The Blessing of Parashurama upon Drona (Mahabharata Series 31)

The Blessing of Parashurama upon Drona

Kripi, the sister of Kripacharya, proved to be a devoted and supportive wife to Drona. A noble and virtuous woman, she assisted her husband diligently in all sacred duties—be it during the observance of Agnihotra, the performance of dharma, or in maintaining discipline during periods of austerity. She was deeply committed to vows and righteous conduct.

In due course, she gave birth to a radiant son. The moment the child was born, he neighed like the celestial horse Uchchaihshravas, and his voice echoed across the quarters. At that very moment, a divine voice proclaimed:

“Since this child’s cry resounds like the neighing of a horse at birth, he shall be known to the world as Ashwatthama.”

Drona’s Life and Aspiration

As Ashwatthama grew, Drona observed with great satisfaction the boy’s brilliance and keen interest in learning. For many years, Drona led a peaceful life in the hermitage of Sage Bharadvaja, dedicating himself to the study and teaching of Dhanurveda.

During this time, news spread across the land that the great warrior-sage Parashurama, the son of Jamadagni—renowned as the destroyer of oppressive Kshatriyas and a master of all scriptures and weapons—was giving away all his wealth and possessions, including the entire earth bounded by the seas, to Brahmins.

Hearing this, Sage Kashyapa approached Parashurama and accepted the great gift. Drona, who was also worthy of receiving such a gift due to his austerities, resolved to visit Parashurama. However, Drona’s intent was not merely to acquire material wealth—he aspired to gain the supreme knowledge of divine weapons and the deeper principles of warfare and ethics from Parashurama.

Drona Meets Parashurama

Accompanied by his disciples, Drona journeyed to Mount Mahendra, where Parashurama resided. There he beheld the great ascetic, endowed with self-control and spiritual brilliance.

Approaching him with reverence, Drona introduced himself:

“I am Drona, born in the lineage of Angirasa, and I bow before you.”

At that time, Parashurama had already given away all his possessions and was preparing to retire into the forest, holding only his kamandalu and deer-skin.

Drona spoke with humility:

“O Bhagavan! I am Drona, son of Bharadvaja. I have come to receive your gift.”

Parashurama, the noble descendant of Bhrigu, replied:

“O best among Brahmins! You are welcome. Tell me, what do you desire?”

Drona said:

“O great sage! I seek from you abundant wealth.”

The Supreme Gift

Parashurama then responded:

“Drona, time has passed. All my wealth—gold, jewels, and vast lands—has already been given away to Brahmins and to Kashyapa. However, I shall not turn away one who has come seeking. Two things alone remain with me: my knowledge of weapons, and this body. Choose whichever you desire.”

Deeply admiring Parashurama’s unparalleled generosity, Drona made his choice:

“O revered one! Kindly grant me, in their entirety, all your divine weapons—along with the knowledge of their use, withdrawal, and the secret principles governing them.”

Transmission of Divine Knowledge

Pleased with Drona’s request, Parashurama sat down, performed Achamana, and with sacred resolve imparted to Drona the complete knowledge of all celestial weapons (Astras). He taught not only their invocation but also the precise methods of deployment, withdrawal, and the sacred disciplines governing their use.

In essence, Parashurama bestowed upon Drona the entire science of Dhanurveda.

As this transmission took place, the presiding deities of the weapons themselves became aligned with Drona, accepting him as their rightful master.

Drona Sets Forth

Thus, fully accomplished and empowered, Drona became Kritastra—one who had mastered all weapons. Having fulfilled his purpose, he departed from Mahendra Mountain and set out toward the kingdom of his childhood friend, Drupada, marking the beginning of a new and significant chapter in his life.