Dronacharya

Dronacharya

Dronacharya played an important role in Mahabharata. He became the mentor of  Kauravas and Pandavas when Bhishma insisting him. Dronacharya's favorite disciple was Arjuna but he fought against Pandavas in Mahabharata battle.
Dronacharya was considered an incarnation of Brihaspati and an advanced military arts expert and had divine weapons.

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Dronacharya Birth Story

Dronacharya's birth story is quite a strange one. It is said that Once Maharishi Bhardwaj went to bathe in the Ganges in the morning, he saw an apsara named Ghritachi coming out of the water. Seeing this, he had a disorder and started ejaculating his seed. Seeing this, he collected his seed in a vessel called Drona. Dronacharya was born out of that vessel.

Maharishi Bhardwaj had already taught firearms to his disciple Agniveshya. At the behest of his mentor, Agniveshya taught Drona the igneous weapon.

Dronacharya's family

When getting younger, Drona married Kripi who was the sister of Kripacharya. Later on they had a child whom they called Ashwatthama. There is a story behind the name Ashwatthama, it is said that when Ashwatthama born he neighed like a house that is why he was named Ashwatthama. He is the only son to Drona so he always cares for him a lot.

Who was Drona's Mentor

Dronacharya's initial education took place at his father's Ashram. So Maharishi Bhardwaj was his first Mentor who taught him about religion, warfare, archery, and other subjects. Soon Dronacharya gets expertise in all the subjects.

After completing his primary education, Dronacharya went to Lord Parshurama for further martial arts training. Parshurama had decided that he would only train Brahmans so that they can self defend themself. So when he came to know that Dronacharya was a Brahman, he agreed to teach him. There Dronacharya gets all Divya-Astra (Lethal weapon) from lord Parshurama and learned how to use them.

Read more about Lord Parshurama

Dronacharya and Drupada Story

I think this story is a major part of Dronacharya's life. The story begins with the Bhardwaj Ashram when Dronacharya was a kid. As I said initially he took his education from his father. There in the ashram there is a prince called Drupada. Slowly with time Dronacharya and Drupada become a best friend.

As both Dronacharya and Drupada most of their time spent together, one day Drona looks a little worried about his future. So Drupada simply asked him the reason for his worry. To this Dronacharya replied that I am worried to think that what will happen when I will leave this ashram and how I fulfilled my basic needs.

Drupada said don't worry my friend I promise you that the day I will become King, I will give you half of my kingdom to you. Although they both were kids at that time Dronacharya took his promise seriously.

Time runs so fast when it is good. so both grow up. Drupada becomes the king of Panchal on the other side Dronacharya get married and had a baby. But the condition of Dronacharya was not good. They were surviving in a very difficult situation. they were so poor that sometime they won't afford a one-time meal.

One day when he found that situation is out of control so he decided to go to get some help from his friend. When he reached the king's palace in Panchal, he had been stopped by the guards and you couldn't go inside. Then he told them that he is Dronacharya an old friend of King Drupada. 

One of the soldiers went inside and give this message to the Drupada who was in conference with his ministers,  prime minister, and other leaders. So he called Dronacharya in the conference and asked what the issue for which he came here.

Dronacharya told him about his struggling life for survival and also remind Drupada of his promise that he would give him half of his kingdom. Drupada laughed and said friendship happens between people with equal status. We were a kid at that time when I promised you. You have taken those childhood statements so seriously. 

Being a brahman if you bag something like gold or silver that I can give you but forgot about friendship and half kingdom. Dronacharya feels insulted and said that I came to meet my old friend but now you are an arrogant king and you have to pay for your rude behavior and my insult and return back home.

After the return from Panchal Dronacharya moved to Hastinapura with his family where Kripi's brother lived. Kripacharya was the Kulguru of Hastinapur. 

How Dronacharya become Mentor of Kauravas and Pandavas

In the epic Mahabharata serial (by BR Chopra) it is very well shown how Dronacharya become Mentor of Kauravas and Pandavas. One day when Kauravas and Pandavas were playing with a ball in the field.  During the play the ball falls down in a well and everyone there was unable to take it out.

Dronacharya was passing from there he saw all of them surrounded by the well asked what happened then One of the princes said that our ball has fallen in the well and we are unable to take it out. Then Arjuna asked could you help us to bring the ball out of this well. Dronacharya agreed and ordered them to bring some bamboos. They went and returned with bamboo. then Dronacharya throws bamboos one over other and they all stick together with the ball and formed a continuous rope-like structure by which he brings the ball out of the well.

This story Arjuna told the Pitamah Bhishma, Bhishma understood immediately that he could only be the Lord Parshurama student Dronacharya. So he immediately went to their place where Dronacharya was in his performing his meditating activity and requested him to be the Mentor of Kuru Princes and teach them Martial arts. This is how Dronacharya become Mentor of Kauravas and Pandavas.

