Thread by @tathvamasi6

The formation of Padmavyuha in which Abhimanyu was caught

It is essential to understand the purpose of this particular strategy called Padmavyuha (commonly understood as Chakravyuha) which was used in the ancient vedic warfare. 1/6

Though it was accepted as a tool in WAR fare it was not endorsed by Kashtriya Dharma (as it was a trap,a group attack on individuals).
It was a deadly army arrangement,with a limited purpose. 2/6

Padmavyuha or the " lotus formation " was arranged in the shape of a lotus. It would close in on the (one to be trapped),petal by petal till it caught its victim in the centre, it would be impossible for the trapped to break out , this strategy was also used for protection 3/6

(like in the case of Jayadratha when he needed to be protected from Arjuna and his oath of killing him by sunset).
It was a no getaway situation,for the one trapped ,and a strongest fort for the one being protected .
The description of the Padmavyuha is given in 4/6

Srimadh Bagavatha

It was used only under uncontrollable circumstances,when adharma tried to overpower dharma .

AND that is the reason why few people, who the guru thought would use it with discretion, were taught this formation. 5/6

This formation in Kurukshetra war happened only after Beeshma fell,as he would have never allowed this adharma under his leadership. 6/6