The Legend of Abhimanyu

Abhimanyu is undoubtedly one of those endearing figures who has influenced literature and folklore for many years. His bravery and abilities attest to the man he has become. What makes a 16-year-old teenager the focus of motivational tales? Why is Abhimanyu lauded in line with this epic tale's legends?

Born to one of the most celebrated characters of all time, Abhimanyu had a standard to meet early on in his life. He was trained by Krishna himself and had spent a considerable amount of time in Dwarka, learning skills and tactics. It is as if he was destined for greatness. He doesn't come to the limelight until the war begins, although he is mentioned throughout the tale, from his birth to the war. The Mahabharata War itself was an epic tale. Those 18 days engulf an epoch of storylines funnelling into one battlefield, and who is at the most crucial juncture of the war, Abhimanyu! 

One of the most terrifying lines of Maharathis and Athirathis, who appeared to be unstoppable, was stacked up by the overpowering and overconfident Kauravas. Even with Karna viewing the action from the outside, they were already outmatched. The Pandavas, on the other hand, had a hesitant Arjuna, disturbed by the thought of killing his own family, and a Krishna who vowed not to lift weapons. The fact that two of the most powerful warriors on earth back then weren't using their full strength at the most critical moment in history is surely fate, or is it just the beauty of the story that it is compelled to pave the way for another teenager to establish his name amongst gods, immortals, and invincibles? Arjuna was the biggest strength of the Pandavas; Narayana protected him at all costs as his charioteer, and Hanuman guarded his chariot. But the war is too complicated and vast for one Arjuna to hold back the likes of Bheesma, Drona, and the rest. It is here that Abhimanyu balanced the Pandava side by being that unexpected warrior that Kauravas did not account for. It was as if they now faced two Arjunas. With Bheeshma finally laid to rest, war now takes a turn to its cruel and bloody part. Rules are now impeding both sides' plans, but the Pandavas under Yudhistira won't make the mistake of engaging in a dharmic battle by disobeying the rules, at least not first. Abhimanyu ends up being the obstacle to Kaurva's preparations to not only launch a catastrophic offence but also protect their own princes from Bheema's wrath. With Shakuni finally getting his plans working by sending Arjuna and Krishna to the far end of the battle, where they can't control the war, Kauravas finally form the Chakravyuha. With Abhimanyu remaining the one warrior prince left with Pandavas who knows how to enter Drona’s Chakravyuha, it became evident that Abhimanyu has to either risk his life breaking the formation though he lacks the knowledge to come out of it safe or guard his life and lose the war because it will just be a matter of time before they make Yudishtira a prisoner with Arjuna away. Thus, on the 13th day, Abhimanyu breaks ranks and moves into the formation, killing thousands on his way. A frustrated Kaurava side has no option but to break the laws of war and attack a 16-year-old, all at once. The description of Abhimanyu in Chakravyuh is one of the enthralling chapters in the epic. Wounded and deprived of his weapons and the other four Pandavas stopped by Jayadrata, courtesy of the boon he got from Shiva, Abhimanyu continues fighting, making whatever he can grab as a weapon. He does finally give way and falls triumphantly on the battlefield, saving the day and thus the war!

The fall of Abhimanyu sends shockwaves across the Pandava camp. After days of horrors caused by Bheema and Arjuna, the Kauravas finally toast and celebrate that night. With no one powerful enough to enforce the laws of war, it's now clear that the strategy is victory by any means. Although Abhimanyu's prowess undoubtedly had an impact on the conflict, it was his death that had the most consequences. In the entire war, there were only two events that changed the course of the war: the fall of Bhisma and Abhimanyu's death. The most significant shift is Arjuna's transformation upon the death of his son. The wrongful murder of Abhimanyu destroys any sympathy for the Kaurava brothers. An enraged Arjuna changed the course of the war, wreaking havoc and low morale among the Kaurava army.

Abhimanyu has undeniably ascended to legendary status by the time of his heroic death. His fearless attitude and aggressive prowess have not only inspired countless tales, poetry, and stories but have also cemented his place as a timeless symbol of bravery and determination. Beyond the battlefield, Abhimanyu emerges from his father's shadow, standing independently among the mightiest warriors of his time. His legacy resonates through the ages, illustrating the enduring power of his courage and the indelible mark he left on the epic canvas of the Mahabharata.