M128 - Drona Becomes Guru for Kuru Princes

Seeing the princes enter adolescence, Bhishma began searching for a suitable teacher to tutor them in the science of warfare. One day, while the Kuru princes were playing with ball, it fell into the well. They gathered around the well to figure out a way to retrieve the ball. Drona who was on his way to meet kripa(brother-in-law), noticed the boys. Drona teased them by saying that it was shameful that the princes belonging to the Bhrata race could not retrieve the ball. He said that he would throw his ring also in the well and retrieve both the ball and the ring, using just a blade of grass, if only the princes could offer him a dinner that evening.

Drona threw his ring into the dry well. He showed the princes the blades of grass he was carrying in his hand and told them that he would empower those grasses with his Mantras, make one blade of grass pierce the ball, create a chain using a few more blades and then pull up the ball. bring up the ball. He did exactly that. He then pierced the ring by shooting an arrow from his bow and the bow returned to him with the ring.

Astonished by these feats, the princes wanted to know who he was and what they could do for him. Drona told the princes to describe his appearance and incident happened to Bhishma, who would be able to identify him.


Understanding the person to be of great skill, the boys apologized for their ignorance.When the princes narrated their experience to Bhishma, he immediately recognised that it was Drona. He also thought that Drona would be the best teacher for the princes. He went to Drona and brought him to the palace. When he asked Drona how he came to reside in Hastinapura, Drona narrated his story. He said that after he was humiliated by King Drupada. By narating his story in private saying they made a close friendship, and were always looking after each other. He always told me that he was the favorite of his father, and that one day he would inherit the kingdom. Because we were close friends, he promised me that some day half his kingdom would be mine. After he finished his studies, he left for his own country.In time, Drona continued, I married Krpi, the daughter of the sage Gautama, and begot a son named Ashvatthama. Because of poverty I could not even feed my son and therefore, I went to the kingdom of the Panchalas to see my old friend, Drupada. When I entered the royal court, I greeted him joyfully, among men, It is Drona, your old friend.' Drupada was angered and derided me saying, You are certainly senseless, because you, a poor brahmana, are addressing me as your friend. My former friendship with you was for a particular reason. One of impure birth can never be a friend to one who is born of a high caste. Friendships can only exist between persons of equal rank. There cannot be friendship between the rich and the poor, or between a coward and a hero. O simpleton, great kings can never have friendships with poor and luckless fellows. I do not remember ever promising half my kingdom. I will, however, give you food and shelter for one night.' Unable to tolerate his abusive words, I quickly left his kingdom with a vow to win half his possessions. I have now desire to train competent students who can conquer the pride of this vain King.

After Dronacharya had detailed his purpose, Bhishma humbly implored him to take the sons of Pandu and Dhritarastra as your disciples and train the Kuru princes in the use of weapons. He provided house for Drona and made arrangements for his comfortable stay.  Later Dronacharya sets up his gurukul, this gurukul expanded and numerous princes came here for his teaching. This later formed the village called Gurugram(village of the guru) which is now the present day city of Gurgaon. Drona told the Kuru princes even at the outset, "I have a purpose in mind. Promise me that you will accomplish it for me after you become skilled in the use of arms. While all other princes remained silent, but Arjuna vowed  to fulfill his Guru's desire. Drona embraced him with joy.

Drona hugged Arjuna and shed tears of joy. Drona then taught the princes the use of many weapons including celestial weapons. Drona becomes the formal master of the kshatriyas-the Pandavas, the Kauravas, the Andhakas,the Bhojas and many other kshatriya clans.

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