Revenge

महाभरत

Mahābharata

As retold by

Michael Dolan, B.V. Mahāyogi

We continue our retelling of the Mahabharata, beginning at the end of the battle of Kurukshetra.  

The war is over. And yet one man burns with rage for revenge. The son of Drona, 

Artists conception of Ashvatthama, Son of Drona.

Ashvatthama attacks at night. His goal? Revenge for the death of his father, the military guru of the Kauravas. With stealth, Ashvatthama aims at killing Drishtadhymna, brother of Draupadi, the warrior responsible for Drona's death.

Ashvatthama's revenge

The fire-born Drishtadhyumna had taken his birth as son of Drupada with the sole purpose of killing his father’s rival, Drona, the military guru of the Kauravas. He had achieved his purpose only through a ruse, a cruel trick played on Drona to demoralize him. But now, Drona’s son, Ashvatthama would have his revenge.

And yet, as he held the blade to the throat of the sleeping prince, Ashvatthama cringed.  Death by sword would be too kind. This hot prince had murdered his father, the pious Drona. A quick sword blow would end his life too soon, Ashvatthama thought. Drishtadyumna must be insulted first. He must be dishonored. Enraged, Ashvatthama began beating Drishtadhyumna, who awakened, shocked and to see the man who was about to kill him.

The jewel in his forehead glowed brightly. His teeth were fixed in a hideous smile, His eyes bulging red in rage, Ashvatthama fiercely began pummeling and beating the helpless Drishtadhyumna.  Not satisfied with beating his enemy to death with his fists, he began kicking and kicking that prince, son of King Drupada, brother of Draupadi. And when he was close to death, Ashvatthama held his sword high and said, “So die the enemies of Drona, great Acharya of the Kaurava kings.”

Dristhtadhymna was terrified. His eyes were wide, seeing the gruesome son of Droṇa, sword in hand. And then and there the vicious Aśvatthāmā drew his blade across his throat like an animal at slaughter, beheading the brother of Draupadi.

And leaving Dhristadyumna dead, the fierce Aśvatthāmā drove his chariot riotously around the camp, screaming and roaring like a lion, striking terror into the hearts of all.

And as he rode his chariot through the tents pitched on the grounds of the battlefield, the women wailed at the death of their king. The few surving warriors mounted chariots, girded swords and held their javelins high, swearing brave oaths  and preparing to fight. 

They asked the ladies who had seen Aśvatthāmā driving his powerful chariot around the camp, “What man or fiend caused this slaughter?”

But the women wept and said, “Whether a man or fiend, monster or rakshasa, we don’t know. We don’t know what he is. There he goes!”