Bhagavatam (Skanda 1, Chapter 7, Slokas 11-25)

By Sugunan (Recap given by Mahita on 30 Jan ‘03)

According to Sridhara Swamy, this is the most important chapter of Bhagavatam because two important characters are described in this chapter.

The first great character is Asvatthama. Though born in a Brahmin family, he cannot be called a true Brahmin due to his deeds and has never done anything good. He is the biggest culprit and killed all the five sons of Panchali when they were sleeping. He has done such a cruel action that no Brahmin would even think of such a thing. After killing the five children, Asvatthama takes all the five heads to his master Duryodana thinking that he will be pleased. But even the cruelest person like Duryodana did not like this action of Asvatthama. Duryodana could not even talk and dies immediately. Asvatthama is called “Chiranjeevi” because he is an epitome of revenge and hatredness.

The second great character in this chapter is Panchali. She is one of the main causes of Mahabharata war. But when she became a great devotee of Lord Krishna, total transformation took place. When Asvatthama killed her five sons, she was in great sorrow and grief. Arjuna wanted to kill Asvatthama, but Panchali tells Arjuna not to kill him. She says,” If you kill Asvatthama how can his mother Gautami bear it. I can’t even imagine it“. Panchali was ready to pardon Asvatthama in spite of her greatest loss. One should become a great devotee like Panchali. The greatest shreryas is Krishna Katha Charatam. All the time chant Krishna Katha. This is the greatest Dharma one should follow in this Kaliyuga.