Why Ashwatthama Killed the Pandavas' Sons and the Consequences of His Actions in Mahabharata

At the climactic end of the epic Mahabharata, Prince Ashwatthama committed a terrible act that reverberated through the ages. This article delves into the motivations behind his actions and the far-reaching consequences that followed.

Context of the Conflict

The Mahabharata war was a contentious battle fought between two rival groups, the Kauravas and the Pandavas. The Kauravas, led by Duryodhana, were the sons of King Dhritarashtra, while the Pandavas, led by Yudhishthira, were the sons of Pandu. After 18 days of intense warfare, the Pandavas emerged victorious, albeit by treacherous means, which gained them a victory tainted with adharma (unrighteousness).

The Wound of Duryodhana

On the 18th day, Duryodhana, mortally wounded, lay dying with his right thigh shattered by Bheema's heavy mace. Lord Balarama, Duryodhana's teacher and Bheema's uncle, was present and extremely angry at the violation of the rules of engagement. Balarama demanded that Bheema fight him, much to the dismay of Krishna, who intervened to calm the situation.

The betrayal of Duryodhana, left alone and shocked by the treacherous victory, led to a dire need for revenge. Only three warriors from the Kaurava army, Ashwatthama, Kripacharya, and Kritverma, survived the final combat.

The Condemned Duryodhana

Duryodhana, in his final moments, had implored Ashwatthama to seek revenge on the Pandavas. Ashwatthama, bound by his vow to avenge Duryodhana, prepared for his cruel mission. The story of symbiotic symbolism then draws a parallel with the owl and the crow. An owl, witnessing crows plaguing and preying on its helpless offspring, later, with its single strength, devastates the crows. This event was taken as an omens for Ashwatthama, who decided to exact his revenge on the sleeping Pandavas.

The Tragic Honor of Ashwatthama

Night fell, and Ashwatthama, under the cover of darkness, entered the Pandava camp, silently slaying five individuals, mistaken as the Pandavas. However, it was a tragic case of mistaken identity. The Pandavas were under the spell of Krishna, who had ensured that their sons, the Up Pandavas, were asleep elsewhere. The Pandavas themselves were also elsewhere, and the mistaken heads belonged to the sons of Draupadi.

The Aftermath and Consequences

Upon realizing his mistake, Ashwatthama was devastated. He sought refuge in the hermitage of Rishi Veda Vyasa, hoping for absolution. This act of killing, even innocent sons, caused immense grief, particularly Draupadi, the collective mother of the Pandavas. Her intense fury led her to make a quest for the murderer, and Ashwatthama was hunted by the Pandavas, who sought justice and closure.

Consequences of Adharma

Ashwatthama's actions, rooted in adharma and misguided rage, brought upon his own suffering and isolation. He was ostracized from the world of the living, becoming a wraith wandering the earth. This tale serves as a profound cautionary tale of the consequences of upholding revenge over righteousness, marking the complex and cyclical nature of justice and forgiveness in the ancient Indian epic, Mahabharata.

Through Ashwatthama's tragic fate, the story of Mahabharata illustrates that even the staunchest of enemies can find redemption and understanding, teaching us the myriad paths of karma and its repercussions.