PURPORT

Contradictory opinions of different persons were impossible to be carried on. Therefore the via media way was selected by Arjuna by his sharp intelligence and he separated the jewel from the head of Aswathama which action is as good as to cut off his head and yet his life was saved for all practical purpose. Here Aswathama is indicated as the twice born. Certainly he was twice born but he fell down from his position and therefore he was properly punished.