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Drawing from the Mahabharata, the Gita and the story of Nachiketa, this reflective essay explores what it really means to live a long life. It contrasts the curse of Ashwatthama’s endless wandering with the Indian blessing “Jeevem Shardah Shatam” (may we live a hundred years), and examines death as both a biological process and spiritual transition. Moving to today’s ageing India, it discusses the challenges elders face vis a vis their responsibility as older people without losing their self-respect and liberty.
Table of contents
Key Takeaways
- The essay explores the concept of Long life, contrasting the curse of eternal wandering with the blessing of a long, fulfilling life.
- Using the Mahabharata and Gita, it discusses death as a biological process and philosophical truth, encouraging acceptance instead of fear.
- Elders in India face challenges but can contribute significantly to society, emphasising the importance of active lifestyles and self-respect.
- Cultural blessings like ‘Jeevem Shardah Shatam’ reflect the desire for a long, healthy life that goes beyond mere longevity.
- Financial independence and responsible senescence are crucial for maintaining harmony within families, promoting active elder involvement.
End of the battle
The epic Mahabharata war had ended. Wailing, Duryodhan was on his deathbed, reeling from the excruciating pain of his broken pelvis. It had become dark. Three shadows crawled stealthily toward the Pandavas’ tent. They had vowed to kill the Pandavas as revenge for Duryodhan’s death.
As the three shadows reached the tents, they whispered together and, tearing apart the tents, killed all five sleeping sons in the tent with their swords. Realising this, they became furious. The three shadows were Ashwatthama, Kripacharya and Kritavarma.
Ashwatthama, the only son of his parents Dronacharya and Kripi, was a warrior, born with a jewel on his forehead. The jewel guards him from hunger, illness and even weapons. He fought against the Pandavas in the Mahabharata war and killed many warriors using his celestial weapons.
Even after his cowardly act of eliminating the five sleeping sons of Draupadi and her brother Dristdumn, who slew Dronacharya, Ashwatthama’s rage had not subsided. Intending to kill Uttara’s foetus in her womb, he used yet another super weapon, “Brahmastra”. Uttara was the widow of warrior Abhimanyu, son of Arjuna. Though the lethal weapon did hurt the foetus, Lord Krishna intervened and saved him in the nick of time.
“Brahmastra”
Even after his cowardly act of eliminating the five sleeping sons of Draupadi and her brother Dristdumn, who slew Dronacharya, Ashwatthama’s rage had not subsided. Intending to kill Uttara’s foetus in her womb, he used yet another super weapon, “Brahmastra” (Divine Missile). Uttara was the widow of warrior Abhimanyu, son of Arjuna. Though the lethal weapon did hurt the foetus, Lord Krishna intervened and saved him in the nick of time.
Enraged by the heartless cruelty of Ashwatthama, Lord Krishna cursed him and snatched the jewel affixed to his forehead. Krishna cursed him to live forever, roaming alone as a vagabond with his leaking and incurable wound, bearing the burden of a dejected life.
Folklore says Aswatthama still roams in the foothills of the Himalayas.
Long life: Holy Gita
The epic of the Mahabharata tells a lot about the ways of life. The holy Gita, contained within, is not only a pious book preached by Lord Krishna himself but is a discourse of deep philosophical thoughts. It tells a lot about life and death. Gita preaches not to fear death. It is the ultimate truth. The eternal thing is “Aatma” (The inner consciousness), which passes from one to another.
While showing His “Virat Swaroop” (Cosmic Body of the Supreme) to Arjuna while preaching to him amidst the war, he showed Arjuna how organisms were dying and being reborn. In ancient Indian theology, birth and rebirth are a cyclical phenomenon. Only the blessed ones are relieved from the bondage of birth and rebirth.
Life: Ultimate truth
Death is a much-feared topic and is like a taboo. It is not considered good to talk about death, knowing well that it is inevitable. Yet, in the Indian ethos, it was not such an untouchable thing. Our philosophers and primogenitors have discussed it. A story of Nachiketa would illustrate this point.
Nachiketa and Yama
Scolded by his irascible father, child Nachiketa left home to search for Yamraj (God of death) as per the wishes of his father. The child roamed in the jungle, hills and everywhere in search of Yama to seek his blessings and enlightenment about death and the life after death of an individual. After hectic roaming and search, the child fainted due to starvation and fatigue. Yama emanated and blessed the child, answered his queries, but did not reply to the question of life after death or what happens after death.
