Ashwatthama Gem Story: The Mahabharata contains many inspiring stories. It describes the battle between the Kauravas and the Pandavas. Many mighty warriors participated in this war, including Ashwatthama. The tale of Ashwatthama’s birth is considered highly divine, and today, we will tell you about it.
How was Ashwatthama born?
Ashwatthama was the son of Guru Dronacharya, who is also considered the teacher of the Kauravas and Pandavas. According to the story, Guru Dronacharya travelled to various places, and during this time reached the Himalayas, where he established a Shivalinga in a divine cave on the banks of the Tamasa River and performed penance. Lord Shiva was pleased with Guru Dronacharya’s penance and blessed him with a child.
Shortly after Lord Shiva blessed him, Guru Dronacharya’s wife, Kriti, gave birth to a wonderful and radiant child. But when Dauracharya’s son was born, he cried so loudly it sounded like a horse.
The Mystery of the Gem on Ashwatthama’s Head
The Mahabharata describes Ashwatthama as born with a divine gem on his head. This gem provided Ashwatthama with protection. It also protected him from weapons, hunger, thirst, and fatigue.
Ashwatthama Was Cursed
After the Mahabharata war ended, Ashwatthama avenged his father’s death by entering the Pandava camp and killing all five of their sons. Ashwatthama also used the Brahmastra on the child growing in the womb of Abhimanyu’s wife, Uttara.
But Lord Krishna saved Uttara’s womb and, for Ashwatthama’s sin, took away the gem from his forehead. He also cursed him to roam the earth with a wound on his forehead until the end of his life.