Lakshmana Kumara was the son of Duryodhana and Queen Bhanumati. As the eldest prince of the Kaurava line, he inherited his father’s martial valor and was trained in warfare by Drona and other masters. Though young, he was courageous and played an active role in the Kurukshetra War, fighting on the Kaurava side. Lakshmana displayed skill with weapons and was known for his devotion to his father’s cause. His most notable moment came on the 12th day of battle, when he was killed by Abhimanyu, son of Arjuna and Subhadra, during the ferocious combats that preceded the Chakravyuha formation. The duel between the two young princes was fierce, symbolizing the clash of the next generation of Kurus. Abhimanyu’s slaying of Lakshmana deeply wounded Duryodhana, intensifying his hatred for the Pandavas and driving him further into despair and rage. The tragic deaths of Lakshmana and Abhimanyu — both promising heirs — mirrored each other and highlighted the senseless destruction of youthful potential in the great war. Lakshmana is remembered as a brave but doomed warrior, whose death fueled his father’s unyielding resolve to destroy the Pandavas at any cost.
