How Do You Spell ASHWATTHAMA?

Pronunciation: [ˌaʃwətθˈɑːmə] (IPA)

"Ashwatthama" is a Sanskrit name that is commonly misspelled due to its challenging pronunciation. The word is spelled as [aʃʋət̪t̪ʰəmə] in the International Phonetic Alphabet. The stress falls on the second syllable, which features a retroflex "t" sound. The "a" in the first syllable has a short, "uh" sound, while the "sh" in the initial consonant cluster also includes a slight "w" sound. Remarkably, "Ashwatthama" is a name with great significance in Hindu mythology due to being a warrior hero in the Sanskrit epic "Mahabharata."

ASHWATTHAMA Meaning and Definition

  1. Ashwatthama, also known as Drauni, is a prominent figure in Hindu mythology and a character from the ancient Indian epic, the Mahabharata. Ashwatthama holds significant importance as the son of the great warrior Dronacharya, who served as the royal preceptor of the Pandava and Kaurava princes. His name, "Ashwatthama," is derived from the Sanskrit words "ashva" meaning horse and "thama" meaning dark, translating to "one with the voice of a horse."

    According to the Mahabharata, Ashwatthama possessed several extraordinary qualities and possessed immense physical and intellectual prowess. He was renowned for his exceptional knowledge of warfare, mastery of numerous weapons, and invincible skills in combat. Ashwatthama is often depicted as having a gem in his forehead that granted him immeasurable strength and invulnerability, except during moments of weakness.

    One of the most noteworthy episodes involving Ashwatthama occurs during the Kurukshetra War, the pivotal battle in the Mahabharata. In a moment of intense anguish and anger, Ashwatthama commits a grave sin by unleashing a divine weapon, known as the Brahmastra, to attack the Pandava army. However, due to his lack of control, the Brahmastra's destructive power is directed towards the unborn child of Arjuna's sister-in-law, leading to the near extinction of the Pandava lineage and causing an irreversible curse to befall Ashwatthama.

    In Hindu culture, Ashwatthama is often portrayed as a symbol of masculine power, valor, and the consequences of uncontrolled anger. His character embodies both heroism and tragedy, reminding individuals of the importance of discipline, restraint, and the

Etymology of ASHWATTHAMA

The word "Ashwatthama" is of Sanskrit origin and is derived from two root words: "ashwa" meaning horse and "thama" meaning dark or dark complexioned. Therefore, the name Ashwatthama can be translated to mean "dark horse" or "one who has the dark complexion of a horse". This name is commonly associated with a mythical character from the ancient Hindu epic, the Mahabharata, who was known for his exceptional skills as a warrior and astral abilities.