In the Mahabharata, taking the wrong side, whether knowingly or unknowingly, leads to severe consequences, often resulting in downfall, destruction, or eternal suffering. A prime example of this is Ashwatthama, the son of Dronacharya.

Ashwatthama’s Fate for Taking the Wrong Side

Ashwatthama was a powerful warrior and a devoted disciple of his father, Dronacharya. However, he sided with the Kauravas during the Kurukshetra war. While he was a mighty warrior, his actions, especially after the war, led to his eternal suffering.

1. The Night Massacre at the Pandava Camp
   After the Kauravas were defeated, Ashwatthama, out of rage and a desire for revenge, attacked the Pandava camp at night along with Kripacharya and Kritavarma. He mercilessly killed sleeping warriors, including the five sons of Draupadi (Upapandavas), thinking they were the Pandavas.
2. The Consequences of His Actions
   • When Draupadi learned of the massacre, she was Arjuna vowed to avenge the death of his sons.
   • Ashwatthama, in fear of being caught, used the Brahmashira Astra against However, Arjuna countered with the same weapon.
   • The destruction from these divine weapons would have been catastrophic, but at Vyasa’s intervention, both warriors were asked to withdraw their weapons.
   • Arjuna, being skilled, withdrew his weapon, but Ashwatthama, unable to do so, directed his weapon towards the womb of Uttara (Abhimanyu’s widow), aiming to destroy the last heir of the Pandavas.
3. Curse of Krishna
   This act enraged Krishna. As punishment, Krishna cursed Ashwatthama with eternal suffering:
   • He would roam the earth for 3,000 years, suffering from wounds that would never heal.
   • He would be isolated, with no one to speak to or care for him.
   • His body would stink, and he would have no place to call home.
   • His gem (Mani), which granted him power and protection, was taken away by Krishna.

Lesson from Ashwatthama’s Story
• Wrong actions, even if committed in anger or grief, have severe consequences.
• Blind loyalty to the wrong side (Duryodhana and the Kauravas) led to Ashwatthama’s downfall.
• Revenge and hatred can cloud judgment, leading to irreversible mistakes.
• Divine intervention ensures that dharma (righteousness) prevails, and those who go against it are punished.

Thus, Ashwatthama’s fate is a cautionary tale that highlights the dangers of choosing the wrong side and acting without wisdom.