Akshauhini
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An Akshauhini (Sanskrit: अक्शौहिनि), according to Hindu mythology, was a battle formation that consisted of several horses, elephants, rathas (or chariots) and the mounted warriors as well as the foot soldiers. An Akshauhini was formed in the following ratio - 1 chariot : 1 elephant : 3 horse-mounted warriors : 5 infantry soldiers.
Akshauhini consisted of 21,870 chariots; 21,870 elephants; 65,610 horse-mounted warriors and 109,350 infantry, as per the Mahabharata. It should be noted that in each of these large number groups (65,610, etc.), the digits add up to 18.
[edit] Mahabharata war
The sheer magnitude of the number of warriors involved in the Mahabharata war is indicated by the fact that a total of 18 Akshauhinis fought the war. While the Kaurava army comprised 11 Akshauhinis, the Pandava army consisted of 7 Akshauhinis. However, it was never mere strength or number that dictated the outcome of any war; it was always believed the righteous that would emerge victorious. The Pandavas, who had righteousness as well as Lord Krishna (whose army was on the Kaurava side) by their side, therefore emerged victorious in the Mahabharata war.
It is written that Abhimanyu, on the 13th day of the Mahabharata battle, killed more than half the Akshauhini army, and Arjuna, on the 14th day of the Mahabharata battle, killed 5 Akshauhinis.
[edit] References
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