In the Indian epic Mahabharata, one of the most famous military formations is the Chakravyuh. This formation is not only a powerful war strategy but also the key to one of the most heartbreaking and heroic stories in the entire Mahabharata. This is the story of Abhimanyu, the young son of Arjuna, who displayed immense bravery by entering the Chakravyuh, despite knowing that he didn’t have the full knowledge needed to escape from it.
In this article, we will explore what the Chakravyuh is, how it was used during the Kurukshetra war, and the tragic death of Abhimanyu that left a lasting impact on the Pandavas and the entire war.
What is a Chakravyuh?
A Chakravyuh (or Padmavyuha) is a special type of military formation that was used in ancient Indian warfare. It is shaped like a wheel or a lotus flower, with multiple layers of soldiers arranged in a circular pattern. The soldiers in this formation keep moving, making it very difficult for the enemy to figure out where to attack and how to break through.
The Chakravyuh is designed in such a way that even if a warrior manages to enter it, they could easily become trapped inside. To successfully break into the Chakravyuh and come out alive, a warrior needed to know the exact strategy for both entering and exiting the formation. This knowledge was rare, and only a few skilled warriors like Arjuna, the hero of the Pandavas, knew the secret of how to break the Chakravyuh.
The Importance of Chakravyuh in the Mahabharata
The Kurukshetra war, which is the central event in the Mahabharata, is a massive battle between the Pandavas and the Kauravas. The Chakravyuh plays a crucial role on the 13th day of this war. On this day, the Kauravas used the Chakravyuh as a war tactic to trap and defeat the Pandavas.
The Kaurava army, led by their military commander Dronacharya, was determined to use the Chakravyuh to capture or kill Yudhishthira, the eldest of the Pandavas. If they could defeat Yudhishthira, the Kauravas believed they could win the war.
However, the only warrior on the Pandavas’ side who knew how to break this formation was Arjuna, and on this particular day, Arjuna was far away, lured to another part of the battlefield by the Kaurava warriors.
Abhimanyu’s Bravery
With Arjuna absent, the Pandavas were in a difficult position. The only person who had some knowledge of how to enter the Chakravyuh was Abhimanyu, Arjuna’s son. Abhimanyu was only 16 years old at the time of the Kurukshetra war, but he was already known for his bravery and exceptional fighting skills.
According to the Mahabharata, Abhimanyu learned about the Chakravyuh when he was still in his mother’s womb. His mother, Subhadra, was listening to Arjuna explain the technique for breaking the Chakravyuh. While she was pregnant, Arjuna started explaining how to enter the formation, but before he could finish explaining how to exit it, Subhadra fell asleep. This meant that Abhimanyu knew how to enter the Chakravyuh, but he didn’t know the crucial part about how to get out.
Despite knowing that he lacked the full knowledge to break the Chakravyuh, Abhimanyu volunteered to lead the attack. His uncles, the Pandavas, were hesitant, but they had little choice. Abhimanyu’s determination to protect his family and his army led him to make the courageous decision to enter the Chakravyuh, even though he knew the risks involved.
The Battle Inside the Chakravyuh
Abhimanyu broke into the Chakravyuh with great skill and confidence. He was a formidable warrior, and as soon as he entered, he started fighting against some of the best warriors of the Kaurava army. Abhimanyu displayed extraordinary strength, courage, and strategy, managing to defeat several Kaurava warriors, including Duryodhana’s son Lakshmana.
However, as Abhimanyu continued to fight deeper inside the Chakravyuh, he began to face greater resistance. The Kauravas realized that Abhimanyu was a major threat, and instead of fighting him fairly, they decided to use deceit and break the rules of war.
Normally, in ancient Indian warfare, there were rules of engagement that were supposed to be followed. A single warrior was not supposed to be attacked by multiple enemies at once. But in this case, six powerful Kaurava warriors, including Karna, Drona, Dushasana, Kripa, and Ashwatthama, all attacked Abhimanyu at the same time. This was against the ethical standards of the time, but the Kauravas were desperate to stop Abhimanyu.
Abhimanyu’s Tragic Death
Despite being outnumbered, Abhimanyu fought with incredible bravery. He fought off his attackers using every weapon he had. But as the fight dragged on, the Kauravas managed to destroy his weapons, including his bow, sword, and chariot. Abhimanyu was left defenseless.
Even though he was unarmed, Abhimanyu continued to fight with whatever he could find, including the wheels of his chariot. But ultimately, the Kauravas overpowered him, and Abhimanyu was killed. His death was a result of unfair tactics, which broke the traditional rules of war.
Abhimanyu’s death was a huge blow to the Pandavas. He was not only a beloved son and nephew but also a key warrior in their army. His courage and selflessness made him a hero, and his tragic end filled the Pandavas with grief and anger.
The Aftermath: Arjuna’s Revenge
When Arjuna learned of his son’s death, he was devastated. Abhimanyu’s death was particularly painful for Arjuna because of the unfair way in which the Kauravas had attacked him. Arjuna, who was known for his calm demeanor, was overcome with anger and vowed to take revenge.
He made a solemn vow that he would kill Jayadratha, the king of Sindhu, who had played a key role in preventing the Pandavas from coming to Abhimanyu’s aid. Arjuna swore that if he did not kill Jayadratha by the next day’s sunset, he would kill himself.
This vow became the focus of the 14th day of the war. Arjuna’s determination to avenge his son’s death drove him to fight with unparalleled strength and strategy. By the end of the day, Arjuna successfully fulfilled his vow by killing Jayadratha.
While this act of revenge brought some justice, the loss of Abhimanyu remained a deep sorrow for Arjuna and the Pandavas.
The Symbolism of the Chakravyuh
The Chakravyuh is more than just a military formation; it carries deep symbolic meaning in the Mahabharata. It represents the complexities of life and war, where people often find themselves caught in situations they cannot escape.
Abhimanyu’s story is a powerful example of how even the bravest individuals can be trapped by circumstances beyond their control. His incomplete knowledge of the Chakravyuh reflects the limitations of human understanding and the unpredictable nature of life.
The way the Kauravas violated the rules of war by ganging up on Abhimanyu also highlights the theme of adharma (unrighteousness) in the Mahabharata. While the Pandavas tried to follow the principles of dharma (righteousness), the Kauravas frequently resorted to deceit and unfair tactics.
Abhimanyu’s death serves as a turning point in the Mahabharata, symbolizing the loss of innocence and the harsh realities of war.
What we think?
The story of Abhimanyu and the Chakravyuh is one of the most memorable and emotional episodes in the Mahabharata. It showcases the bravery of a young warrior who sacrificed his life for the sake of his family and his army. Abhimanyu’s heroic stand inside the Chakravyuh is a tale of courage, loyalty, and the tragic consequences of war.
His death also serves as a reminder of the importance of righteousness in the face of adversity. While Abhimanyu’s life was cut short, his legacy of valor continues to inspire generations. The Chakravyuh, with all its complexities, remains a powerful symbol of the challenges and traps that life can present, and the story of Abhimanyu stands as a timeless example of facing those challenges with courage, even in the face of overwhelming odds.
[…] The Chakravyuh in Mahabharata […]