Ekalavya’s Devotion to His Guru (Mahabharata Series 37)

Ekalavya’s Devotion to His Guru

Believing the clay image of Drona to be his true guru, Ekalavya worshipped it with deep reverence and unwavering devotion. Through relentless practice, he attained extraordinary mastery in archery, especially in releasing, drawing, and aiming arrows with unmatched precision.

One day, the Kuru princes, having received permission from Drona, went hunting in the forest. Their attendants accompanied them along with a hunting dog. As the princes pursued wild animals, the dog wandered through the woods and eventually reached the place where Ekalavya was practicing archery.

The dog noticed the dark-complexioned ascetic youth clad in black deer skin and wearing matted locks. Barking loudly, it disturbed the silence of the forest. Before the dog could continue barking, Ekalavya swiftly released seven arrows into its mouth with astonishing skill. The arrows completely sealed the dog’s barking without injuring it in the slightest.

Terrified yet unharmed, the dog ran back to the Pandavas with the arrows still lodged perfectly in its mouth. The princes were astonished by the unimaginable precision of the feat. They carefully examined the arrows and realized that such mastery of sound-targeting archery was beyond ordinary human capability. Feeling humbled, they became eager to meet the archer responsible for this extraordinary display.

Searching through the forest, the princes eventually found Ekalavya immersed in uninterrupted archery practice. His focus was so intense that he barely noticed their arrival. After some time, they questioned him:

“Who are you? What is your lineage?”

Ekalavya respectfully replied:

“O warriors! I am Ekalavya, son of Hiranyadhanus, the king of the Nishadas. Above all, I am a disciple of the great master Drona, under whose guidance I practice the science of archery.”

Having spoken thus, he resumed his practice.

The princes returned to Hastinapura and narrated the entire incident to Drona. Arjuna, however, became deeply troubled. In private, he approached his guru and humbly said:

“Master, you once embraced me and promised that I would become unparalleled in archery. If your words are true, how has Ekalavya, who also calls himself your disciple, become superior in the science of weapons?”

Drona reflected for a moment and then proceeded to the forest with Arjuna. There they beheld Ekalavya in intense practice. His body was covered with dust, his hair had become matted, and his clothes were worn and torn. Yet he remained completely absorbed in his training. Arrows flowed from his bow continuously like an unbroken stream, each striking its mark with flawless accuracy. To Drona and Arjuna, only the sound of the arrows cutting through the air could be perceived.

Drona himself was astonished by the Nishada prince’s dedication and skill.

The moment Ekalavya saw Drona approaching, he rushed forward, bowed low, and worshipped him with utmost reverence. Folding his hands, he stood humbly before the guru.

Drona then spoke:

“If you are truly my disciple, then offer me my guru dakshina.”