A Classical Dictionary of Hindu Mythology and Religion, Geography, History, and Literature c5.161

c5.161

ASWATTHĀMAN. Son of Drona and Kripā, and one of the generals of the Kauravas. Also called by his patronymic Draunāyana. After the last great battle, in which Dur-yodhana was mortally wounded, Aswatthāman with two other warriors, Kripa and Krita-varman, were the sole survivors of the Kaurava host that were left effective. Aswatthāman was made the commander. He was fierce in his hostility to the Pāndavas, and craved for revenge upon Dhrishta-dyumna, who had slain his father, Drona. These three surviving Kauravas entered the Pāndava camp at night. They found Dhrishta-dyumna asleep, and Aswatthāman stamped him to death as he lay. He then killed Sikhandin, the other son of Drupada, and he also killed the five young sons of the Pāndavas and carried their heads to the dying Dur-yodhana. He killed Parikshit, while yet unborn in the womb of his mother, with his celestial weapon Brahmāstra, by which he incurred the curse of Krishna, who restored Parikshit to life. On the next morning he and his comrades fled, but Draupadī clamoured for revenge upon the murderer of her children. Yudhi-shthira represented that Aswatthāman was a Brāhman, and pleaded for his life. She then consented to forego her demand for his blood if the precious and protective jewel which he wore on his head were brought to her. Bhīma, Arjuna, and Krishna then went in pursuit of him. Arjuna and Krishna overtook him, and compelled him to give up the jewel. They carried it to Draupadī, and she gave it to Yudhi-shthira, who afterwards wore it on his head.