Biological process
Death is the biological elimination of an organism. A dead organism stops functioning, and its body becomes stiff because of certain chemical changes in its tissues, a stage called Rigor Mortis. Death and destruction are essential qualities of a living being. To put it simply, it is a process which creates space for newborn organisms. The incoming population should ideally be equal to the outgoing population. Old age is the stage when vitality starts waning, indicating the end of the journey.
Life expectancy
The ages of organisms differ. It ranges from a few weeks to several years. Some plants and bacteria live long, very long lives. In human beings, a mechanism of life expectancy has been developed for developmental and other related activities. Various factors are considered to determine the average life expectancy. It varies according to region, geographical and social conditions. In India, the Average life expectancy in India was 67.78 in 2022 and is now 73.3 years.
Old aged live long
The geriatric population in India is expected to reach 230 million in the next ten to twenty years. By 2050, it is estimated to reach 20.8 per cent, compared to 10.5 per cent in 2022. Aged people are considered unproductive and a burden. Many instances of leaving them in old-age homes are on the rise. They feel left out and dejected. One of the several causes is increased financial dependency. Alzheimer’s is a serious mental condition in old age. (Business Today)
Wish for long life
Living long has been a wish of the human race. The glam and glitter of the physical world lure. Sensual pleasure and comfort are the outcome of the desire for more. It should not be construed as an advocacy of having nothing. Poverty is a curse that must be fought against. As they say, excess of everything is bad. One has to have a balance.
Active elders and their contribution
The aged population has a lot of practical experience. They can be beneficial in shaping the future through their valuable contribution. We in India have many illustrious personalities who, at the age of super seniority, are contributing a lot to society. Ms Vajanthimala Bali, a noted dancer and famous Bollywood actress of her time, is still active at the age of 93, which is commendable. Late Ratan Tata was active till his last breath. Similarly, Dev Anand, a celebrity film actor, director and producer, was active even when an attack grabbed him before snatching him away from us. Sri L.K. Advani (99) and Sri (Dr.) M.M. Joshi (92) are a few illustrious figures among us who are still active and contributing to society.
Blessings of long life
“Jeevem Shardah Shatam” (May we live a hundred years) has been a blessing during ancient times in India. The wish to live up to a century was latent. Older people used to bless their juniors and children, saying “Chirajivi Bhav” (be eternal). It was a blessing of immortality. It does not mean a life of being unimpressive, frail and inactive. The wish was for a long, healthy and active life. The mantra did not stop after expressing the wish for a life of a hundred years. Our primogenitors wished and prayed for good health, too, so that we stay vigilant, sapient, growing, healthy and fulfilled.
Living long is an inherent wish. It is intrinsic to every organism. Yet, a healthy and active long life is desirable and preferable. One should be healthy, happy and fulfilled at the gravid age of life. It is only then that we can live up to the expectation of “Sarve Bhavantu Sukhinah, Sarve Santu Niramaya…” (May all be happy, May all be healthy…).
Responsible senescence
An active life and financial independence are necessary in old age. Elders also have their share. They have grown old watching the changing scenario. They feel attached to their children and grandchildren. Conversely, older people must also understand their responsibility. They need to draw a line between themselves and their progeny and must stop undue interference in their progenies lives. Elastic behaviour of elders conveys positivity, but it doesn’t construe surrendering before their family members. Elders lived their life their way and it is time for their progenies to have it. So long as they do not need assistance, elders should give them freedom. Elders are responsible for harmony and equilibrium in family without compromising their freedom and self-respect. It is only then that the blessings of long life would be fruitful.
Further reads:
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Kamal Kishore Srivastava
A retired government officer turned writer and photographer, Kamal Kishore Srivastava is a regular blogger and essayist who explores life’s deeper meanings through immersive reflections on nature, impermanence, and happiness. On his blog Nature’s Narrative, he blends philosophical storytelling with practical insights. Writing 1,200–1,500 words or more regularly, Kamal is committed to refining his craft, expanding his audience, and building a sustainable space where thought and feeling intersect.
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