Introduction
Abhimanyu is the son of Arjuna and Subhadra, Krishna's sister. He is known as a young and brave warrior who died in the war.
This article primarily follows the Mahabharata. Where a well-known detail comes from a Puranic or later source, the article identifies it.
Family
- Father: Arjuna
- Mother: Subhadra
- Wife: Uttara
- Siblings: Shrutakarma, Iravan, Babruvahana
- Son: Parikshit
The Chakravyuha
Abhimanyu is said to have learned in the womb how to enter the Chakravyuha, a circular battle formation, when Arjuna described it to Subhadra, but not how to leave it. On the thirteenth day of the war, Arjuna was drawn away, and Yudhishthira asked Abhimanyu to break the formation. He entered, but the other Pandavas were held back by Jayadratha.
Death
Abhimanyu fought alone against several Kaurava warriors, who attacked him together, in violation of the rules of war. He was killed by Dushasana's son.
Family
His wife was Uttara, the princess of Matsya, and their son was Parikshit. He is identified as Varchas, a son of the moon god, who was allowed to be born on earth for only sixteen years.