According to the Shiva Mahapurana (Shatarudra Samhita – Chapter 37), Ashwatthama is believed to still be alive and dwelling somewhere along the banks of the Ganga. However, the exact location is not mentioned. Scriptures also say that he will fight alongside Lord Kalki at the end of Kali Yuga, after which he will finally attain liberation. This raises the big question: Is Ashwatthama truly alive even today?
Krishna’s Curse: 3,000 Years of Wandering as a Leper
The Mahabharata war was fought around 3000 BCE in Kurukshetra. Lord Krishna cursed Ashwatthama to wander for 3,000 years as a Leper. This means the curse technically ended around 2,000 years ago, based on traditional timelines.
Why Ashwatthama Was Cursed
After Dronacharya’s death, Ashwatthama was consumed with rage and vowed to destroy the Pandavas. He infiltrated their camp at night, and with the help of Kripacharya and Kritavarma, killed the remaining warriors.
He even beheaded the five young sons of the Pandavas while they slept.
Draupadi, devastated by her sons’ death, demanded that the precious gem from Ashwatthama’s forehead—responsible for his immortality—be removed. Even Arjuna was shaken by the brutality and vowed to cut off Ashwatthama’s head.
When Arjuna and Krishna went after him, Ashwatthama fled toward the Ganga, disguised in kusha grass clothing. Many sages, including Ved Vyasa, were present there.
The Brahmastra Incident
As Arjuna and Krishna approached, Ashwatthama plucked a kusha grass, recited mantras, and turned it into a Brahmastra. Arjuna launched his own Brahmastra in response.
To prevent catastrophe, Ved Vyasa intervened and stopped both divine weapons mid-air, instructing each warrior to withdraw them. Arjuna obeyed, but Ashwatthama refused and instead redirected his Brahmastra at Uttara’s unborn child—the future King Parikshit.
Krishna, angered, declared:
“Uttara's son is destined to live. Even if he dies due to your act, I will revive him.
But you, Ashwatthama, will wander alone in desolate places for 3,000 years, bearing the stench of blood, suffering from incurable disease, and living with the burden of your sins.”
Ved Vyasa affirmed Krishna’s words.
Ashwatthama then requested that he be allowed to live in the presence of Ved Vyasa.
Ancient Gem and His Supposed Longevity
Ashwatthama was born with a divine gem on his forehead that protected him from demons, weapons, diseases, and even gods.
Some believe this gem contributed to his long survival.
What Do Historical Timelines Suggest?
Many scholars date the Mahabharata war differently:
3112 BCE – Traditional belief on Krishna’s birth
3137 BCE – Aryabhatta’s calculation on Mahabharat war
3067 BCE – Research by Dr. Manish Pandit (citing astronomical references)
Based on most timelines, the 3,000-year curse ended roughly 2,000 years ago.
If the curse ended, logically Ashwatthama may no longer be alive.
Historian Balmukund Chaturvedi suggests that Krishna was born in 3114 BCE, and by that calculation too, Ashwatthama would’ve been freed from the curse 2,000 years ago—making his survival in modern times highly unlikely.
Could Ashwatthama Still Choose to Live?
Some believe that once his curse ended, Ashwatthama—being an extraordinary warrior with supernatural endurance—might continue to live by his own will.
However, these remain mythological and spiritual interpretations, not historical evidence.
Disclaimer: The content provided here is based on beliefs and information only. Always consult a concerned expert.
