Abhimanyu Vadh (The Killing of Abhimanyu) stands as a prime example of the zenith of adharma (unrighteousness) in the Mahabharata. The event took place on the 13th day of the Kurukshetra War. The Kauravas had cunningly engaged Arjuna in battle on the southern front, to entrap and capture Yudhishthira in the Chakravyuha. According to the rules of warfare, a warrior who flees from a battle is considered defeated. Consequently, Arjuna was compelled to continue fighting in the south. Sensing the gravity of the situation, Dronacharya orchestrated the formation of the Chakravyuha.
This Chakravyuha, also known as the Padmavyuha, was advancing to cause significant damage to the Pandava army and to capture Yudhishthira. However, Yudhishthira did not know how to breach this complex formation. Entering it would certainly lead to his capture, and retreating would signify defeat.
Who Could Break the Chakravyuha?
During the Mahabharata era, only a few possessed complete knowledge of entering and exiting the Chakravyuha: Lord Krishna, Arjuna, Dronacharya, and Pradyumna (Krishna's son). Apart from them, only Abhimanyu, Arjuna's son, knew how to enter the Chakravyuha. Abhimanyu had learned about it while in his mother's womb when Arjuna was explaining the formation to his pregnant wife, Subhadra. However, due to Subhadra falling asleep, Abhimanyu could only grasp how to enter, not exit, the formation. Abhimanyu, also known as Raudradhari because of the Raudra bow he wielded, was a skilled warrior. He had received this bow, originally belonging to Lord Shiva, from his maternal uncle, Balram.
Why Did Abhimanyu Enter the Chakravyuha?
Exhibiting his valor and determination, Abhimanyu sought Yudhishthira's permission to breach the Chakravyuha. Though initially denied, Abhimanyu, knowing that none other present could penetrate the formation, decided to proceed. He was also aware that Yudhishthira’s capture would end the righteous war in favor of adharma. Understanding the criticality and the deceit of the Kauravas, Abhimanyu decided to enter the Chakravyuha, and Yudhishthira ultimately conceded.
What Did Abhimanyu Do Inside the Chakravyuha?
Once inside, Abhimanyu shattered the Chakravyuha layer by layer, confronting and defeating several Kaurava warriors. Jayadratha, however, sealed the entryway, preventing the Pandava warriors—Yudhishthira, Bhima, Nakula, Sahadeva, and others—from entering. Abhimanyu, undeterred, continued his onslaught, likened to a gardener mowing grass, defeating numerous Kaurava warriors, including Rukmartha, Brihadbala, Laxman (Duryodhana's son), and many others.
Who Attacked Abhimanyu?
The Kaurava side, disturbed by Abhimanyu's prowess, resorted to collective assault. Duryodhana, enraged by the loss of his son, commanded a combined attack on Abhimanyu, led by Dronacharya. In this act of adharma, multiple warriors attacked Abhimanyu simultaneously, violating the rules of fair combat. Dronacharya, Dushasana, Ashwatthama, Karna, Shakuni, Duryodhana, Kripacharya, Kritavarma, Vrishasena, and Drumasena were among those who attacked him. Despite losing his chariot and weapons, Abhimanyu fought valiantly on foot, using a chariot wheel as a shield.
The Zenith of Adharma
Ultimately, Jayadratha struck a fatal blow from behind, and the Kaurava warriors relentlessly attacked until Abhimanyu succumbed to his injuries. His death marked a moment of great tragedy and dishonour for the Kaurava side. When Arjuna learned of his son's demise, he vowed to kill Jayadratha.
Conclusion
Many great warriors fought in the Mahabharata, but the bravery, courage, and prowess displayed by Abhimanyu were unparalleled. The beloved son of Subhadra and the favorite of Draupadi, Abhimanyu remains immortal, his valor inspiring generations.
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