Explanation of Abhimanyus Death

August 1, 2009

Abhimanyu is the reincarnation of Varchas, the son of the moon god. When the moon god was asked to let his son incarnate himself on earth by the other devas, he made a pact that his son will only remain on earth for 16 years as he could not bear to be separated from him. Abhimanyu was 16 years old when he died in the war.

His son, Parikshita, born after his death, remains the sole survivor of the Kuru clan at the conclusion of the Mahâbhârata war, and carries on the Pandava lineage. Abhimanyu is often thought of as a very brave warrior on the Pandava side, willingly giving up his life in war at a very young age.

Abhimanyu and Ashwathama

Abhimanyu is often quoted as an example for his partial knowledge about Chakravyooh. Since, he knew how to penetrate the Chakravyooh, but did not know how to exit from it during the time of danger contributed to his death. Similarly, Ashwatthama too had a partial knowledge in the context of Brahmastra. He only knew how to invoke it. But did not know how to withdraw it. This contributes for him to get cursed by Krishna during the end of Mahabharatha war. It was only Arjuna who had complete knowledge of both Chakravyooh (to break and exit from it) and Brahmastra (to invoke and withdraw it).

Abhimanyu was believed to be an incarnation of a demon named Kalayavan . The thing was, he has now taken birth in a very good family (Pandavas). If he is not killed in the Mahabharat war, then he will become invincible. No one will be able to defeat him later including Krishna. Hence, Krishna who was aware of this and being the guru of Abhimanyu (via Pradyumna) in Dwaraka, sees to it that Abhimanyu is ignorant about "how to exit from Chakravyooh". Hence, even though Abhimanyu was curious to know the way to exit from a Chakravyooh, Krishna does not tell this secret, but instead insists him to seek that knowledge from Arjuna. It so happens that Abhimanyu never gets a chance from his father as he was in exile. Further, Abhimanyu is such a hero that none from the Kaurava side (except Bhisma) can kill him in a one on one combat (dwandva yudha). Hence, on the 13th day of the battle field, when the Chakravyooha is launched by Dronacharya, he defeats all the Maharatis on a one on one battle. And Abhimanyu really proves very expensive for the entire Kaurva forces on that particular day. Hence, sensing the danger by his presence, the Kaurava Maharatis merge together to kill him after making him weaponless. This was the only way by which Abhimanyu can attain Moksha. Hence, he plays a very great role on the 13th day of Mahabharata war.

In case of Ashwatama, Dronacharya does not trust Ashwatama the manner in which he trusts Arjuna. Hence, he teaches Ashwatama only to invoke Brahmastra, but does not teach him how to withdraw it. If an archer is aware of both the invocation and withdrawal of Brahmastra, then he can invoke it as many times as he wants. Hence, to avoid Ashwatama from invoking Brahmastra multiple times, Dronacharya only gives a partial knowledge about it.

Factors that contribute to Abhimanyus Death

1) Abhimanyu's partial knowledge of Chakravyooh.

2) Krishna who does not teach Abhimanyu as 'how to exit from Chakravyooh', since his soul belonged to rakshas.

3) Absence of Krishna and Arjuna when Dronacharya launches the Chakravyooh.

4) The boon granted to Jayadrath by Lord Shiva to hold all the Pandavas except Arjuna for one day isolates Abhimanyu from the Pandavas in Chakravyooh.

5) The Kaurava maharathis violation of the war rules.

6) The ignorance of the remaining Pandavas to enter Chakravyooh.

7) Abhimanyu kills Duryodhana's son Lakshamana

8) The late arrival of Ghatothkacha.

Source - Wikipedia