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{{Short description|Son of Drona in the Hindu epic Mahabharata}}
{{About||the film|Aswathama (film)}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=May 2025}}
{{Use Indian English|date=January 2016}}
{{Infobox character
| name = Ashvatthama
| image = Draupadi and Ashvatthaman, Punjab Hills c. 1730.jpg
| alt =
| caption = Ashvatthama (right) departs after surrendering to [[Draupadi]] and the [[Pandavas]], 18th century Pahari miniature
| family = [[Drona]] (father) [[Kripi]] (mother)
| relatives = [[Kripa]] (maternal uncle) [[Bharadvaja]] (paternal grandfather)
| religion =
| affiliation = [[Kauravas|Kaurava alliance]]
| weapon = [[Bow and Arrow]], [[Sword]]
| info-hdr = Information
| title =
| full_name =
}}

'''Ashvatthama''' ({{IAST3|Aśvatthāmā}}, also spelt as Ashwatthama and Ashvatthaman) is one of the major characters in the ancient [[Indian epic poetry|Hindu epic]] ''[[Mahabharata]]''. He is the son of [[Drona]], the royal preceptor to the Kuru princes—the [[Pandavas]] and the [[Kauravas]]. Ashvatthama is a close companion of [[Duryodhana]], the leader of the Kauravas, and receives military training alongside the Kuru princes under the tutelage of his father.

Favoured by his father, Ashvatthama is entrusted with the knowledge of several celestial weapons, including the [[Narayanastra]] and the [[Brahmashirastra]]. During the [[Kurukshetra War]] between the Pandavas and the Kauravas, he fights on the side of the Kauravas and emerges as one of the three surviving warriors from their faction by the war’s conclusion.

On the night following the eighteenth day of battle, after the war has formally concluded, Ashvatthama temporarily gains supernatural strength and weapon after a sacrifice to the god [[Shiva]]. He launches a night raid on the Pandava camp and kills [[Dhrishtadyumna]]{{Mdash}}the commander-in-chief of the Pandava army, who beheaded Drona during the war{{Mdash}}and remaining warriors including the [[Draupadeyas|sons]] of [[Draupadi]], the queen of the Pandavas. In response the Pandavas pursue him, and upon being confronted, Ashwatthama releases the Brahmashirastra. Unable to recall the weapon, Ashwatthama instead targets the Pandava lineage and Pandavas' women including [[Uttarā|Uttara]]{{Mdash}}who is pregnant with [[Parikshit]]. Although the child dies, Krishna later revives him. As punishment for his actions, Krishna curses Ashvatthama to wander the earth for three thousand years, afflicted by isolation, suffering and decay. He retreats to forests afterwards.{{sfn|Fitzgerald|2004|p=609-610}}

==Etymology and epithets==

The name ''Aśvatthāmā'' ([[Sanskrit]]: अश्वत्थामा) is derived from the Sanskrit components ''[[Ashva|aśva]]'' (horse) and ''sthāman'' (strength or presence), with the name often interpreted as "the one who has the strength or voice of a horse" or "one who is steadfast as a horse".{{sfn|Buitenen|1973a|p=459}} Alternate grammatical forms such as ''Aśvatthāman (''Sanskrit: अश्वत्थामन्) also appear in Sanskrit literature.{{sfn|Williams|1872|p=101-102}} According to the ''[[Adi Parva]]'' of the epic, at the moment of his birth, Ashvatthama emitted a loud cry that resembled the neighing of the celestial horse [[Uchchaihshravas|Uccaishravas]]. A divine voice from the heavens then proclaimed that he should be named Ashwatthama.{{sfn|Mani|2015|p=68}}

In the ''Mahabharata'', Ashvatthama is referred to by several epithets, which include ''Ācāryanandana'', ''Ācāryaputra'', ''Ācāryasuta'', ''Ācāryatanaya'', ''Ācāryasattama'', ''Drauṇi'', ''Drauṇāyani'', ''Droṇaputra'', ''Droṇasūnu'', ''Guruputra'', ''Gurusuta'', and ''Bhāratācāryaputra''—all of which reference his descent from his father, [[Drona]].{{sfn|Mani|2015|p=68}}

