What is special about Ashwathama?

Ashwatthama is born with a gem on his forehead which gives him power over all living beings lower than humans; it protects him from hunger, thirst, and fatigue. Though an expert in warfare, Dronacharya lives the simple life, with little money or property.

Who was more powerful Arjun or Ashwathama?

Ashwatthama killed one Akshauhini of demons on the 14th night of Kurukshetra war. However the demons who were killed by Arjuna were much more powerful and unconquerable even by the gods of celestial realm.

What curse was given to Ashwatthama by Krishna?

While Krishna was able to bring Uttara’s child back to life, he cursed Ashwatthama for his crimes and said that he will have to live till the end of time in the poorest state possible.

Did Ashwatthama have 3 eyes?

Ashwatthama got the gem on his forehead just like Lord Shiva’s third eye!

Is Ashwathama avatar of Lord Shiva?

Therefore, pleased by Guru Dronacharya’s devotion, Lord Shiva took birth as Ashwatthama, an able warrior who played a pivotal role in the Mahabharata. This form of Lord Shiva appeared to calm Lord Narasimha after the latter killed demon Hiranyakashipu. The Sharabha avatar is one of its kind.

Who gave gem to Ashwathama?

Son of Guru Dronacharya and the grandson of the sage Bharadwaja, Ashwatthama was one of the seven Chiranjeevis, immortals, who had been granted a boon of immortality from Lord Shiva. Along with being granted immortality, Ashwatthama, at his birth, also received a gemstone that was placed at the centre of his forehead.

How is Ashwathama described in the Mahabharata?

Ashwathama is described as tall, dark and talented warrior in Mahabharatha. Ashwathama was one of the seven chiranjeevis (One who will never die) in Mahabharatha. Dronacharya gave birth to Ashwathama after his strong penance to Lord Shiva. Ashwathama was considered to be the son of Rudra, inheriting some his qualities.

Why did Ashwatthama give up his source of power?

Uttara was pregnant with Abhimanyu’s son, the grandson of Arjun. Krishna intervened and revived the stillborn baby, and Ashwatthama was made to give up his source of power – the gemstone in the middle of his forehead. Due to his immortality, he was cursed to live forever till the end of time with the gaping wound on his forehead.

How did Ashwathama get his name?

He got the name Ashwathama as he cried like a horse when he was born. At the end of the Mahabharata war only Ashwathama, Kripar and Krittivarma survived. Before dying, Duryodhana made Ashwathama the leader of the Kauravas. He promised Duryodhana that he will kill all the Pandavas.

What is the story of Ashwatthama’s curse?

Ashwatthama’s curse came about when during the battle of Kurukshetra, his father Dronacharya was killed by Dhristadyumna, who was the commander-in-chief of the Pandava army. The Pandavas and the Kauravas had enrolled in Dronacharya’s gurukul, and Ashwatthama became friends with the eldest Kaurava, Duryodhan.