Who is Ashwathama - Learn Everything About the Legendary Warrior

Ashwathama is one of the most fascinating characters in the Mahabharata. As the son of the great warrior-teacher Dronacharya, his life was all a mix of great power, emotional struggles, and in the end - a tragic destiny! 

In today’s blog, we will learn more about the life of Ashwathama – including his role in the Kurukshetra War and the curse that made him immortal. And towards the end of this, you’ll certainly know everything from who is Ashwathama and why he remains such an intriguing figure in Indian mythology.

Birth and Early Life of Ashwathama

Ashwathama was the son of Dronacharya, the great teacher of the Pandavas and Kauravas, and Kripi. Dronacharya, after years of meditation and prayers to Lord Shiva, was blessed with Ashwathama - a child as powerful as the god himself. 

Being said that Ashwathama was no ordinary child. He was born with a jewel on his forehead, which made him extremely powerful. This gem protected him from hunger, thirst, illness, and even weapons. But despite his divine gift, Ashwathama’s childhood wasn’t easy. His family was poor, and his mother, Kripi, struggled to provide for him as a child.

Dronacharya, stressed by their situation, reached out to seek help from his old friend - King Drupada. But instead of helping, Drupada insulted him, calling him unworthy of his royal friendship. This humiliation stayed with Drona, shaping his decisions later in life. T

After this incident, to provide for his family, he became the teacher (guru) of the royal children of Hastinapura, the Pandavas and Kauravas. He also trained Ashwathama with the warfare skills, turning him into a highly skilled warrior.

Meanwhile, growing up, Ashwathama formed a strong bond with Duryodhana, the eldest of the Kauravas. Once, Duryodhana gifted Ashwathama a fine horse, a gesture that won his lifelong loyalty. This friendship meant that Ashwathama, like his father, sided with the Kauravas in the Kurukshetra War.

Before the war, Dronacharya sought revenge against Drupada for insulting him years ago. He asked his students for guru dakshina (a teacher’s fee) by demanding they capture Drupada. The Pandavas succeeded at it, and Dronacharya divided Drupada’s kingdom. Hereafter, Ashwathama was crowned as the king of its northern part, with Ahichchhatra as its capital.

The Role of Ashwathama in the Mahabharata & the Curse of Immortality

Ashwathama played a key role in the Kurukshetra War. After Bhishma fell on the 10th day, his father Dronacharya became the commander of the Kaurava army. Though Drona was a brilliant strategist, he couldn’t capture Yudhishthira as promised to Duryodhana. This frustrated Duryodhana and strained his relationship with both Drona and Ashwathama.

Drona’s death became a turning point. The Pandavas, with Krishna’s help, tricked Drona into believing Ashwathama had died. Heartbroken, Drona gave up his weapons and was killed by Dhrishtadyumna. 

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Upon learning how his father was tricked into a fallacy, Ashwathama was filled with rage and grief. And it was at this moment that he unleashed the Narayanastra, one of the most powerful celestial weapons that could’ve just ended the entire war. But herein, Krishna came to the rescue; he cleverly advised the Pandava army to surrender by lying down as this would neutralize the effect of Narayanastra.

Despite his incredible skills, Ashwathama faced repeated defeats during the war. He even used another powerful weapon, the Agneyastra, but it was countered by Arjuna’s Varunastra.

After Duryodhana’s death, Ashwathama swore revenge. He, along with Kripa and Kritavarma, attacked the Pandava camp at night. In a blind rage, he killed Dhrishtadyumna and the five sons of Draupadi, mistaking them for the Pandavas.

This act of brutality led to the downfall of Ashwathama. When the Pandavas confronted him, he tried to use the Brahmashira weapon, the deadliest of all weapons, against them.

Herein, the Sage Vyasa intervened and stopped the battle. Hereafter, Ashwathama was forced to withdraw the weapon but, as punishment for his sins, Krishna cursed him. His jewel was removed, and he was condemned to roam the earth for eternity (which made him immortal), suffering the pain of his actions.

Conclusion

Ashwathama’s story is both awe-inspiring and tragic. Blessed with divine powers and unmatched skills, he could have been a great hero. But his anger and thirst for revenge led to his downfall.

Even today, many believe Ashwathama god is still alive, wandering the earth as part of Krishna’s curse. His story is a reminder of how anger and wrong choices can ruin even the most powerful of lives.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

Q. How did Ashwathama die?
A. Ashwathama did not die. He is one of the seven Chiranjivi (immortals) in Hindu mythology, cursed by Lord Krishna to live forever as a punishment for his sins during the Kurukshetra War. 
Q. Why is Ashwathama immortal?
A. Ashwathama is considered immortal because of Krishna’s curse. After using the Brahmashira - the deadliest of weapons, recklessly killing innocents, Krishna condemned him to live forever, bearing the weight of his guilt and suffering for his actions. But this immortality was not a blessing but a punishment.
Q. Who is Ashwathama's brother?
A. Ashwathama did not have a biological brother. He was the only son of Dronacharya and Kripi. However, in the broader context of the Mahabharata, his close bond with Duryodhana often made him feel like a brother to the Kaurava prince.