==Biography==

=== Birth and Early life ===
Ashvatthama is mentioned as a combined incarnation of deities [[Shiva]], [[Yama]], [[Kamadeva|Kama]], and [[Krodha (Mental factor)|Krodha]], and has a divine gem on his forehead which gives him extraordinary powers. He is born to [[Drona]], a [[Brahmin|Brahmana]] descended from the sage [[Bharadvaja]], and his wife [[Kripi]], the sister of [[Kripa]] descending from sage [[Gautama Maharishi|Gautama]]. Ashvatthama's birth is marked by supernatural signs. As soon as he is born, a celestial voice proclaimes his name, likening his cry to the neighing of the divine horse [[Uchchaihshravas]].{{sfn|Mani|2015|p=68}}{{sfn|Buitenen|1973a|p=29}}

Ashvatthama grows up in poverty and is once found weeping after seeing wealthy children drink milk, while he is given water mixed with powdered rice (''pishtodaka'') as milk.{{sfn|Sørensen|1904|p=9-12}} From childhood, Ashvatthama is taught warfare by Drona, who himself learnt it from other warrior-brahmins Agnivesha and [[Parashurama]]. When Drona is employed by the [[Kuru Dynasty|Kuru royal family]] to teach warfare to its princes—the hundred [[Kauravas]] brothers and the five [[Pandavas]], Ashvatthama joins them in the [[Ashram|ashrama]]. Ashvatthama soon excels in secret mystical knowledge (''rahasyeshu''), weaponry and military arts.{{sfn|Sørensen|1904|p=9-12}}{{sfn|Buitenen|1973a|p=272}} In certain versions of the epic, it is attested that Drona, exhibiting deep paternal affection for his son Ashwatthama, seeks to provide him with specialized instruction in archery. He conducts these exclusive lessons during intervals when the other disciples are engaged in collecting water for the ashram. The Pandava prince [[Arjuna]], upon discerning this arrangement, expedites his own tasks to gain access to the additional training sessions. Consequently, both Arjuna and Ashvatthama acquire a level of martial expertise that surpasses that of their peers.{{sfn|Mani|2015|p=68}}

=== Adulthood ===
After completion of his pupils' training, [[Drona]] arranges a weapon show, in which Ashwathama is present during discussions and demonstrations of weapons (''[[Astra (weapon)|astras]]''). Here, he is mentioned as separating [[Bhima]] and [[Duryodhana]]. Ashvatthama participates in [[Draupadi]]’s [[Svayamvara|svayaṃvara]] and is seen accompanying [[Duryodhana]] afterward. Later, He also attends the [[Rajasuya|Rājasūya]] sacrifice of [[Yudhishthira]], where he is noted among the elite guests present and is in charge of receiving Brahmins during the ceremony.{{sfn|Sørensen|1904|p=9-12}}{{sfn|Mani|2015|p=68}}

During the Pandavas' [[Ajnatavasa|13th year of exile]], Ashvathama accompanies the Kaurava army to attack [[Matsya kingdom]]. Here, he rebukes [[Karna]] for criticizing Droṇa and is stationed by Bhīṣma’s left during the formations. In battle scenes, when his father is engaged in a fierce duel with Arjuna, Ashvatthama comes to Drona's aid, but is overpowered by Arjuna once his arrows are exhausted and is rescued by Karna.{{sfn|Sørensen|1904|p=9-12}}

He is present during multiple councils before [[Kurukshetra War]]. He is present during [[Sanjaya]]'s return to [[Hastinapur|Hastinapura]] and he is present in Dhritarashtra’s assembly. Ashvatthama praises [[Arjuna]] and states that he does not wish for war. Bhishma praises Ashvatthama in the same section, Ashvatthama further takes part in diplomatic discussions when Krishna arrives with Pandavas' peace proposal. When peace talks fail, Ashvatthama joins the Kaurava side along with his father.{{sfn|Sørensen|1904|p=9-12}}

Ashvatthama is described as ''raktoshniṣaḥ''—he wears a red headwrap bears—and his banner marked with a lion’s tail (''simhalungulaketana'').{{sfn|Sørensen|1904|p=9-12}} He is classified as a [[Maharathi (warrior)|Maharathi]].<ref name="Ganguly1">{{Cite web |title=The Mahabharata, Book 5: Udyoga Parva: Uluka Dutagamana Parva: section CLXVIII |url=https://www.sacred-texts.com/hin/m05/m05168.htm |access-date=24 December 2022 |website=www.sacred-texts.com}}</ref>

