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Abhimanyu Chakravyuh: How He Entered the Formation & Fought

Curious about Abhimanyu Chakravyuh? Know how the formation worked and why Abhimanyu could not exit it. Read now!
99Pandit Ji
Last Updated:December 30, 2025
Abhimanyu Chakravyuh
Summarize This Article With Ai - ChatGPT Perplexity Gemini Claude Grok

What does true bravery or courage seem like? As today’s youth are frequently put to the test to overcome their difficulties, the tale of Abhimanyu Chakravyuh from the Mahabharat is a lesson of fearless, brave, and fearless spirit.

Just a little boy of sixteen, he faced the most complicated war formations of the world, Chakravyuh.

Abhimanyu Chakravyuh

A trap where several heroes would hesitate to get caught, he was full of confidence and extraordinary courage.

Despite being unaware of the way out of the trap, he still decided to carry out his duty rather than be controlled by fear.

The story of Abhimanyu Chakravyuh is forever engraved in the memory of humanity as it conveys the message of dharma, sacrifice, and duty.

His death on the 13th day of the Kurukshetra war, Abhimanyu’s sacrifice, is the moment that marks the ethical downfall of the Kauravas and the cause of the Pandavas’ strong ​‍​‌‍​‍‌​‍​‌‍​‍‌retaliation.

Let’s dive in deeper through the Abhimanyu Chakravyuh incident to know more and how it shapes the course of war ahead.

Who Is Abhimanyu?

Abhimanyu was a second-generation warrior who was legendary in the Mahabharat. He was the son of Arjuna (amongst the best archers) and Subhadra, a sister of Lord Krishna.

His exceptional talent, courage, and intellect at a very young age make him stand out from the other warriors.

He is considered the incarnation of Vrachas, who is the son of Chandra Dev (the Moon God). According to the old scriptures like the Harivamsa Purana, Chandra Dev allowed Abhimanyu to exist on the planet as long as 16 years.

Thus, the kind of condition fits into his chronicle of life and death during the Kurushetra war.

Abhimanyu was also among the few, together with his father, who were familiar with the technique of entering the Chakravyuh, one of the potent military formations.

The sacrifice and courage of Abhimanyu made him an eternal hero who continues to inspire generations.

What Is Chakravyuh? Understanding the Deadliest War Formation

The word “Chakarvyuh is derived from the Sanskrit language, where “Chakra” refers to a circle and “Vyuh” means the battle formation.

When combined, Chakarvyuh refers to the deadliest wheel formation designed by the military, which is almost impossible to break.

Abhimanyu Chakravyuh

Particularly designed during the Kurushetra war to trap, confuse, and destroy the enemy.

Structure & key features of the Chakravyuh:

  • A circle with seven circular inner layers
  • Each layer is guarded by strong warriors at key points
  • A wheel-shaped formation that keeps on rotating
  • No fix entry or exit, making it difficult to understand

Purpose and function:

  • To lock the enemy inside the circle
  • Reduce external support and cut off the exit route
  • Attack the enemy from all directions

Why was it nearly impossible to break?

  • Dual nature formation, which is defensive at the outer layer and offensive within
  • Only a few warriors know the complete strategy.
  • Constantly rotating layers creates disorientation.

The Abhimanyu Chakravyuh symbolises the advanced military thinking during ancient warfare. Its unique and deadly design makes it difficult for even the greatest warriors to face this.

Why the Chakravyuh Was Formed on the 13th Day of the War?

The 13th day of the Kurukshetra war is a turning point on the battlefield. It is when the Dronacharya, with the Kaurava, deployed the Chakravyuh as a calculated move and strategy.

Dronacharya’s Strategy Behind Forming the Chakravyuh

At that moment of war, Dronacharya realized the growing momentum of the Pandavas’ army and the requirement to break it anyhow.

He knew that among all, only Arjuna and Lord Krishna understood the Chakravyuh thoroughly.

It is an ideal time for him to the advantage of the situation as Arjuna, along with Lord Krsihna, was away from the battlefield to stop the Smaspataks (a large army from the Trigata kingdom).

Targeting the Pandava Army & Abhimanyu

Consequently,​‍​‌‍​‍‌​‍​‌‍​‍‌ the Kauravas and Dronacharya seized the opportunity to attack the Pandava army and dared them to breach the barricade.

