The Coronation of Yudhishthira as Crown Prince (Mahabharata Series 46)

The Coronation of Yudhishthira as Crown Prince (Mahabharata Series 46)

Drupada said to Drona:

> “O noble Brahmana! You have spoken words worthy of the valiant and the great. I am pleased with you and grateful to you. I desire to establish an everlasting friendship with you.”

Pleased by these words, Drona released Drupada from captivity. He honoured him with the respect due to a king and restored half of his kingdom to him.

Thus, Drupada became the ruler of Southern Panchala, the territory lying south of the Ganga and extending as far as the River Charmanwati. It was a prosperous and densely populated region, containing Kampilya, renowned as one of the finest cities, as well as another important city called Makandi.

Although Drupada spoke words of gratitude and friendship to Drona, his heart remained deeply hardened. He knew that it was impossible for him to defeat Drona through his own Kshatriya strength. From this realization arose a powerful desire within him—to obtain a son who would possess the strength and prowess necessary to defeat Drona.

Meanwhile, Drona began ruling Northern Panchala, the portion of Panchala that he had conquered, situated on the northern bank of the Ganga. Its capital was the city of **Ahichchhatra**.

Thus, the city of Ahichchhatra, conquered by Partha, was presented to Drona as his **Guru Dakshina**.

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Yudhishthira Becomes Crown Prince

A year passed.

Yudhishthira had won the deep affection and respect of the people. Recognizing his virtues and his popularity among the subjects, **Dhritarashtra performed the coronation of Yudhishthira as Yuvaraja—the Crown Prince of Hastinapura.**

Yudhishthira was described as:

> **धृतिस्थैर्यसहिष्णुत्वादानृशंस्यात्तथार्जवात् ।

> भृत्यानामनुकम्पार्थं तथैव स्थिरसाहृदात् ॥**

He was endowed with **fortitude, steadfastness, patience, compassion, gentleness, straightforwardness**, and many other noble qualities. He possessed an unwavering affection and concern for the people under his care.

It was these virtues that made Yudhishthira beloved by the citizens and worthy of the position of Crown Prince. Therefore, Dhritarashtra entrusted him with the responsibility of the kingdom.

Through his righteous conduct, good behaviour, and unwavering dedication to the welfare of his subjects, Yudhishthira earned a reputation as illustrious as that of his father, **King Pandu**.

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The Princes Continue Their Training

Meanwhile, the education and refinement of the other princes continued.

**Bhima** continued his training under **Balarama**, attaining exceptional mastery in **mace fighting, swordsmanship, and chariot warfare**. His already formidable strength grew to extraordinary proportions, making him one of the most powerful warriors of his time.

**Partha—Arjuna** emerged as unrivalled in **strength of grip, agility, and precision in striking targets**. He also became highly skilled in the use of various specialized arrows such as the **Kshura, Naracha, Bhalla, and Vipatha**.

These weapons had distinctive forms and purposes:

* **Kshura** – An arrow with a sharp, blade-like edge, resembling a barber's razor.

* **Naracha** – A straight, entirely metallic arrow with a sharp pointed head.

*“नाराचो लोह सायके”* — *Naracha refers to an iron arrow.*

* **Bhalla** – An arrow whose tip is shaped like a crescent moon.

* **Vipatha** – An arrow resembling a digging tool or pickaxe, capable of penetrating and breaking through the ground or other hard surfaces.

Thus, each prince continued to acquire mastery over different branches of warfare, while Arjuna's brilliance in archery grew ever more remarkable.

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Drona Asks Arjuna for His Guru Dakshina

One day, Drona was seated among the princes. Turning his attention toward Arjuna, he said:

> **“Arjuna! My teacher was Agnivesha, the master of archery and a disciple of the great sage Agastya. Through long years of devoted discipleship, I received from him the mighty weapon known as the Brahmashira.**

>

> **You, my foremost disciple, have received instruction from me in this invincible weapon. Having accepted this supreme knowledge from your teacher, you must now offer me your Guru Dakshina.”**

The moment he heard these words, Arjuna bowed at his teacher's feet and declared that he was ready to offer whatever Guru Dakshina Drona desired.

Then Drona said:

> **युद्धेऽहं प्रतियोद्धव्यो युध्यमानस्त्वयानघ ।**

“O sinless one! When I stand against you in battle, you must take up arms against me and fight me.”

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The Teacher's Far-Sighted Request

Drona was a Trikala-jna, one who possessed knowledge of the three divisions of time—past, present, and future.

He knew that because he was destined to stand on the side of Duryodhana, a day might come when he and his beloved disciple Arjuna would find themselves facing one another on the battlefield.

He also understood the depth of Arjuna's devotion toward his Guru. If, out of reverence and affection, Arjuna were ever to hesitate to raise his weapons against Drona, it could lead to grave consequences in the future.

Therefore, Drona deliberately placed this condition before Arjuna in the presence of all the princes.

He wished to ensure that Arjuna would never allow his devotion to his teacher to prevent him from fulfilling his duty as a warrior when the inevitable moment arrived.

Arjuna listened to his Guru's words with a calm and unwavering mind.

He replied:

“If that is indeed your wish, and if fulfilling it will truly please you, then I shall do exactly as you have commanded.”

With these words, Arjuna accepted his Guru's command without hesitation, placing his duty as a disciple and his devotion to Drona above every personal emotion.