Abhimanyu

Abhimanyu is a central figure in the Indian epic Mahabharata, best known as the son of Arjuna, a Pandava prince, and Subhadra, Krishna’s sister. As a member of the Yadava-Pandava alliance, he is described as a young, exceptionally skilled warrior who grew up among the Pandavas during their exile and in the years leading to the great war. He is also the husband of Uttarā, daughter of King Virata.

According to legend, Abhimanyu learned the method to pierce the Chakravyuha, a complex multi-tiered military formation, from Subhadra after Krishna explained the tactic to her. He is said to have overheard the description while Subhadra was pregnant, and while he learned how to enter the formation, he did not hear how to exit. This knowledge enabled him to breach the Chakravyuha during the Kurukshetra War on the 13th day, and he fought valiantly within the ranks of the Pandava army.

Abhimanyu’s death is a pivotal event in the war. He was killed after being trapped inside the Chakravyuha by multiple Kaurava warriors who attacked him, violating the rules of fair combat as he fought confined within the formation. His death caused deep grief in the Pandava camp and precipitated a vow by Arjuna to kill Jayadratha, which is fulfilled the following day.

His wife Uttara later gave birth to Parikshit, a legendary heir to the Kuru lineage. Abhimanyu’s legacy is that of youthful courage and devastating martial skill, tempered by the tragedy of war and the breach of agreed codes of conduct in battle.