The Truth About Abhimanyu: The Son of Arjuna and Subhadra

The ancient Indian epic, the Mahabharata, tells the story of numerous heroes and their descendants. Among these is the valiant warrior Abhimanyu, son of Arjuna and Subhadra. Despite variations in the narrative, the factual accounts consistently align in establishing the lineage of this great warrior.

Background of Arjuna and Subhadra

Arjuna, one of the Pandava brothers, was a central figure in the epic. Subhadra, the younger sister of Lord Krishna, was initially believed to be the daughter of Yashoda and Nanda. However, as the narrative evolves, Subhadra is correctly identified as the daughter of Vasudeva and Devaki, the elder sister of Krishna. Her marriage to Arjuna was arguably arranged after he joined the community of Gopas, thus fulfilling the conditions for her no-fault marriage.

Abhimanyu: The Valiant Warrior

Subhadra and Arjuna had a son together, Abhimanyu, who is regarded as one of the most skilled warriors in the Mahabharata. Abhimanyu first appears in the epic, after Arjuna returned from his twelve-year exile as a consequence of losing control during a chess game which led to Draupadi's honor being almost lost. The couple married Uttara, a princess of Virat, before the Mahabharata war, and she bore him a son, Parikshit.

Pandav-Subhadra Lineage and War

Abhimanyu was born during a time when the Pandavas were already married to Draupadi and were still within their period of exile. This meant he was born almost two to three years before the Pandavas went into the forest, as their exile lasted twelve years, followed by one year of concealment (Ajnatavasa).

During the Kurukshetra war, Abhimanyu tragically died fighting inside the Chakravyuha formation, demonstrating his bravery and strategic prowess. His death was a significant loss for the Pandava side. However, Abhimanyu is also remembered as a witness to the great battle and a symbol of youth and valor.

Krishna's Role and Abhimanyu's Training

Lord Krishna indeed loved Subhadra and played a crucial role in the upbringing and training of his nephew, Abhimanyu. Abhimanyu was trained in arms in Dwaraka by Krishna and other warriors, to become a superior warrior. This training bolstered his skills and prepared him to face the challenges of the battlefield and protect his uncle and his uncle's allies.

Conclusion

The truth about Abhimanyu is that he was the son of Arjuna and Subhadra, and his role in the Mahabharata war is a testament to his bravery and strength. The Pandavas, including Dharmaraja Yudhishthira, engaged in deep study and strategic planning before the war, ensuring that their sons received the proper instruction to defend their legacy and their nation.