The Fall of Abhimanyu

~~~ The thirteenth day at Kurukshetra verily an unfortunate day for this is the day a hero falls the likes of which were never seen again there he stands on his chariot but his face is clouded with worry his armour shooting arrows of light mind disturbed by confusion truly he looks like the son a David among Goliaths he stands of the king of the night a mammoth task on his youthful shoulders his uncle, the king must be protected his father is away the enemy has planned a tricky strategy a war formation-which only he knows how to break The Chakravyuha or Padmavyuha as it is called in the shape of a circular lotus it is arranged a deadly trap like a venus fly-catcher death is certain for those who enter *“I know how to enter, he laments but my lovely mother fell asleep but of how to escape it I am unaware uninterested in the skills of warfare my father taught it to my mother so I learnt only how to enter when I was in her womb and of knowledge of the exit I was deprived”* “Go forth bravely”, his uncle says, we’ll follow you closely no one can harm even a hair on your head while we are there and so Abhimanyu enters a hero-true to his name with courage in his heart and the Lord’s name on his lips he prays, ‘let me make my father proud today” so rapidly do his arrows fly like a lion he is fierce, like an eagle swift that they remain unseen to the eye ten thousand soldiers fall only their stabbing tip is felt under his wrathful gaze before the receivers keel over and die the brave warrior forges on unaware of the goings on his uncles have been trapped behind he’s alone behind the enemy line when he realizes the danger its far too late a true warrior does not his fate berate bravely onwards he wanders finding chinks in the enemy’s armour but treachery raises its ugly head he is Yama himself incarnate alone he battles a crowd into every heart he strikes a mindless fear Karna, Drona, Vrshasena, Salya, Durmashana claiming lives as he plans an escape Duryodhana, Dussasana, Lakshmana, Aswathhaman and Kritavarman all surround scavengers against this lonely lion Karna does his bowstrings break and Kritavarman leaves him chariotless multiple arrows upon him rain he is now grievously wounded yet unnerved and undaunted he rises with sword and shield in hand he challenges his attackers thus, come one by one and I shall be glad *“O mighty warriors, this cowardly act to give you a good fight does not your stature befit, the laws of war and in this fair combat befitting kings do not prescribe for many to stand against one may the best man win”* but his plea for fairness went unheard Karna breaks his shield and Drona cuts his sword unarmed and bleeding he employs his chariot wheel as a final defense but corruption is a cruel master that ruled the minds of his attackers together in all injustice they smash the chariot wheel to smithereens they laugh their wicked laughs with deceitful swords he is felled and rejoice at Abhimanyu’s helplessness but even in death he is dignified to his honour and their ignominy his only regret is that he shall not live to see with ruthlessness they strike his queen, Uttara and his child but as he thinks of his father his heart is filled with pride “look father”, he screams to the skies *“your son has died a hero’s death” “against many Maharathis he has stood his ground and fulfilled his dharma - he hopes you are proud his last wish is that you should avenge the treason that has driven him to this end”* with these last words poor Abhimanyu - his words echoed he leaves this world filling the battlefield with dread the villains around him dance his uncles hear his bellowing roars in a shameful victory celebration and know that their beloved is dead with their mind-numbing sorrow comes their unquenchable fear how will they let their brother know that he must light his son’s pyre with bloodshot eyes they swear that his noble death will be avenged and then they fall deeper in sorrow as the sun sets upon their beloved his blood mixes with the earth his death shall be a reminder as the Gods rain praises above him that honour comes not with age *“here lies a true champion but by one’s actions is one’s worth determined unbeaten and courageous ascend Abhimanyu to the heavens!”* The thirteenth day at Kurukshetra verily an unfortunate day for this is the day a hero fell the likes of which were never seen again - Vijayalakshmi Harish 16.09.2012 Copyright © Vijayalakshmi Harish

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vijayalakshmi-harish

Indian

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Written by

vijayalakshmi-harish

Indian

Published

Sep 16, 2012

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Notes: In the Indian epic Mahabharata, Abhimanyu is the son of the Pandava Arjuna and Subhadra the sister of Lord Krishna. He is thus the nephew of the other four Pandava brothers. Since Karna is also a son of Kunti, he also was a nephew to Karna, one of his murderers. Though Abhimanyu and the other Pandavas were unaware of this fact, Karna was cognizant of the relationship, which is what makes the killing of Abhimanyu a particularly heinous crime.
He is husband to the Matsya kingdom's princess, Uttarā, who was pregnant with his child Parikshikt at the time of his death.
Abhimanyu is also said to be an incarnation of Varchas, the son of the Moon God.
The Mahabharata records that Karna was instrumental in the killing of Abhimanyu. Karna asks Drona how Abhimanyu can be killed to which Drona replies : "Abhimanyu is young, his prowess is great. His coat of mail is impenetrable. This one's father had been taught by me the method of wearing defensive armour. This subjugator of hostile towns assuredly knoweth the entire science (of wearing armour). With shafts well shot, you can, however, cut off his bow, bow-string, the reins of his steeds, the steeds themselves, and two Parshni charioteers. O mighty bowman, O son of Radha, if competent, do this. Making him turn back from the fight (by this means), strike him then. With his bow in hand he is incapable of being vanquished by the very gods and the Asuras together. If you wish, deprive him of his car, and divest him of his bow".
Abhimanyu was 16 years old at the time of his death. The name Abhimanyu is a Sanskrit word meaning "heroic".

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