Why did Shiva help Ashwathama just before the last night before the great battle?

Why did Shiva help Ashwathama just before the last night before the great battle? Shiva helped Aswathama for valid reason Aswathama failed to enter Pandava,Panchala camp protected by Mahadev. He was depressed and attempted to offer himself in the altar to the three eyed lord. Mahadev appeared before him and said. Beholding him stand immovable and with uplifted hands and as an offering up to himself, the divine Mahadeva appeared in person and smilingly said, "With truth, purity, sincerity, resignation, ascetic austerities, vows, forgiveness, devotion, patience, thought, and word, I have been duly adored by Krishna of pure deeds. For this there is none dearer to me than Krishna. For honouring him and at his word I have protected the Pancalas and displayed diverse kinds of illusion. By protecting the Pancalas I have honoured him. They have, however, been afflicted by time. The period of their lives hath run out." Section 7 Sauptika parva kRRitastasyaiSha saMmAnaH pA~nchAlAnrakShatA mayA | abhibhUtAstu kAlena naiShAmadyAsti jIvitam || 63|| Bori critical Edition Sauptika parva section 7 Shiva told Aswathama that he protected Pancalas and others to keep his word to Krishna who was dearer to him. He assured him that the life span of Panchalas and others at the camp ran out and hence they could be killed by Aswathama. So Shiva helped Aswathama carry out his task because the people inside the camp,including UPA Pandavas completed their lifetime on earth. My answer is based on story of Vyasa Bharat 23.3K views View 66 upvotes View 1 share