As Arjuna was not on the battlefield, Abhimanyu was the only fighter of the Pandava side who had the knowledge of the way to get through it.

With no other option, he took responsibility on his shoulders and decided to break into the formation. Doroncharya already knew that he only knew a way to enter, not the exit.

Absence of Key Pandava Warriors at That Moment

Being purposefully drawn away from the battlefield, the Arujna does not know about any of this.

Additionally, the absence of the other warriors, such as Bhim, Yudhisthira, Nakula, and Sahadeva, ensures that there is external support left for Abhimanyu. It is a perfect opportunity for Dronacharya to execute his deadly plan.

The Story of Abhimanyu and the Half-Known Secret of the Chakravyuh

The learning of Abhimnayu Chakravyuh began even before he was born. Its tale starts from Subharda’s pregnancy. During this time, Arjuna used to tell stories to her.

One day he was explaining the her the technique of entering the Chakravyuh. And, the unborn Abhimanyu was listening to all this from inside her mother’s womb.

Abhimanyu Chakravyuh

Abhimanyu was not able to hear the method to exist since Subhadra fell asleep, and Arjuna had to stop the recital in the middle. Hence, left him with half the knowledge of the deadliest battle ​‍​‌‍​‍‌​‍​‌‍​‍‌formation.

What Abhimanyu Knew and What He Did Not:

  • The method to enter the Chakravyuh
  • Steps to fight while constantly rotating the formation
  • Defensive technique to protect himself from multiple attacks

What Abhimanyu did not know:

  • The secret technique to exit the Chakravyuh
  • Survival strategy in the innermost layers
  • How to retreat once it gets closed

How Abhimanyu Entered the Chakravyuh?

Both duty and courage made Abhimanyu go into the Chakravyuh when he knew that he was not aware of the means of escaping.

He pays close attention to every one of the formations and makes a small step with the utmost accuracy, and proceeds to another layer.

He continues to move at a rapid speed with perfect timing and good technique, as he cannot be caught by anybody. In fact, Abhimanyu shows his confidence, power, and intellectual capacity.

Although he had people near him, he was able to maintain his calmness and make decisions that were made on the spot.

He would take advantage of his speed and weapons to subdue the best warriors. And his entire fearlessness enabled him to move without falling.

The Kaurava army had not expected to see a young warrior breaking the Chakravyuh.

Some warriors were astonished, and even Dronacharya was astonished at the courage and accuracy of Abhimanyu.

After seeing it all, the Kauravas chose to close in formation fast and isolate him, and that was when the tragic battle actually began.

Breaking the Rules of War: The Injustice Faced by Abhimanyu

Abhimanyu’s death is not due to his lack of courage or skills. It is mainly due to the unfair warfare practices and breach of moral rules. During the war in Chakravyuh, the core principles of dharma yudha were violated.

Abhimanyu Chakravyuh

1. The Unjust Circumstances Inside the Chakravyuh

  • Abhimanyu entered the Chakravyuh even after not knowing its existence due to the incomplete learning of the procedure.
  • All the Pandavas are blocked by the Kauravas from helping him, making him completely alone in the huge army formation.
  • Jayadratha​‍​‌‍​‍‌​‍​‌‍​‍‌ employed his celestial gift to halt Bhima, Yudhishtra, and the rest of the army from rescuing Abhimanyu from the deadly trap.

2. Attack by Multiple Warriors

  • According to Dharma Yuddha, a warrior is supposed to fight only one-on-one. However, the Kauravas violated the rule in this instance.
  • To begin with, Karna, Drona, Ashwatthama, Dushasana, Kritavarma, and Shalya were some of the great warriors who jointly attacked Abhimanyu.
  • It was obvious to Dronacharya that no single fighter could take down Abhimanyu in a fair ​‍​‌‍​‍‌​‍​‌‍​‍‌manner.

3. Disarming of Abhimanyu

  • The Kauravas followed a proper plan and weakened him step by step.
  • They first broke his bow, then his chariot, and later the shield, leaving him defenceless.
  • Even after that, he was attacked from the back, violating the biggest rule of the war.

