Killing of Abhimanyu in Chakravyuh - Story of Mahabharata
The Kurukshetra war raged for 18 days between the Kauravas and the Pandavas. The Pandavas fought for righteousness, while the Kauravas, masters of deceit and treachery, devised a strategy to win the war through cunning. Their plan was to engage Arjuna in battle, separating him from his brothers, and then capture Yudhisthira, thus securing victory. On one such day, a contingent of Kaurava forces drew Arjuna away from the battlefield. Meanwhile, Guru Dronacharya constructed the Chakravyuha formation to capture Yudhisthira, a formation known only to Arjuna, among the Pandavas, as to how to penetrate it.
With Arjuna distracted, Guru Dronacharya challenged the Pandavas to either fight or concede defeat. According to the rules of war, fighting was necessary; not fighting meant defeat, and fighting promised only more defeat. Yudhisthira, the King of Dharma, was at a loss, unsure of the correct course of action. At that critical moment, a young man stepped forward, addressing Yudhisthira, "O King, bless me with the ability to break the Chakravyuha and fight." This young man was none other than Arjuna's son, Abhimanyu. Though only 16 years old, Abhimanyu was renowned for his prowess in warfare, equal to his father.
Yudhisthira advised Abhimanyu against entering the battle, but Abhimanyu was resolute. "I know how to break the Chakravyuha," he declared. "My father taught me the method while I was still in my mother's womb. I will lead the way, and follow me." Defeated by Abhimanyu's unwavering determination, Yudhisthira acquiesced, and the Pandavas prepared for battle, Abhimanyu leading the charge. Seeing the young warrior, the Kauravas mocked his youth and capabilities, but soon realized Abhimanyu's exceptional combat skills to their dismay.
Abhimanyu charged into the Chakravyuha, successfully slaying Lakshmana, a son of Duryodhana, and proceeding deeper into the formation. As he advanced, King Jayadratha of Sindhu blocked the gateway, preventing the rest of the Pandava brothers from entering the Chakravyuha. Abhimanyu continued his relentless assault, defeating numerous warriors, including Duryodhana, Karna, and Guru Dronacharya himself. Faced with the insurmountable challenge, the assembled Kaurava warriors, united, launched a coordinated attack on Abhimanyu.
His bow was broken, his chariot destroyed, yet Abhimanyu persisted. Undeterred, he fought valiantly, single-handedly against many of the best warriors. But a single warrior cannot withstand a united force for long. The Kauravas, overwhelmed by Abhimanyu's strength, eventually combined their efforts to vanquish him, claiming his life in a fierce battle. Abhimanyu met his demise, upholding his warrior spirit to the end. Upon Abhimanyu's death, Arjuna vowed to avenge his son by killing Jayadratha the very next day. Abhimanyu's name is now revered even before Karna and Arjuna, a testament to his bravery and unwavering courage.
