Know Who Was Ashwatthama Before Watching Kalki 2898 AD

Prabhas-Deepika Padukone-Amitabh Bachchan starrer Kalki 2898 AD is touted as this year’s most anticipated cinematic spectacle. Ever since Amitabh Bachchan’s portrayal of Ashwatthama in the epic was revealed, audiences have been intrigued to learn more about the mysterious character.

As the son of Dronacharya and Kripi, Ashwatthama is regarded as the fifth incarnation of Lord Shiva.

Ashwatthama possessed knowledge of various divine weapons, such as the Narayanastra, Brahmastra, and Brahmashirastra, making him one of the most formidable warriors of the Mahabharata. However, his impulsive nature ultimately led to his downfall.

According to the Mahabharata, the name "Ashwatthama" signifies "the sacred voice resembling that of a horse," stemming from the unique cry he emitted at birth. He is also known by other names such as Dronaputra, Guruputra, and Kripi Kumara.

At birth, Ashwatthama bore a divine gem on his forehead, granting him dominion over all beings below humans and providing him with protection against hunger, thirst, fatigue, ageing, diseases, and even weaponry. This gem rendered him nearly indestructible and immortal.

He was renowned as a formidable Maharathi who fought on the side of the Kauravas against the Pandavas in the Kurukshetra War.

After Ashwatthama tried to kill Uttara’s unborn child, Lord Krishna cursed him with immortality. It's believed that Ashwatthama still wanders around Narmada Ghat. People performing the Narmada Parikrama may encounter him there.