Iravan, a lesser-known character in the epic Mahabharata, has a fascinating story. He was the son of the great Pandava warrior Arjuna and Ulupi, a Naga (serpent) princess. While his life may seem brief, his sacrifice and a few unique aspects of his story make him a captivating figure.
The Unconventional Sacrifice of Iravan 🏹
The Kurukshetra War was a fierce battle, and the Pandavas faced a seemingly insurmountable challenge against the powerful Kaurava army. In a moment of divine guidance, Lord Krishna revealed that to secure victory, they must offer a human sacrifice to the goddess Kali. However, the chosen person had to possess 32 specific qualities of a perfect human. Only three warriors on the battlefield met this criteria: Krishna, Arjuna, and Iravan.
Since neither Krishna nor Arjuna could be sacrificed, Iravan willingly stepped forward. He was a noble warrior, and his selflessness was a testament to his character. Before his sacrifice, he made two conditions to Krishna: he wished to die as a warrior in battle, and he wanted to die married, not as a virgin, so he could receive a proper cremation.
Krishna granted his wishes. On a new moon day, Iravan cut himself into 32 pieces, offering his body to Kali. The goddess, pleased with his devotion, appeared and blessed the Pandavas with victory. As per the boon, Iravan‘s consciousness remained for the entire 18 days of the war, and he eventually died while fighting on the battlefield.
A Warrior’s Final Stand ⚔️
During his time on the battlefield, Iravan fought valiantly. He defeated several notable warriors from the Kaurava side, including Srutayush, the princes of Avanti, and the princes of Gandhara. However, his life was cut short by the rakshasa (demon) Alambusha. Iravan‘s death was later avenged by his cousin, Ghatotkacha, another fierce warrior of the Pandava army.
The Story of His Marriage: Folklore and Divinity ✨
The most intriguing part of Iravan‘s story, particularly his wish to die as a married man, comes from folklore and the Bhagavata Purana. With his impending death known, no woman was willing to marry him. To fulfill his last wish, Lord Krishna took on his feminine form, Mohini, and married Iravan, spending one night with him. This act ensured Iravan‘s wish was granted before his ultimate sacrifice and death.
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