Why Didn't Krishna Save the Sons of Draupadi from Ashwatthama?

Mahabharata is rich with enigmatic moments, one of which is the tragic fate of the sons of Draupadi at the hands of Ashwatthama. This incident invokes profound queries about the nature of dharma, destiny, and the role of divine intervention.

Dharma and Destiny

Throughout the epic, Krishna underscores the significance of dharma.

The fates of the Pandavas' sons were inextricably linked to the broader arc of the Kurukshetra War and the consequences of the previous actions undertaken. As a divine incarnation, Krishna respects the laws of karma and dharma, which stipulate that individuals must confront the outcomes of their choices. The deaths of Draupadi's sons were a part of this cosmic cycle, reflecting the believers' karma and dharma.

Ashwatthama's Revenge

Following the war, Ashwatthama, driven by intense anger and a desire for vengeance over the death of his father Drona, employed a potent weapon to slay the sleeping Pandavas. This act of hatred and desperation deviated from the principles of warfare, which prohibited attacking those who were unarmed or unaware.

Krishna's Role

Krishna abstained from intervening to prevent this tragic event, as his role was more about guiding the characters towards their predestined paths rather than altering their destinies directly. His interventions throughout the epic were aimed at reestablishing dharma and ensuring that the correct path was followed, even if this path entailed hardship.

Divine Will

The deaths of Draupadi's sons can also be viewed as part of a larger divine plan. Krishna's inaction can be interpreted as a manifestation of the intricate balance between fate, free will, and the unfolding cosmic order.

In conclusion, Krishna's decision not to save Draupadi's sons from Ashwatthama can be comprehended through the perspectives of dharma, karma, and the complex interplay of divine will within the narrative framework of the Mahabharata.

Further Insights into the Incident

Investigating further, it is important to note that Krishna had initially sought protection for the upapandavas from Lord Shiva.

However, Ashwatthama realized this and utilized his status as a shivatattva along with vamachara tamasic techniques to pacify Lord Shankara. Strengthened by these rituals, Shankara entered Ashwatthama, leading to his fateful killing spree in the camp, including the Pandavas' sons.

After this horrific incident, Krishna took action. He cursed Ashwatthama to suffer for a long time. Subsequently, Krishna ensured that all negative karmas of the Pandavas, arising from the war, were absorbed by Lord Shiva during their visit to Kedarnath. Lord Shiva initially tried to evade this responsibility but eventually relented, taking over the negative karmas of the Pandavas.

So, Krishna did assist in this situation, but it involved overcoming deception and manipulation by Ashwatthama, leading to the outcome of the incident as we see it in the Mahabharata.