संशप्तक
Samsaptaka: The Sworn Warriors of the Trigarta Clan
The Samsaptaka, meaning “sworn warrior,” were the most valiant fighters of the Trigarta clan, renowned for their unwavering courage and commitment to their oaths. Led by their king, Susarman, these warriors swore an oath to either kill the great Pandava warrior Arjuna or die trying. Understanding the near certainty of their death in this endeavor, they solemnly performed their own funeral rites before heading into battle, fully aware that victory was unlikely and that their mission was a path to inevitable death.
The Origin of Enmity with the Pandavas
The enmity between the Trigartas and the Pandavas began when Arjuna captured the Trigarta kingdom during his campaign to establish Yudhishthira as the supreme ruler (Samrat) over all kings. This initial defeat planted the seeds of deep resentment. The Trigartas, under Susarman, also played a key role when they aided Jayadratha in his failed attempt to abduct Draupadi, the Pandava queen. Once again, they faced a humiliating defeat at the hands of Arjuna.
Their animosity grew further when they were thwarted by the Pandavas while trying to drive away the cattle of King Virata during the Pandavas’ incognito exile. These repeated defeats at the hands of Arjuna and the Pandavas fueled their desire for revenge, leading them to swear the Samsaptaka oath during the Kurukshetra war.
Role in the Kurukshetra War
During the epic battle of Kurukshetra, the Trigartas played a crucial role in one of the most significant strategies employed by the Kauravas. When the Kaurava commander Drona sought volunteers to lure Arjuna away from the main battlefield to capture Yudhishthira, the Trigartas immediately volunteered. They knew that by drawing Arjuna away, they were not only putting their lives on the line but were also attempting a near-impossible task.
The Samsaptaka Oath and Funeral Rites
Before embarking on their mission, the Samsaptakas took the Samsaptaka oath, vowing either to kill Arjuna or to die in the attempt. Understanding the gravity of their vow, they performed their own funeral rites, a pragmatic decision acknowledging that none of them might survive to perform these rites later. This solemn act underscored their determination and the seriousness of their commitment.
The Samsaptakas successfully drew Arjuna away to a distant part of the battlefield, allowing Drona to set up the complex lotus formation (Chakravyuha) to capture Yudhishthira. Although this strategy ultimately failed to capture Yudhishthira, it led to the tragic death of Abhimanyu, Arjuna’s son, who heroically fought and perished within the Chakravyuha.
| Character | Role in the Story |
|---|---|
| Susarman | King of the Trigartas, leader of the Samsaptakas, sworn to kill Arjuna. |
| Arjuna | The target of the Samsaptakas’ vow, the greatest warrior of the Pandavas. |
| Drona | Kaurava commander who devised the strategy involving the Samsaptakas. |
| Jayadratha | Kaurava ally whom the Samsaptakas attempted to protect from Arjuna. |
Battle Against Arjuna
Throughout the Kurukshetra war, the Samsaptakas repeatedly engaged Arjuna in battle, each time suffering heavy casualties. Despite their bravery and determination, they were no match for Arjuna’s skill and prowess. The Samsaptakas were slain in large numbers, but Susarman, their leader, managed to survive until the final day of the war.
On the last day, Susarman finally met his end at the hands of Arjuna, fulfilling the tragic prophecy that had loomed over the Samsaptakas since the moment they took their oath.
Legacy of the Samsaptakas
The Samsaptakas, particularly King Susarman, are remembered as some of the most determined and courageous characters in the Mahabharata. Their relentless pursuit of Arjuna, despite knowing their fate, is a testament to their resolve and warrior spirit. The concept of performing one’s own funeral rites after swearing the Samsaptaka oath illustrates their pragmatic approach to duty and death, recognizing the near certainty of their sacrifice.
Their story serves as a powerful reminder of the complexities of dharma (duty) in war, where honor, valor, and the acceptance of one’s fate intertwine. The Samsaptakas’ role in the Mahabharata highlights the profound commitment of warriors who, even in the face of insurmountable odds, chose to honor their vows, leaving a lasting impression on the epic’s narrative and on readers throughout the ages.