Arjuna Defies Vriddhakshatra’s Curse, Seeks Justice for Abhimanyu’s Death

The battle of Mahabharata stands as a testament to one of the greatest wars in history. Its profound impact on warfare was largely due to the ingenious strategies employed. Among these remarkable tactics was the ‘Chakravyuha,’ a labyrinthine formation designed in such complexity that only those knowledgeable about it could penetrate and escape. On the thirteenth day of the battle, Drona, the commander, ordered the formation of the Chakravyuha.

The only individuals aware of the formation’s secrets were Krishna, Arjuna, Pradyumna, and Abhimanyu. Unfortunately, Arjuna and Krishna were absent, engaged in another combat challenge, and Pradyumna had chosen not to partake in the war.

Consequently, Abhimanyu, Arjuna’s son, remained the sole Pandava present in the camp capable of breaching the Chakravyuha. However, he was only familiar with entering the formation and lacked knowledge of the exit.

Left with no alternative, Yudhishthira assured Abhimanyu that the bravest warriors of the Pandava clan would accompany him, following his lead to break in and ensure his safe retreat.

Convinced by this promise, Abhimanyu ventured into the Chakravyuha, leading the Pandavas behind him. Unfortunately, on that fateful day, Jayadratha, the king of Sindhu, invoked a boon bestowed upon him by Lord Shiva. This boon granted him the power to resist the Pandavas in battle, enabling him to prevent their entry into the Chakravyuha.

Meanwhile, Abhimanyu found himself trapped inside the intricate formation, without any reinforcements. He valiantly fought against the unfair onslaught from all sides, but ultimately succumbed to his attackers.

Arjuna was devastated upon learning of his son’s tragic demise. He held Jayadratha solely responsible and vowed to kill him before the sun set the following day. Arjuna swore that if he failed to fulfill his oath, he would end his own life by immolating himself.

However, during Jayadratha’s birth, a sage had approached his father, King Vriddhakshatra. The sage had prophesied Jayadratha’s death in a great war. Overwhelmed with grief, Vriddhakshatra had uttered a curse, declaring that whoever caused his son’s head to touch the ground would be instantly obliterated.

The next day, aware of Arjuna’s intentions, Dronacharya strategically positioned three military formations to protect Jayadratha from Arjuna’s wrath. Yet, Bheema and Arjuna decimated all three formations, consumed by an all-consuming thirst for revenge. However, as the dusk approached, the warriors guarding Jayadratha remained unvanquished.

To expose Jayadratha from their protective shield, Krishna employed his yogic powers, creating an illusion that the sun was setting. Delighted by this deception, the Kauravas rejoiced, knowing Arjuna’s vow. At that moment, Jayadratha emerged from hiding, but Krishna dispelled the illusion, allowing the sunlight to bathe the battlefield. Pointing directly at Jayadratha, Krishna fueled Arjuna’s fury. Arjuna took aim, his rage intensifying, and released an arrow that raced toward Jayadratha with incredible speed, severing his head.

Vriddhakshatra was immersed in meditation and offering his evening prayers in the nearby woods and his son’s head hurtled from the sky and landed on his lap. Oblivious to this divine occurrence, as he rose from his prayers, the head slipped from his lap and struck the ground. In an instant, Vriddhakshatra was shattered into countless fragments, falling victim to his own curse.

The battlefield fell silent as the warriors witnessed the divine justice that unfolded before their eyes. Arjuna, filled with a mix of sorrow and satisfaction, realized the fulfillment of his vow. The weight of grief for his fallen son was momentarily alleviated, replaced by a sense of closure and vindication.