Drona's Son Cursed for His Sinful Deeds [Section 16] (2024)

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Last Updated: 10 May, 2024| Posted in: HinduismItihasa

Book index: Mahabharata (English)
This page contains a summary of the Mahabharata Section 16 including examples of moral lessons in daily life. The Maha-Bharata is one of the largest epics ever written containing roughly 100,000 Sanskrit verses. It deals with the legendary history of ancient India and contains a large number of interwoven tales.

Short summary of the chapter:
The story begins with Ashvatthama throwing a powerful weapon into the wombs of the Pandava women, but Krishna assures that the foetus will die and be revived, giving rise to a son named Pariksh*t who will become a great king. Despite the curse placed upon him by Krishna, Ashvatthama is given a celestial gem by the Pandavas and Draupadi, signaling the end of their enmity. Draupadi, though grieving the loss of her sons, shows great strength of character and reconciles with the situation, while Yudhishthira seeks guidance from Krishna on the events that have transpired.

The conflict between Ashvatthama and the Pandavas escalates with the use of powerful weapons, leading to dire consequences for both sides. Ashvatthama's actions are condemned by Krishna and he is cursed to wander the earth alone with the weight of his sins. The Pandavas, on the other hand, emerge victorious and display mercy towards their enemy, ultimately bringing an end to the cycle of violence and revenge.

Krishna's words and actions throughout the story highlight his role as a wise advisor and protector of dharma, ensuring that justice is served while also advocating for forgiveness and compassion. The narrative emphasizes the importance of upholding kshatriya duties and respecting the principles of righteousness, even in the face of conflict and adversity. The eventual reconciliation between the warring parties reflects the triumph of peace and harmony over hatred and vengeance.

The gem symbolizes not only power and protection but also serves as a token of reconciliation and forgiveness between the conflicting parties. By relinquishing the gem to Draupadi and Yudhishthira, Ashvatthama acknowledges his defeat and the shift in power dynamics, marking the beginning of a new chapter in their interactions. The resolution of the conflict through dialogue and gesture rather than further violence demonstrates the characters' growth and maturity throughout the story.

In conclusion, the story of Ashvatthama's downfall and the Pandavas' ultimate victory illustrates the complexities of human nature, the consequences of one's actions, and the enduring power of forgiveness and redemption. Through Krishna's guidance and the characters' decisions, a path towards peace and reconciliation is paved, offering a valuable lesson in the importance of upholding righteousness and compassion, even in the face of adversity.

Full English translation:

This page is merely a summary which is automatically generated. If you are looking for authentic sources such as the Sanskrit text or the Full English translation of Mahabharata Section 16 - The Birth and Destiny of Pariksh*t: Drona's Son Cursed for His Sinful Deeds, have a look at the following articles:

Section 16, online text

English translation by Kisari Mohan Ganguli.

Read this and other chapters online.

Drona's Son Cursed for His Sinful Deeds [Section 16] (1)

Mahabharata (English Summary)

by Kisari Mohan Ganguli | 31,635 words | ISBN-10: 8121505933

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FAQ of Mahabharata, Section 16:

Who is the king mentioned in the story and what is his role?

The king mentioned in the story is Yudhishthira, one of the Pandava brothers. His role in the story involves leading the Pandavas, making decisions, and upholding kshatriya duties.

What was the fate of Drona's son, Ashvatthama, in the story?

Ashvatthama was cursed by Krishna to wander the earth alone for 3,000 years, afflicted with diseases and shunned by all. Despite his evil acts, Krishna ensured that the foetus in the womb would be revived, becoming the righteous king Pariksh*t.

How did the Pandavas handle the situation with Ashvatthama and the gem?

The Pandavas defeated Ashvatthama in battle but showed mercy by not killing him. They took the gem that was born with him and gave it to Draupadi as a symbol of victory. They also ensured that Ashvatthama was released unharmed, showing respect for his status as a brahmana.

Daily life: The Birth and Destiny of Pariksh*t: Drona's Son Cursed for His Sinful Deeds:

The story of Ashvatthama's punishment and the eventual revival of Pariksh*t imparts lessons on forgiveness, the importance of righteous actions, and the belief in justice. In daily life, this could be interpreted as understanding the significance of our actions and their consequences. Everyone makes mistakes, but it's essential to take responsibility for them, just as Ashvatthama was made to face the repercussions of his deeds. Similarly, the Pandavas' decision to spare Ashvatthama, despite his actions, highlights the power of forgiveness and mercy.

In implementing these lessons, one can start by being mindful of how their actions affect others, striving always to act justly and kindly. When wronged, instead of seeking revenge, finding a way to forgive can be more beneficial in the long run, both for one's peace of mind and for maintaining harmony. Additionally, the story underlines resilience – even in the face of dire consequences, there's hope for redemption and renewal, embodied by Pariksh*t's survival and revival.

Moreover, supporting and standing up for what is right, even when it's challenging, is a moral gleaned from this narrative. The tale encourages one to be steadfast in their principles and to support justice, echoing the Pandavas' and Krishna's efforts to uphold dharma. Ultimately, life is a continuum of learning from our actions and working towards being better individuals for ourselves and our communities.