The story of Babruvahana

Babruvahana was the son of Arjuna, one of the five Pandava brothers, and his wife, Chitrangada. Babruvahana was known for his bravery and martial prowess and played an important role in the Mahabharata story.

After his birth, Babruvahana was raised by his mother in the kingdom of Manipur. He grew up to become a skilled warrior and was highly respected by his people. In a twist of fate, Babruvahana had to fight his own father.

Arjuna fought on behalf of the Pandavas, while Babruvahana fought for his maternal grandfather, the king of Manipur. During the battle, Babruvahana killed Arjuna with a powerful weapon. However, he soon realized he had killed his father and was overcome with grief.

Babruvahana sought the help of Lord Krishna, who appeared to him and advised him to perform a special ritual to bring his father back to life. Babruvahana followed Lord Krishna's instructions and was able to revive Arjuna. After this incident, Babruvahana became a devoted follower of Lord Krishna and lived the rest of his life in peace.

Babruvahana's story reminds us of the complex relationships and moral dilemmas explored in the Mahabharata. Despite being a skilled warrior and a loyal son, Babruvahana was forced to fight against his father, highlighting the tragedy of war and the importance of forgiveness and compassion.

Arjuna met Chitrangada 

According to the Mahabharata, Arjuna met Chitrangada, the princess of Manipur, while he was exiled for 12 years. One day, Arjuna was passing through the kingdom of Manipur when he came across Chitrangada, who was out hunting. Arjuna was immediately smitten by her beauty and asked the king of Manipur, Chitrangada's father, for her hand in marriage.

The king of Manipur agreed to the proposal, but on the condition that any son born to Arjuna and Chitrangada would become the heir to the throne of Manipur. Arjuna agreed to the condition and married Chitrangada.

After their marriage, Chitrangada moved with him to Arjuna's homeland of Hastinapura. Chitrangada gave birth to a son, Babruvahana, who was raised by his mother in Manipur. Arjuna visited Manipur from time to time to see his son and wife. Still, he spent most of his time with his brothers in Hastinapura, preparing for the eventual Mahabharata war.

Read more: Why did Hanuman protect Arjuna’s Chariot? 

Birth of Babruvahana

According to the Mahabharata, Babruvahana was born to Arjuna and his wife, Chitrangada. After their marriage, Chitrangada moved with Arjuna to Hastinapura, the capital of the Kuru kingdom. Chitrangada gave birth to a son, whom they named Babruvahana.

However, due to the conditions set by Chitrangada's father, the king of Manipur, Babruvahana, was raised in Manipur by his mother. He grew up to be a skilled warrior, like his father and was highly respected by his people.

Babruvahana's birth and upbringing made him an important figure in the Mahabharata story. He was later forced to fight against his father, Arjuna, in the Mahabharata War, and his actions significantly impacted the war's outcome. Despite being a skilled warrior and a loyal son, Babruvahana faced moral dilemmas that highlighted the tragedy of war and the importance of forgiveness and compassion.

Arjuna and Babruvahana Encounter

There is a story in the Mahabharata where Babruvahana accidentally kills his father, Arjuna, in a battle after the war. After the war, the Pandavas performed the Ashwamedha Yagna, a horse sacrifice ceremony, to establish their dominance over the other kingdoms. During the ceremony, the sacrificial horse was captured by Babruvahana, the king of Manipur then.

Babruvahana easily defeated the Pandava army in the battle and captured the horse. On the second day of battle, Bheem and Vrishketu, Karna's only son to survive the Kurukshetra war, were sent to defeat Babruvahana. However, he bested Bheema and killed Vrishketu. Karna's true identity was revealed after the war, so they took Vrishketu under their care and loved him deeply. Vrishketu's death enraged Arjuna, who vowed to either avenge his death or commit self-immolation

Arjuna, his brothers, and Krishna went to Manipur to retrieve the horse. A battle ensued, and during the fight, Babruvahana used a divine weapon called the Sammohanasthra, which put Arjuna and his brothers to sleep.