4. Violation of Dharma Yuddha

On that day, many sacred rules were broken by the Kauravas and their army, including:

  • One-on-One Combat: The rule of single combat was violated by the Kauravas, as it is acknowledged by Drona himself.
  • No Striking the Unarmed: Attacking the unarmed warrior on the battlefield is believed to be the greatest sin in the Mahabharat war.
  • Cowardice of the Kauravas: Abhimanyu was hit by the Kauravas from behind, which was another violation of the war ethics.

Abhimanyu’s Death: The Moment That Changed the Course of the War

Despite immense bravery and courage, the constant and unethical attacks somewhere broke the fearless warriors of all time.

With his last blow, the life of Abhimanyu comes to an end not as a defeat but as a timeless martyrdom.

His​‍​‌‍​‍‌​‍​‌‍​‍‌ death is not only a loss on the side of the war but also a point that delineates the biggest collapse of morals in the entire history of wars of ancient times.

The decision made brought a sense of guilt and remorse to most of the warriors. Even a teacher like Dronacharya can feel that they have done a wrong thing to the young fighter.

At this time, the battle is no longer a fight for the right but a ruthless conflict. It conveys the lesson that the triumph obtained by giving up dharma will have lasting effects.

Remember that once the honour is lost, it cannot be restored. And the martyrdom of Abhimanyu is a poignant lesson to the fact that not to fight, but to be on the right side, is the one way of being brave, though defeated.

The Reaction of Krishna and Arjuna on the Death of Abhimanyu

Arjuna’s Grief and Vow:

The unjust murder of Abhimanyu has broken Arjuna. He swore to kill Jayadratha before the next sunset to avenge the death of her son and free herself of that grief.

Teaching and direction of Krishna:

Lord Krishna pacified Arjuna and offered him a cunning way of avenging. Lord Krishna employed his divine powers and caused a fake sunset when he swore to kill Jayadratha before the sun set. It eases the fulfilment of his vow by Arjuna.

Impact on the War:

The sacrifice of Abhimanyu at the most crucial moment has completely transformed the war.

The Pandavas battled with mighty bravery after that death and turned dharma into severe, harsh ​‍​‌‍​‍‌​‍​‌‍​‍‌justice. His death was the turning point in the Kurushetra war.

Lessons Learned from Abhimanyu’s Chakravyuh

1. True Courage Is Choosing Duty Over Fear

Even after knowing he might not be able to return, Abhimanyu took a step ahead to fulfil his duty to protect his army.

He tells us that bravery is not only about getting the victory or staying alive, but it is also about sticking to the moral way in difficult ​‍​‌‍​‍‌​‍​‌‍​‍‌times.

2. Incomplete Knowledge Can Change Destiny

Abhimanyu’s incident tells us that sometimes half-knowledge can be risky. Deciding on life without a proper understanding can lead to serious consequences.

3. Dharma Is Greater Than Victory

Even after being killed, he remains the greatest warrior; following the dharma makes him immortal. The incident teaches that success achieved by going against the value is of no use.

4. Age Does Not Define Strength or Leadership

Despite being sixteen, Abhimanyu shows that wisdom, leadership, warrior skills, and bravery go far beyond just an age. His tale proves that moral values and inner strength are more important.

Conclusion

Abhimanyu​‍​‌‍​‍‌​‍​‌‍​‍‌ Chakravyuh’s story is not only the famous episode from the epic Mahabharata. It is a perpetual reflection of the attributes that are rare to find – bravery, honour, and sacrifice.

At such an early age, and being aware of the danger, he made up his mind to go and perform his duty without any fear.

He is an example to future generations because of his heroic boldness and his noble sacrifice. Although he died in the war but his spirit of fighting elevates him beyond any form of success or failure.

He not only attempts to overcome the Chakravyuh, but also demonstrates that power cannot be simply evaluated by simple survival.

The story of Abhimanyu is the best lesson in being determined, righteous, and courageous. His stories continue to motivate many warriors and leaders in the contemporary world.

Besides, the sacrifice of Abhimanyu’s tale in the end narrates that the price of quitting dharma and demonstrates that honour is more effective than weapons.

He reminds us that speaking up about what is right, even when we are alone, leaves some kind of legacy that can never die.

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