Aswathama was a legendary figure in Indian mythology and is considered as one of the seven Chiranjeevis (immortals) according to Hinduism. He was the son of Dronacharya, who was the royal teacher of the Kuru princes, including the Pandavas and Kauravas. Aswathama played a significant role in the Mahabharata epic, and his story is one of the most fascinating and tragic tales in Indian literature.
Early Life and Education
Aswathama was born to Dronacharya and his wife Kripi. According to the Mahabharata, when Dronacharya was a young Brahmin, he was invited to the kingdom of Panchala, where he met the princess Kripi. The two fell in love and got married in a secret ceremony. Aswathama was their only child.
Aswathama grew up under the tutelage of his father, who was a master of archery and military strategy. Dronacharya was appointed as the teacher of the Kuru princes, including Arjuna, the hero of the Mahabharata. Aswathama became friends with the Kuru princes and accompanied them on many adventures.
Aswathama's Role in the Mahabharata War
Aswathama played a crucial role in the Mahabharata war, which was fought between the Pandavas and the Kauravas. The war lasted for 18 days, and Aswathama fought on the side of the Kauravas. He was considered to be one of the most formidable warriors on the battlefield, and his presence instilled fear in the hearts of the Pandavas.
Aswathama's main weapon was the Brahmastra, a powerful weapon that was said to be capable of destroying the entire world. Dronacharya had taught Aswathama the secret of how to use the Brahmastra, and he was one of the few warriors who knew how to unleash its full power.
On the 15th day of the war, Dronacharya was killed by his own son, Ashwatthama. This was done at the behest of Duryodhana, the leader of the Kauravas, who had promised Aswathama that he would make him the commander-in-chief of the Kaurava army after the death of his father.
Aswathama used the Brahmastra to kill the Pandava army in their sleep. However, the Pandava prince, Krishna's nephew, Abhimanyu was already awake and trying to fight the Kauravas. Aswathama also killed Abhimanyu by using the Brahmastra, which was considered an act of treachery and a violation of the rules of war.
Curse and Immortality
After the war, Aswathama was pursued by the Pandavas, who wanted to bring him to justice for his crimes. Aswathama was eventually caught and brought before the Pandava brothers, who were outraged by his actions.
Arjuna, who was Aswathama's childhood friend, wanted to spare his life, but the rest of the Pandavas were not willing to forgive him. They decided to strip Aswathama of his power and cursed him with immortality, condemning him to wander the earth for eternity as a living corpse with no respite from the pain of his wounds.
Aswathama was also cursed by Lord Krishna, who vowed that he would suffer from a terrible disease for 3,000 years. The curse of immortality meant that Aswathama would never be able to die, no matter how much he suffered.
Legacy
Aswathama's legacy is complex and multifaceted. On one hand, he is remembered as a fearsome warrior who fought bravely on the battlefield and was willing to do whatever it took to protect his people. On the other hand, he is also seen as a tragic figure who was consumed by anger and revenge and ultimately paid a heavy price for his actions.
In some traditions, Aswathama is venerated as a hero and even worshipped as a deity. In others, he is reviled as a villain and a symbol of everything that is wrong with the world. His story continues to be told and retold in countless works of art, literature, and popular culture, and his legacy is likely to endure for generations to come.
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