The mythological story of Ashwatthama is mostly centered around his role in the Mahabharata. After the end of the Kurukshetra war, Ashwatthama, fueled by anger and thirst for vengeance, commits a heinous act by killing the sleeping sons of the Pandavas, hoping to eliminate the Kuru lineage.

As a punishment for his crime, he is cursed by Lord Krishna to roam the earth for eternity, suffering from the torment of his sins. The curse symbolizes the consequences of pride and the importance of understanding dharma (righteousness). Ashwatthama’s story represents the tragic consequences of actions that go against the laws of dharma.

In the context of Ashwatthama Avatar of Lord Shiva, it is believed that Lord Shiva took the form of Ashwatthama in the aftermath of the war to show the divine will behind karma and justice. While Ashwatthama as a mortal is trapped in his curse, Lord Shiva’s connection to him represents the embodiment of divine power, justice, and redemption.

The worship of Ashwatthama Avatar is not as prevalent as other forms of Lord Shiva. However, some traditions consider Ashwatthama’s role in the Mahabharata as a reminder of the consequences of bad actions and the importance of seeking divine forgiveness.

People who seek protection from the consequences of their actions, or those who are involved in justice or karmic-based rituals, sometimes invoke the Ashwatthama form of Shiva. It is also believed that worshipping Lord Shiva in the form of Ashwatthama helps in cleansing one’s karmic burdens and seeking redemption.

The Ashwatthama Mantra is sometimes recited for protection from enemies, harm, and to overcome challenges that seem unmanageable.