=== Kurukshetra war ===
[[File:A folio from the 1598 razmnama the battle of dhristadyumna with aswatthama.jpg|thumb|A folio from the [[Razmnama]] (Persian translation of the Mahabharata) depicting a battle between [[Dhrishtadyumna]] and Ashvatthama, c. 1598]]
==== ''Bhishma Parva'' ====
On the first day, Ashvatthama engages in combat with [[Shikhandi|Shikhandin]] and assists [[Bhishma]] in his battle against [[Arjuna]]. On the second day, he fights under the command of Bhishma, joining [[Shalya]] and [[Kripa]] in fighting [[Dhrishtadyumna]]. He appears again prominently on the third day, stationed alongside Kripa at the head of the Garuda formation, and later participates in the battle against [[Abhimanyu]]. Continuing into the sixth day, Ashvatthama, with Kripa, occupies the "eye" of the Krauncha formation. On the seventh day, he again clashes with Shikhandin. His engagements become more intensive on the eighth day, where he is among those who rescue [[Duryodhana]] from [[Ghatotkacha]] and fights both Nila and Ghatotkacha, the latter of whom uses illusions (''[[Maya (religion)|maya]]'') against him. By the ninth day, Ashvatthama, joined by Somadatta and the two [[Vinda and Anuvinda of Avanti|Avantyas]], holds the left wing of the Kaurava army and engages in duels with [[Satyaki]] and Arjuna. On the tenth day, he plays a protective role for Bhishma, wounding [[Virata]] and [[Drupada]] in the process. That day also features a prophetic warning from his father [[Drona]] about ominous signs and Arjuna’s growing invincibility.{{sfn|Sørensen|1904|p=9-12}}

==== ''Drona Parva'' ====
On the twelfth day, Ashvatthama kills Nila and engages in combat with Bhimasena. On the thirteenth day, he stands at the forefront of the [[chakravyuha]] formation led by Duryodhana and others, where he both wounds and is wounded by Abhimanyu during the latter’s valiant but fatal attempt to break the formation. Ashvatthama continues to fight on the fourteenth day, participating in intense engagements against Arjuna alongside [[Karna]] and Duryodhana. Despite his efforts, he fails to prevent Satyaki from killing Bhurishravas and later joins the battle following Jayadratha’s death, aiding Kripa in resisting Arjuna. Later that same day, Ashvatthama clashes with both Satyaki and Ghatotkacha, killing the latter’s son and destroying his chariot. He combats several [[Rakshasa|Rakshasas]] and slays Drupada’s sons, including Suratha and Shrutayudha. These feats earn him praise from celestial beings. Amid internal discord, he rebukes Karna for insulting Kripa but is eventually calmed by Duryodhana. Ashvatthama provides tactical support to Karna, seeks to temper Duryodhana’s rashness, and displays notable valor against the [[Pañcāla|Panchalas]] and [[Kaikalas|Kaikayas]]. He takes part in the fierce resistance against [[Yudhishthira]] and his forces. Though wounded by Ghatotkacha, he recovers and succeeds in driving him away.{{sfn|Sørensen|1904|p=9-12}}
[[File:Aswathama FIres narayana Weapon on Pandavas.jpg|thumb|An illustration from ''[[Razmnama]]'' depicting Ashvatthama firing [[Narayanastra]], c. 16th century]]
A pivotal moment unfolds on the fifteenth day during the ''Dronavadha Parva'', when a false rumor of Ashvatthama’s death is spread, leading Drona to lay down his weapons and submit to death, before being beheaded by Dhrishtadyumna. In the aftermath, as described in the ''Narayanastramoksha Parva'', Kripa informs Ashvatthama of his father’s demise. Enraged and grief-stricken, Ashvatthama vows vengeance and proclaims his intent to kill Yudhishthira. Declaring possession of the celestial [[Narayanastra]], he unleashes it upon the Pandava army. The weapon causes widespread devastation and panic, but [[Krishna]] instructs the Pandava troops to discard their weapons to nullify its effect. While Bhima initially refuses, Arjuna intervenes with the Varuna weapon to shield him. As the Narayana weapon can only be used once, its threat is neutralized. Ashvatthama continues to fight fiercely, engaging Dhrishtadyumna, Satyaki, and Arjuna. At one point, he employs the Agneya weapon against Arjuna, but it is successfully countered by Arjuna’s Brahma weapon. Defeated and retreating from the battlefield, Ashvatthama encounters [[Vyasa]], who reveals to him his divine nature as a partial incarnation of [[Shiva]] and acknowledges his unwavering devotion through the worship of Shiva.{{sfn|Sørensen|1904|p=9-12}}

