Trigartas were also bitter rivals of Virata, the King of Matsya, whose formidable general and brother-in-law, Keechaka, had repeatedly defeated them in battle. When news of Keechaka’s death reached the Trigartas, they saw an opportunity to attack the Matsya kingdom. Suspecting that Keechaka had been slain by Bheema, they convinced Duryodhana to raid the Matsya Kingdom’s cattle herds, hoping to expose the Pandavas, who were living incognito in Virata’s court during their thirteenth year of exile.
In the raid:
- The Pandavas, except Arjuna, defended the kingdom, easily trouncing the Trigartas.
- The Pandavas’ efforts thwarted the attempt to expose their identities, and the Trigartas faced another humiliating defeat.
The Samsaptakas and the Kurukshetra War
Role in Drona’s Plan to Capture Yudhishthira
During the Kurukshetra War, Drona, the commander of the Kaurava army, devised a plan to capture Yudhishthira. However, he needed Arjuna to be distracted and lured away from the battlefield.
Susarman volunteered for this task, leading a group of Samsaptaka warriors—a division of fighters who had vowed to fight Arjuna to the death. This elite force, described in various accounts of the Samsaptaka entities, epitomized absolute loyalty and self-sacrifice in battle.
Arjuna, however, killed many of them, including some of Susarman’s closest allies. Despite their repeated losses, the Samsaptakas’ bravery under Susarman’s command became one of the most compelling subplots in the Kurukshetra War.
- Arjuna’s Battle with the Samsaptakas:
The Samsaptakas successfully challenged Arjuna, drawing him away from the main battle. Arjuna, however, killed many of them, including some of Susarman’s closest allies. - Drona’s Lotus Array and Abhimanyu’s Death:
While Arjuna was occupied, Drona organized the formidable Chakravyuha (lotus array) to trap Yudhishthira. However, Abhimanyu, Arjuna’s son, penetrated the formation. Unable to follow him due to Jayadratha’s intervention, the Pandavas could not assist Abhimanyu. He was slain in a brutal and unfair battle against eight Kuru warriors, including Drona and Karna.
Susarman’s Protection of Jayadratha
Following Abhimanyu’s death, Arjuna vowed to kill Jayadratha by sunset the next day. Terrified, Jayadratha considered fleeing to his homeland. Susarman, however, promised to protect him, raising a new army of a hundred warriors to thwart Arjuna’s assault. This loyalty is emphasized in detailed accounts of Susarman’s military engagements and his critical role in Drona’s war strategy.
- Despite their valiant efforts, Arjuna, aided by Krishna’s divine powers, killed Jayadratha and destroyed much of the Trigarta army.
Susarman’s Death
Though Susarman survived the slaughter following Jayadratha’s death, his fate was sealed on the last day of the war. In the climactic battles of the Mahabharata, Susarman was finally killed by Arjuna, marking the end of his enmity with the Pandavas.
Connections to Other Entities and Stories
| Entity/Story | Connection to Susarman and the Trigartas |
|---|---|
| Arjuna | Defeated the Trigartas multiple times, including during the Rajasuya campaign and the Kurukshetra War. |
| Jayadratha | Close ally of the Trigartas; supported by Susarman during his abduction of Draupadi and later battles. |
| Keechaka | The death of this Matsya general by Bheema inspired the Trigartas’ raid on the Matsya Kingdom. |
| Drona | Used Susarman and the Samsaptakas to draw Arjuna away during the Kurukshetra War. |
| Krishna | His strategy and illusionary powers enabled Arjuna to overcome the Trigartas and kill Jayadratha. |
Themes and Symbolism in Susarman’s Story
| Theme | Symbolism |
|---|---|
| Revenge and Hostility | The Trigartas’ enmity with the Pandavas highlights the cyclical nature of vengeance in the Mahabharata. |
| Loyalty and Valor | Susarman’s unwavering loyalty to Duryodhana and Jayadratha demonstrates the ideals of Kshatriya dharma. |
| Karmic Retribution | Despite their bravery, the Trigartas’ repeated defeats symbolize the inevitability of dharma prevailing. |
| Brotherhood and Betrayal | The alliances and betrayals between kingdoms showcase the complexities of relationships in wartime. |
Legacy of Susarman and the Trigartas
Susarman’s life and actions underscore the themes of loyalty, revenge, and the price of enmity in the Mahabharata. Despite their repeated defeats, the Trigartas demonstrated unwavering valor, particularly through the Samsaptakas, who fought Arjuna with unparalleled bravery. Their story remains a testament to the complexity of war, where alliances, strategies, and personal vendettas intertwine to shape the epic narrative.