Lakshmaṇa, Son of Duryodhana

Lakshmaṇa was the dear son of Duryodhana and one of the best loved of the Kaurava princes. He was killed inside the Cakravyūha (the wheel-shaped battle formation) on the thirteenth day of the Kurukshetra war. Abhimanyu killed him with one bhalla (a broad-headed arrow) that pierced his golden helmet and his head and brought him down at once. For Duryodhana it was one of the hardest personal losses of the war.

Identity

Lakshmaṇa was the son of Duryodhana, the eldest of the Kaurava princes and the chief claimant to the throne of Hastināpura. He is described as Duryodhana’s priyatama (dearest) son, the prince in whom Duryodhana put his greatest hope and affection.

Death at the hands of Abhimanyu

On the thirteenth day, Abhimanyu was moving on through the Cakravyūha, bringing ruin as he went. Lakshmaṇa came into the battle against him. The young prince wore a golden helmet. He came with all the standing of his father’s rank, and with the Kaurava forces’ hard wish to stop Abhimanyu’s slaughter.

Abhimanyu met him and killed him with a single bhalla. Its wide blade went through Lakshmaṇa’s golden helmet and into his head, and he died at once. The prince fell from his chariot and did not rise.

When Duryodhana saw his beloved son fall, he was overcome. His son was killed by Abhimanyu in the very formation he had arranged with such confidence. (Mahābhārata, Droṇa Parva, Chapter 46)

Sources

• Mahābhārata, Droṇa Parva, Chapter 46