The Chakravyuha
“Drona creates the formidable Chakravyuha formation—a nearly impenetrable wheel of warriors. Abhimanyu, young and brave, knows how to enter but not how to exit. As he breaks through the formation, a trap closes behind him, setting the stage for tragedy.”
Story Summary
Drona creates the Chakravyuha, one of the most formidable battle formations—a circular wheel of warriors that is nearly impenetrable. The Pandavas recognize the formation and realize they need someone who knows how to break into it. Abhimanyu, Arjuna's young son, knows how to enter the Chakravyuha, having learned it while still in his mother's womb when Arjuna was explaining it to Subhadra. However, he only knows how to enter, not how to exit. Despite the danger, Abhimanyu volunteers to break into the formation, with the promise that the other Pandavas will follow him in. As Abhimanyu courageously breaks through the outer layers of the Chakravyuha, the formation closes behind him. The other Pandavas try to follow, but they are blocked by Jayadratha, who uses a boon to prevent them from entering. Abhimanyu finds himself trapped inside the formation, alone, surrounded by Kaurava warriors. This story sets up the tragic events that will follow, as Abhimanyu's bravery leads him into a trap from which there may be no escape.