Ashwathama’s Role In The Mahabharata: Hero, Antihero, Or Villain?
Ashwathama, a prominent figure in the Indian epic Mahabharata, is said to be alive and well to this day and will remain so until the end of Kaliyuga, thanks to a curse from Krishna. A man of stormy temperament, he helped establish numerous key arcs that served as strategic high ground in the waning days of the Kurukshetra battle.
Ashwathama, the cursed warrior, contributed to developing several crucial trajectories that resulted in harsh consequences and a painful curse in the aftermath of the war. Ashwathama, the son of Guru Dronacharya and Kripi (Kripacharya's twin sister), is revered as one of the eight Chiranjeevis, along with Vyasa, Hanuman, Parashurama, Vibhishana, Mahabali, Kripacharya, and Sage Markandeya.
The story of Ashwathama is interesting, even though he was a minor character in the Mahabharata. The son of Drona, who had a key to numerous lethal weapons, nearly caused the deaths of millions. He was a warrior with an overinflated sense of self-importance and a fiery temper.
After performing arduous penance for Lord Shiva for several years, Guru Dronacharya and Kripi were blessed with Ashwathama. His birth was unusual. He did not cry when he was born but neighed like a horse. Ashwathama is considered an avatar of Kaal (Doom), Krodh (Anger), Yam (Death), and Lord Shiva…