==== ''Karna and Shalya Parva'' ====
During the Karna Parva, Ashvatthama remains a key warrior in the Kaurava ranks. He supports Karna and engages Bhima in a fierce duel, earning praise from celestial beings. He later confronts Krishna and Arjuna, displaying moments of valiant resistance, though at times he is compelled to retreat. He notably kills [[Malayadhvaja Pandya|Pandya]] and launches attacks against various divisions of the Pandava forces. Ashvatthama continues to exhibit both bravery and volatility—repeatedly swearing vengeance, vowing to kill Dhrishtadyumna, and clashing with major figures including Arjuna, Krishna, Satyaki, and Yudhishthira. On several occasions, his charioteer is forced to rescue him from the battlefield after he sustains injuries.{{sfn|Sørensen|1904|p=9-12}}

Following Karna’s death, Ashvatthama attempts to counsel Duryodhana toward making peace, though his advice goes unheeded. In the Shalya Parva, he plays a role in defending Shalya, rescues [[Kritavarma|Kritavarman]], and fights Bhima and Arjuna once more. After Duryodhana’s disappearance from the battlefield, Ashvatthama searches for him, demonstrating loyalty to his fallen allies. When Sanjaya informs him that Duryodhana has taken refuge in a lake, Ashvatthama, along with Kripa and Kritavarman, flees the battlefield. Upon visiting the wounded Duryodhana in hiding, their conversation is overheard by hunters and relayed to the Pandavas, who begin tracking Duryodhana’s location. Sensing the impending danger, Ashvatthama again retreats with his companions. Later, after Bhima strikes down Duryodhana in a duel, Ashvatthama, Kripa, and Kritavarman rush to his side.{{sfn|Sørensen|1904|p=9-12}}

=== Night raid ===
[[File:Arastthaman propitiates Śiva before making a night attack on the Pandava camp.jpg|thumb|Ashvatthama propitiates [[Shiva]] (top) before making a night attack on the sleeping Pandava camp (bottom). Folio from ''Razmnama'']]
After the devastating defeat of the Kaurava forces at Kurukshetra, the surviving warriors—Ashvatthama, [[Kripa]], and [[Kritavarma|Kritavarman]]—return to [[Duryodhana]], who lies mortally wounded. Before dying, Duryodhana appoints Ashvatthama as the final commander-in-chief of the Kaurava army. Enraged by the killing of his father [[Drona]] by [[Dhrishtadyumna]], Ashvatthama refuses to accept the war as concluded. His retaliation is recounted in the tenth book of the ''Mahabharata'', the ''[[Sauptika Parva]]'' (The Book of the Attack upon the Sleeping Enemy).{{sfn|Fitzgerald|2004|p=28-31}}{{sfn|Sørensen|1904|p=9-12}}

