Training of the Princes under Drona (Mahabharata Series 35)

Training of the Princes under Drona

Continuing his narration, Drona said, “Having been humiliated by Drupada, I came to Hastinapura in search of worthy students. I have also learned that you are seeking a master of archery to train the royal princes. Tell me, therefore, what I should do next.”

Bhishma listened to him with deep sympathy. Rejoicing inwardly that a truly qualified teacher had been found for his grandsons, he said:

“Revered Acharya Drona! From this moment onward, the princes of the Kuru lineage shall be under your guidance. You must instruct them in the science of archery. In Hastinapura, you will be honored and revered by all. Your heart’s desires shall find fulfillment here. It is our great fortune to have a teacher like you. The Kuru kingdom is truly blessed to have you as its guru, and we remain ever indebted to you.”

Pleased by Bhishma’s reverence, Drona stayed in the palace for some time. Soon, a well-equipped residence was arranged for him. On an auspicious day, Bhishma brought the princes before Drona and humbly requested:

“Kindly accept all of them as your disciples.”

Appropriate guru-dakshina was offered, and Drona, satisfied, accepted them with the words, “So be it.”

Thus began the formal training of the Kuru princes. 🏹

Drona’s Condition

One day, as the students sat before him after offering salutations, Drona spoke with solemn gravity:

“O princes, there is a deep desire in my heart. Only you, after mastering the science of archery under me, will be capable of fulfilling it. Therefore, you must promise me now that you will accomplish my wish when the time comes.”

Hearing this, the Kaurava princes remained silent.

In that profound silence, only Arjuna rose, bowed to his teacher, and declared firmly:

“Acharya! No matter how difficult your wish may be, I shall fulfill it. This is my vow.”

Overwhelmed with joy, Drona embraced Arjuna, kissed his forehead, and blessed him with tears of pride. Yet, he did not reveal his desire—and Arjuna did not ask.

Rise of Arjuna and Rivalries

Drona went on to teach both celestial (divyastras) and conventional weapons to the Kuru princes. His fame spread far and wide, drawing princes from many lands to study under him, including the Yadavas and Vrishnis.

Among the students was Karna, whose arrival intensified rivalry within the group. Until then, Arjuna had been unrivaled in skill. Now, Karna alone stood as his equal in martial prowess. Aligning himself with Duryodhana, Karna often sought opportunities to insult the Pandavas, much to Duryodhana’s delight.

Meanwhile, Arjuna remained wholly devoted to his teacher, diligently absorbing every instruction and excelling through relentless practice. Though Drona taught all his students equally, none could match Arjuna’s precision, control, and mastery in archery.

In Drona’s mind, it became certain—among all his disciples, none equaled Arjuna, who shone like the son of Indra himself. 🌟