Arjuna Receives the Brahmashira Weapon from Drona (Mahabharata Series 39)

Arjuna Receives the Brahmashira Weapon from Drona

Thereafter, Drona summoned all the other princes one by one and subjected them to the same test that Yudhishthira had undergone. To his disappointment, their responses were no different. None of them could maintain absolute focus on the target. Frustrated, Drona dismissed them from attempting the strike, saying, “None of you can hit the target—step aside.” Only Arjuna remained.

Drona then turned to Arjuna and instructed him to prepare for the test. As before, he ordered him to observe the target carefully and release the arrow only upon his command.

Arjuna stood with his bow drawn, aiming at the bird on the tree, waiting attentively for his guru’s instruction.

Drona asked:

“O Arjuna, do you see the bird on the tree, the tree itself, and me as well?”

Arjuna replied:

“No, Guru. I see neither you nor the tree. I see only the bird you have asked me to aim at.”

Drona, pleased inwardly, asked further:

“If you see only the bird, describe it.”

Arjuna answered:

“Revered Guru, I see only the head of the bird; nothing else is visible to me.”

Overjoyed with his disciple’s perfect concentration, Drona immediately commanded:

“Shoot!”

The moment the command was given, Arjuna released the arrow, and the head of the artificial bird was instantly severed and fell to the ground. Drona embraced Arjuna with great joy, tears of pride flowing from his eyes.

Drona’s Test with the Crocodile

Some days later, Drona went to the river Ganga for bathing along with his disciples. As soon as he entered the water, a crocodile suddenly seized his knee with great force. Though Drona was capable of freeing himself, he chose to test his students and cried out:

“The crocodile is dragging me away! Quickly, save me!”

All the princes stood in panic, unable to act. Only Arjuna responded instantly. Hearing his guru’s cry, he swiftly strung his bow, released five sharp arrows in quick succession, and struck the crocodile. The creature was slain immediately, releasing Drona’s knee.

Thus, once again, Arjuna proved to be the greatest among all disciples.

Drona Rewards Arjuna with the Brahmashira Astra

Freed from the crocodile’s grip, Drona emerged from the river and addressed Arjuna with deep satisfaction:

“O mighty-armed one, pleased with your skill and devotion, I bestow upon you the Brahmashira, the supreme missile. I shall teach you its invocation and withdrawal in complete secrecy.”

He continued:

“There is no weapon equal to this in the three worlds. It must never be used against ordinary beings or those of lesser strength. If misused, it can destroy the entire world. It should only be employed against a supremely powerful and invincible enemy in battle.”

Arjuna solemnly promised to follow his guru’s instructions and received the divine weapon with folded hands and reverence.

Drona then blessed him:

“O Partha, in the science of archery, there is none equal to you in this world. No one will ever be able to defeat you.”

Completion of Training

Thus, the training of the Kuru princes in the art of warfare was completed. Drona then approached King Dhritarashtra, who was surrounded by Kshatriya elders such as Kripa, Somadatta, Bahlika, Vidura, Vyasa, and Bhishma, and said:

“O King, the training of the princes in the science of arms is now complete. If you permit, they are ready to display their skills.”