The trio travels to a forest near the Pandava camp and takes shelter beneath a massive banyan tree. As night falls, Ashvatthama witnesses an owl slaughtering a group of crows in their sleep—an omen that inspires him to do the same to the sleeping Pandava army. Despite Kripa's earnest objections and moral concerns, Ashvatthama convinces the others to accompany him. Approaching the Pandava camp, Ashvatthama encounters a terrifying spectral figure at the gate and fails to defeat it through combat. He then prays to [[Shiva]], offering parts of his own body in devotion. In response, a divine manifestation appears: Shiva grants him a celestial sword and enters his body. Empowered, Ashvatthama commands Kripa and Kritavarman to guard the gate while he infiltrates the camp. Once inside, Ashvatthama mercilessly kills Dhrishtadyumna with his bare hands, denying him a warrior's death. He proceeds to slay [[Shikhandi]], [[Uttamaujas and Yudhamanyu|Uttamaujas, Yudhamanyu]], [[Upapandavas|the five sons]] of Pandavas from [[Draupadi]], and other sleeping warriors. The camp is set ablaze by Kripa and Kritavarman. Only Dhrishtadyumna’s charioteer escapes to inform the [[Pandava|Pandavas]].{{sfn|Fitzgerald|2004|p=28-31}}{{sfn|Mani|2015|p=68}}
===Curse and aftermath===
At dawn, the trio returns to Duryodhana, who praises Ashvatthama before succumbing to his injuries. The three then disperse and meet the grieving parents of Duryodhana—[[Dhritarashtra]] and [[Gandhari]]—and reports about the night raid. The trio flees in different directions to evade the inevitable wrath of the Pandavas; Ashvatthama seeks refuge at [[Vyasa]]’s hermitage. Meanwhile, [[Draupadi]]—Dhrishtadyumna's sister and Pandavas' queen—is brought to the scene of the massacre and, in grief, vows to undertake a fast unto death unless Ashvatthama is brought to justice. [[Bhima]], accompanied by [[Nakula]] as charioteer, sets out in pursuit. Warned by Krishna of Ashvatthama’s use of the [[Brahmashirastra|Brahmashirsha]] weapon, the Pandavas soon join the chase.{{sfn|Fitzgerald|2004|p=28-31}}{{sfn|Sørensen|1904|p=9-12}}[[File:Asvattama was arrested and brought to Draupadi by Arjuna.jpg|thumb|left|Ashvattama gets arrested and is brought to [[Draupadi]] by [[Arjuna]].]]They find Ashvatthama in Vyasa’s hermitage, disguised as an ascetic. In desperation, Ashvatthama charges a blade of grass with the incantation for the Brahmashirsha and hurls it with the intent to destroy the Pandavas. Arjuna counters with a similar weapon, but Vyasa and [[Narada]] intervene. Arjuna manages to retract his missile, but Ashvatthama cannot, lacking the ability. Vyasa proposes that Ashvatthama surrender in exchange for his life and demands the gem on his forehead. Ashvatthama complies, but in an attempt to end Pandavas' lineage, he redirects his weapon into the wombs of the Pandava women, including Arjuna's pregnant daughter-in-law [[Uttarā|Uttara]], killing the unborn heir [[Parikshit]]. Krishna, however, promises to revive the fetus and proclaims that Parikshit will live a long life. For attempting to kill an unborn embryo, Ashvatthama is then cursed by Krishna to wander the earth for 3,000 years, enveloped in a miasma of suffering. The Pandavas return to Draupadi, while Ashvatthama vanishes into the forest with Vyasa.{{sfn|Fitzgerald|2004|p=28-31}}{{sfn|Sørensen|1904|p=9-12}}{{sfn|Mani|2015|p=68}}

==Assessment==
Ashvatthama is characterized as a valourous and impetuous young warrior, embodying the radiance and ascetic dignity associated with Brahmanical ideals. His frequent disputes with [[Karna]]—though both support Duryodhana—effectively highlights the principal traits of his disposition. According to [[Theodor Goldstücker]], Ashvatthama, though born a [[Brahmin]], voices a sense of misfortune at having been compelled to adopt the vocation of a [[Kshatriya]]. The sole justification attributed to him by the compilers of the Mahabharata is his own assertion that, having willingly undertaken the duties of a warrior, he is resolved to pursue the path of a king and that of his high-minded father.<ref>{{Cite book |last=Garg |first=Gaṅgā Rām |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=0U2QRpDv2KMC&dq=a%C5%9Bvatth%C4%81m%C4%81&pg=PA765 |title=Encyclopaedia of the Hindu World |date=1992 |publisher=Concept Publishing Company |isbn=978-81-7022-373-3 |language=en}}</ref>

== Traditions ==
The Sapta Chiranjivi Stotram is a mantra that is featured in [[Hindu texts|Hindu literature]]:

{{Blockquote|text=aśvatthāmā balirvyāsō hanumāṁśca vibhīṣaṇaḥ। kṛpaḥ paraśurāmaśca saptaitai cirañjīvinaḥ॥ saptaitān saṁsmarēnnityaṁ mārkaṇḍēyamathāṣṭamam। jīvēdvarṣaśataṁ sopi sarvavyādhivivarjitaḥ॥|title=Sapta Chiranjivi Stotram}}

The mantra states that the remembrance of the [[Chiranjivi|seven immortals]] (Ashwatthama, [[Mahabali|Bali]], [[Vyasa]], [[Hanuman]], [[Vibhishana]], [[Kripa]] and [[Parashurama]]) offers one freedom from ailments and longevity.

A theory is proposed by historians R. Sathianathaier and D. C. Sircar, with endorsements by Hermann Kulke, Dietmar Rothermund and Burton Stein.<ref>{{Cite journal |last1=Stein |first1=Burton |title=Book Reviews: Kancipuram in Early South Indian History, by T. V. Mahalingam (Madras: Asia Publishing House, 1969), pp. vii-243 |journal=The Indian Economic & Social History Review |volume=7 |issue=2 |year=2016 |pages=317–321 |issn=0019-4646 |doi=10.1177/001946467000700208|s2cid=144817627 }}: "...the rather well-argued and plausible stand that the Palavas were indigenous to the central Tamil plain, Tondaimandalam..."</ref> Sircar points out that the family legends of the [[Pallava dynasty|Pallavas]] speak of an ancestor descending from Ashvatthamaand his union with a Naga princess. It was the son born from this union, that would have started this dynasty. This claim finds support in the fact that [[Kanchipuram]] was where the Pallavas would dwell, and this was earlier a part of the ''Naga Kingdom''.