When Arjuna woke up, he saw his son standing over him with a sword. Thinking that his son was an enemy, Arjuna drew his sword, and the two engaged in a fierce battle. In the end, Babruvahana, using his divine weapon, struck Arjuna, and he fell to the ground, mortally wounded.

Babruvahana realized his mistake and was filled with remorse. When Babruvahana discovered the true identity of Arjuna, he immediately regretted his actions and wanted to kill himself; at the same time, Chitrangda chastised Ulupi for causing Arjuna's death. However, the Naga Princess had a trick up her sleeve; she told Chitrangda and Babruvahana about Ganga's curse and directed Babruvahana to Naaglok to recover the Sanjeevani Mani.

Arjuna was brought back to life with the powerful gem, but he felt remorse for being the cause of Vrishketu's death. However, Shri Krishna assured him that he would restore Vrishketu's life. Later, Babruvahana went on to become the king of Manipur.

Conclusion

The story is a reminder of the complex relationships between family members and the moral dilemmas faced by warriors in the Mahabharata. Despite being a skilled warrior and a loyal son, Babruvahana faced a moral dilemma that resulted in his father's accidental death.

Overall, the story highlights the importance of forgiveness, compassion, and the power of family ties, even during conflict and war. It is a powerful example of the consequences of our actions and the need to make choices grounded in love, compassion, and respect for others.

FAQ

Who was Babruvahana?

Ans. Babruvahana was the son of Arjuna and Chitrangada. He was the king of Manipur and a skilled warrior.

What is the story of Babruvahana?

Ans. The story of Babruvahana revolves around the accidental killing of his father, Arjuna, during a battle over the Ashwamedha Yagna horse. Babruvahana used a divine weapon called the Sammohanasthra, which put Arjuna and his brothers to sleep. When Arjuna woke up, he saw his son standing over him with a sword in his hand, and they engaged in a fierce battle. In the end, Babruvahana struck Arjuna with his divine weapon, and he fell to the ground, mortally wounded. Babruvahana realized his mistake and sought the help of his mother, Chitrangada.

Why did Babruvahana kill Arjuna?

Ans. Babruvahana did not intend to kill Arjuna. He used the Sammohanasthra, which put Arjuna and his brothers to sleep, but when Arjuna woke up, he mistook Babruvahana for an enemy and drew his sword. The two engaged in a fierce battle, and Babruvahana accidentally struck Arjuna with his divine weapon.

What is the significance of the story of Babruvahana?

Ans. The story of Babruvahana is a powerful example of the complexities of human relationships, particularly between family members, and the consequences of our actions. It highlights the importance of forgiveness, compassion, and the power of family ties, even amid conflict and war.

Is the story of Babruvahana a part of the Mahabharata?

Ans. The story of Babruvahana accidentally killing Arjuna is not a part of the main Mahabharata text. Still, it is a later addition in the form of a play called the "Babruvahana Mahatmya." This play is believed to have been written in the 16th century by an unknown author and is not considered canonical. However, the story has become popular in Indian folklore and is often retold in various forms, including in films and television shows.

How did Babruvahana feel after killing Arjuna?

Ans. Babruvahana was devastated when he realized he had accidentally killed his father, Arjuna. He was filled with guilt and remorse and sought the help of his mother, Chitrangada, to revive Arjuna. He recognized the gravity of his mistake and understood the importance of family bonds and forgiveness.

Did Arjuna forgive Babruvahana for killing him?

Ans. Arjuna forgave Babruvahana for accidentally killing him. After being revived by Chitrangada, Arjuna realized that it was a mistake and that his son did not intend to kill him. He hugged Babruvahana and blessed him, and the two reconciled their differences.

Who else witnessed the fight between Arjuna and Babruvahana?

Ans. It is believed that only Chitrangada and a few of Arjuna's other family members witnessed the fight between Arjuna and Babruvahana. As per the story, Arjuna and his brothers were alone during the Ashwamedha Yagna and had no other army or support.

Was Babruvahana a skilled warrior?

Ans. Yes, Babruvahana was a skilled warrior and inherited his father's archery skills. He was also trained in various forms of combat and was known for his bravery and valour in battle. In fact, he could defeat Arjuna in their first encounter before the accidental killing took place.