The birth of Abhimanyu’s son

As we had mentioned at the beginning of the Bharata story it was Vaisampayana (vaiSampaayana), the disciple of Vyasa, who had narrated the story to Janamejaya, the grandson of Abhimanyu. Often, during the course, the narration falls on several other characters, all in the original words of Vaisampayana. The birth of the son of Abhimanyu is, as on several other occasions, in the words of the sage to the Pandava king, the grandson of Abhimanyu.

Let us recall that Uttara, Abhimanyu’s wife, was an expectant mother at the time of his death. When the war was practically over Aswatthama, the son of Drona, sent a blade of grass towards the Pandavas invoking the Brahmaastra and chanting the magic words ‘for the end of the Pandava race’.It was Krishna who directed the arrow to Uttara, away from all other Pandavas, aiming the baby she was carrying, with the promise that he would give life to the baby, if it was born lifeless. As far as we learn she was the only one expecting a child of the new generation of Pandavas.

Uttara got into labour pains when Yudhishthira and others went to bring Marutta’s wealth. Uttara gave a still birth leaving all in Hastinapura in deep sorrow. Krishna, as though anticipating this tragedy, arrived in Hastinapura with other Yadava leaders at that time. He said that his mission was to console all the Kshatriya women who had lost their husbands.

Kunti pleads with Krishna


The presence of Krishna was the only hope for the Pandavas at the time of the tragedy. Kunti rushed to Krishna and started wailing. She said. “The arrow of Aswatthama must be the cause for this child to lose his life. Krishna, you had pledged at that time in front of every one that you would give life to the child, if it was destroyed by the power of the arrow. You know that this is the only child to keep the Pandava race running. He is also the only one to perform the last rites when my children ultimately die”.

All those present also pleaded with Krishna for the life of the new born baby. Krishna merely consoled his aunt and kept quiet.

Subhadra complains to Krishna

Subhadra also reminded Krishna of his words promising to save Abhimanyu’s child from Aswatthama’s arrow. She added, “Krishna, make your words true. If this child does not live, take it from me that I shall end my own life.”

Krishna said that he would look into the matter and proceeded to the room where the birth had taken place.

Uttara wails

Krishna looked around the labour room with astonishment. Wherever his eyes fell there were auspicious items like pitchers with water, ghee and mustard. The room was well lit with oil lamps wherever required. Old women, adept in the matter and several expert doctors with knowledge of traditional medicine stood all around. Krishna was impressed with arrangements and said so for all to hear.

Uttara was wailing with uncontrollable sorrow. She was heard talking to her lifeless baby. “My son, go and tell your father that no one can die until the time comes. This hapless mother of yours may have to continue living even after your father and you have left me”. But, seeing Krishna she threatened that she would certainly end her life, if her baby does not live.

Krishna brings life to the dead baby

Krishna was touched by the sorrow of his aunt, sister, niece-in-law and others. He knew that he had to keep his words. So, he purified himself with water (aacamanam) as is done before starting any ritual and spoke to Uttara. “I have never spoken a lie, even in joke. I have always stood by Dharma. As truthfulness and Dharma are always with me may this child get back his life!”

When Krishna spoke these words the baby started moving his limbs. A glow representing the power of the Brahmastra left the body of the child and rose to heaven. It, finally, got merged with Brahma, the creator and the custodian of Brahmastra.

The joy in the hearts of all present was beyond description.

The naming of the baby

Krishna said that the boy should be named Parikshit, meaning one who tested the survival of the race. That name stuck with the boy even after he assumed the throne of Hastinapura later.

Soon, the Pandavas arrived in the palace carrying loads and loads of riches all for the purpose of conducting the horse sacrifice. The palace of the Pandavas and the main avenues leading to it got decorated with colourful cloths and festoons. There was good reason for the celebration. The baby, who was born lifeless and who was to be the heir to the throne got back his life. And the Pandavas successfully brought the wealth for the horse sacrifice.