A further corroboration is that the [[gotra]] of the Pālave Maratha family is [[Bharadwaja]] (grandfather of Ashwatthama), same as the one which Pallavas have attributed to themselves in their records.<ref>{{Cite book|last=Vaidya C. V.|url=http://archive.org/details/in.ernet.dli.2015.16652|title=History Of Medieval Hindu India|date=1921|page = 281}}</ref>

There is a shrine for Ashvatthama in the famous [[Padmanabhaswamy Temple|Ananthapadmanabhaswamy]] temple of [[Thiruvananthapuram]].

==References==
{{Reflist}}

=== Bibliography ===

* {{Cite book |last=Mani |first=Vettam |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=mvXsDwAAQBAJ |title=Puranic Encyclopedia: A Comprehensive Work with Special Reference to the Epic and Puranic Literature |date=1 January 2015 |publisher=Motilal Banarsidass |isbn=978-81-208-0597-2 |language=en}}
* {{Cite book |last=Sørensen |first=Søren |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=c1ROAQAAMAAJ&q=jayatsena+&pg=PA355 |title=An Index to the Names in the Mahabharata: With Short Explanations and a Concordance to the Bombay and Calcutta Editions and P. C. Roy's Translation |date=1904 |publisher=Williams & Norgate |language=en}}
* {{Cite book |last=McGrath |first=Kevin |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=HNckDwAAQBAJ&q=raja+yudhishthira |title=Raja Yudhisthira: Kingship in Epic Mahabharata |date=16 May 2017 |publisher=Cornell University Press |isbn=978-1-5017-0821-3 |language=en}}
* {{Cite book |first=James L. |last=Fitzgerald |url=https://archive.org/details/isbn_0226252507 |title=The Mahabharata: The Book of the Women; The Book of Peace, Part One |date=2004 |publisher=The University of Chicago Press |others=Internet Archive |isbn=978-0-226-25250-6 |language=English}}
* {{Cite book |last=Buitenen |first=Johannes Adrianus Bernardus |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=i8oe5fY5_3UC&q=buitenen+mahabharata |title=The Mahābhārata |date=1973a |publisher=University of Chicago Press |isbn=978-0-226-84663-7 |language=en}}
* {{Cite book |last=Buitenen |first=J. A. B. van |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=wFtXBGNn0aUC&q=buitenen+mahabharata |title=The Mahabharata, Volume 3: Book 4: The Book of the Virata; Book 5: The Book of the Effort |date=1973b |publisher=University of Chicago Press |isbn=978-0-226-84665-1 |language=en}}
*{{Cite book |last=Williams |first=Monier |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=uqlRAAAAcAAJ&pg=PA1 |title=A Sanskrit-English Dictionary: Etymologically and philologically arranged with special reference to Greek, Latin, Gothic, German, Anglo-Saxon, and other cognate Indo-European Languages By Monier Williams |date=1872 |publisher=At the Clarendon Press Sold by Macmillan |language=en}}

==External links==
{{Commons category|Aśvatthāmā}}

'''Original text online {{in lang|sa}}'''
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20090724075838/http://www.sub.uni-goettingen.de/ebene_1/fiindolo/gret_utf.htm#MBh#MBh GRETIL etext] (Muneo Tokunaga)
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20101107222102/http://www.sub.uni-goettingen.de/ebene_1/fiindolo/gretil/1_sanskr/2_epic/mbh/sas/mahabharata.htm ''Mahābhārata'' online]
* [http://haribhakt.com/aswathama-existed-ashwathama-seen-by-people-ashwathama-is-alive/ History: Encounters with Ashvatthama] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150509032832/http://haribhakt.com/aswathama-existed-ashwathama-seen-by-people-ashwathama-is-alive |date=9 May 2015 }}

{{Mahabharata}}
{{Hindu Culture and Epics}}
{{Authority control}}

[[Category:Chiranjivins]]
[[Category:Characters in the Mahabharata]]
[[Category:People of the Kurukshetra War]]

Ashvatthama - Revision history

Vineettandon at 06:47, 26 April 2026