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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. His name means "the sacred voice which relates to that of a horse," and it was his sonorous roar that earned him this moniker from around the globe.
Ashwathama’s birth was accompanied by a divine voice proclaiming Lord Shiva's blessing upon Ashwathama. He was immune to exhaustion and all manner of evil spirits thanks to the "Mani" (gem) he sported on his forehead from birth. Ashwathama had a difficult upbringing and lacked access to even the most fundamental necessities, such as milk. So it is clear he has always been driven.
It was when Drona was asked to teach the Kuru princes, i.e., both the Pandavas and the Kauravas, the art of warfare. Ashwathama also trained with the Kurukul princes and honed his fighting skills in their company. He was talented as well, but Arjuna surpassed him, so Guru Drona vowed to train the latter to become the greatest archer in history. To fulfill his end of the bargain, Arjuna was instructed to use the…
