Written By Geervani M (Grade 11)
Ashwatthama, son of Guru Dronacharya and his wife Kripi, was born in mystical surroundings in a cave within the serene forest, now revered as the Tapkeshwar Mahadev Temple in Dehradun, Uttarakhand. Dronacharya’s unwavering devotion and sacrifice had earned him the favor of the mighty god Shiva, who bestowed upon him a son with the divine qualities of wisdom and strength.
At the moment Ashwatthama entered the world, his arrival was marked by a distinctive and powerful sound, unlike that of any ordinary child. This auspicious omen led to his name, “Ashwatthama”, signifying his unique voice just like that of a majestic horse. Furthermore, he was adorned with a divine gem on his forehead, the ‘Syron-Ratna’, blessing him with extraordinary qualities of invincibility and eternal youth. This precious gem shielded him from the ravages of time, illness, and even the deadliest of weapons, making him a truly remarkable and immortal being.
Although Ashwatthama possessed remarkable talents, his formative years were characterized by tragedy and adversity. Dronacharya, despite his combat prowess, led a modest existence without any riches or possessions. Consequently, Ashwatthama and his childhood faced challenges in procuring even the most essential provisions such as milk. It is noted that this challenging upbringing played a role in shaping Ashwatthama’s eventual feelings of hostility and revenge.
Ashwatthama’s fate took a turn for the better when his father Dronacharya was summoned to Hastinapura to serve as the esteemed military mentor to the princes of the Pandava and Kaurava clans. Under his father’s guidance, Ashwatthama developed his skills in warfare, mastering the use of divine weapons such as the Narayanastra and the Brahmastra. Despite his exceptional abilities, Ashwatthama often found himself overshadowed by the remarkable talents of Arjuna, a prominent figure among the Pandava princes. In a gesture of paternal love, Drona decided to bestow upon his son the knowledge of the powerful Brahmastra, a choice that would ultimately lead to unforeseen consequences.
In the city of Hastinapura, Ashwatthama cultivated a deep connection with Duryodhana, the eldest prince of the Kaurava lineage. Recognising Ashwatthama’s passion for horses and battle, Duryodhana gifted him a magnificent steed, helping Ashwatthama develop his loyalty to the Kaurava faction, and later ended up fighting for them. This alliance would ultimately play a crucial role in shaping the outcome of the epic Mahabharata conflict.
During the great battle between the Pandavas and Kauravas, Ashwatthama displayed unparalleled skill and courage fighting alongside the Kaurava forces. His strategic tactics played a crucial role in securing pivotal victories for his side. Despite his remarkable abilities, Ashwatthama’s impulsive nature and lack of foresight were evident during the war. This was notably highlighted on the 13th day when he unleashed the devastating Narayanastra without considering the devastating repercussions. The reckless use of this powerful weapon led to the tragic loss of numerous lives on both sides of the conflict.
On the fateful 18th day of the war, Ashwatthama, consumed by sorrow and a thirst for revenge against his enemy, committed a heinous act that would forever stain his name. Under the cover of night, he ventured into the Pandava camp and tragically mistook the innocent sons of Draupadi for his enemies, mercilessly ending their lives. But Ashwatthama’s wrong intentions did not end there. In a bid to eradicate the Pandava lineage, he sought to extinguish the life of an unborn child, the offspring of Abhimanyu and Uttara. This audacious and wrong act, targeting an innocent and defenceless being, sparked fury and anger among the Pandavas and Lord Krishna.
This curse ordained that Ashwatthama would roam the earth as a wretched outcast, bearing an unhealable wound on his brow. Denying the call of death, he would endure an eternity of torture and pain until the end of the Kali Yuga, the age of turmoil and darkness. When the Pandavas, overcome with a mix of fury and sorrow, confronted Ashwatthama for his wrongdoings, a fierce battle ensued at the sacred ashram of sage Vyasa. In a moment of divine intervention, Krishna pronounced a curse upon Ashwatthama, depriving him of his divine protection and condemning him to an existence of continuous suffering and anguish. Therefore, Ashwatthama, a once powerful warrior with exceptional abilities, found himself cursed and immortalised, forced to wander the earth in eternal anguish as a result of his actions in the Mahabharata conflict.
In Hindu teachings, it is believed that the Kali Yuga, an era marked by moral decay and darkness, will endure for 432,000 years. Within this Yuga, Ashwatthama, a mysterious yet fearsome figure in Hindu texts, stands as an important symbol of eternal suffering. The tales surrounding Ashwatthama speak of a once-great warrior stripped of his divine jewel, forced to roam the world as a deceased with a never-healing wound on his forehead. His existence is characterised by unending pain and sorrow, as he is said to live and wander near the shores of the Narmada River, his anguished cries echoing through time.
In the contemporary world, Ashwatthama’s tale continues to capture the fascination of the public. From literature and art to film and television, he has been portrayed in various mediums, captivating audiences with his interesting and sorrowful character. With his long-lasting presence in Hindu mythology, Ashwatthama remains a compelling figure that will forever stay with audiences of all ages. Ashwatthama is believed to have observed the passage of time, witnessing the rise and fall of civilisations and empires, as well as the evolution of humanity. His immortal existence serves as an important reminder of the dire consequences that can result from uncontrolled anger, ego, and fighting for Adharma.
Drawing inspiration from Hindu mythology, the film Kalki 2898 AD depicts a world in the distant future of 2898 AD, where the prophecy of Kalki, the ultimate reincarnation of Vishnu, is on the brink of realisation. Against this backdrop, Ashwatthama’s immortal presence will ultimately shape the destiny of mankind in a narrative that is both captivating and thought-provoking. This film, directed by Nag Ashwin, talks about the timeless tale of Ashwatthama in a futuristic, post-apocalyptic setting. Renowned actor Amitabh Bachchan brings his immense aura to the role, enhancing the character’s powerful presence.
Ashwatthama’s story is a fascinating one with many ups and downs. He had special abilities and was very loyal, but he made some mistakes because of his anger and revenge. This story teaches us important lessons about being wise and controlling our emotions. Even though his story is from a long time ago, it still has meaning for people today. A new movie about Ashwatthama will explore his story in a new and interesting way. This story also tells us that no one will be spared if they fight for and support Adharma. Dharma will always be established.
Featured Image Courtesy – Aaj Tak