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Dronacharya and Arjuna 

Among all the Kauravas and Pandavas, Arjuna was Drona's Favorite Disciple. With time Dronacharya saw certain qualities of Arjuna that could made him a great warrior. The very first incident starts when Dronacharya took a test of all the Kuru princes. He put a bird on a tree and asked all the Kuru princes one by one that what you. Everyone gave a different answer but Dronacharya didn't satisfied.

It was now Arjuna's turn he asked the same question to him, Arjuna replied that I can only see bird's eye. Dronacharya was very impressed with this answer and order him to aim the bird's eye and Arjuna hit the target.

Dronacharya was very impressed with the Arjuna archery skills so he starts teaching Arjuna about Divya-Astra (Weapons) and their uses. HE taught him all the Viyuhas and how to tackle these during battle. Although Ashwatthama was upset with his father's biased nature and once asked his father about this. Arjuna had all the skills that a great warrior must have but Ashwatthama was not convinced then he told him tomorrow I will prove this.

The next day Guru Dronacharya went into the river and start worshiping and created an illusionist crocodile with his powers and that crocodile attacked on him, Dronacharya asked for help. Everyone, there was looking here and there and was terrified but Arjuna come ahead and he Killed the Crocodile with his Arrows. Then Dronacharya came out and said I am just testing you all and only Arjuna passed this test and he promised Arjuna that he will make him world the greatest archer.

Read more about Different names of Arjuna

Dronacharya and Ekalavya story

This incident happened at the time when Ekalavya was practicing archery. There suddenly appears a dog that actually lost his way and starts barking which distorted Ekalavya concentration. So Ekalavya sealed his mouth with arrows in such a way that dog didn't hurt a bit. After this dog moved from there in the mid both Arjuna And Dronacharya were going, they saw that dog and was amazed by the archery skills and start searching who did this. 

They went to that field where Ekalavya was practicing for his archery. When he saw Guru Dronacharya, he touches their feet. I am impressed with your archery skills who is your Guru (Mentor)?

Ekalavya said you are my Mentor. Dronacharya said I never taught you anything then how could I be your Mentor. 

Ekalavya said I made a statue of your and practicing archery in front of it. This statue gave me strength and motivation. Dronacharya said then you must give me Gurudakshina. Ekalavya said Mentor what can I do for you, Drona said to give your right-hand thumb in Gurudakshina. Ekalavya didn't afraid and immediately cut his thumb and put it in his Guru's feet. 

There is another saying that Dronacharya didn't ask Ekalavya's thumb but his promise that whenever in future there will be a fight he will not participate in it perhaps Dronacharya knew that might be in future Kauravas and Pandavas would have a battle for the throne. So Ekalavya said by asking this promise you asked me my thumb as if I can't participate in battle then this archery skill is of no use for me.

Dronacharya's Guru-Dakshina

After finishing their martial arts training Dronacharya informed Bhishma about this. Bhishma asked to Dronacharya about Gurudakshina then he said I asked this to my students. Bhishma said they are kids what they could give you then Drona said I asked only what they are capable of. Then Dronacharya gathered their students and asked them to bring Drupada before him alive. 

Duryodhana said being the Hastinapur king's elder son First Kauravas will give you guru-Dakshina. Dronacharya agreed and gave him permission. Arjuna was disappointed and angry as Pandavas didn't get the first chance. Looking at Arjuna, Dronacharya asked why are you so upset Arjuna? Arjuna replied why don't you send us?

Dronacharya said that your education has been completed but Duryodhana yet to learn one lesson i,e, honer, and arrogance. Arrogance is the biggest enemy of a warrior.

The first attack was made by Duryodhana with his brothers. They started killing soldiers and other people coming in their ways. When Drupada got the information about the attack, he and his brothers went for battle with his army. It was very difficult to defeat Drupada in the battle. The more soldiers Kauravas killed, the more will come for battle.

Duryodhana saw that if we still continue this battle then we could pay badly. So they all returned empty-handed before Dronacharya. Dronacharya said that the person who is proud of his valor is sure to lose. Then Pandavas asked for permission, Duryodhana said, how will these five Pandavas win the war we could not win?

Now Pandavas went for battle and challenge Drupada, he also came with his army, and the battle started. Soon Drupada realized the power of Arjuna, he destroyed all his army and captured Drupada and presented it before his master.

Dronacharaya said Drupada that you didn't even equal to my Disciples who defeated you in battle. I am still the same Brahman and you are my friend. you broke your promise but I'll keep mine. What is mine is also yours? So I returned your half kingdom and keep the other half.

Dronacharya took part from Kauravas side in Mahabharata battle

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The first question arises why Dronacharya took part from the Kauravas side while he was very well aware that Pandavas are on the right path? The very first reason was Ashwatthama whom he loved the most and he was more prone towards Duryodhana.

The 2nd reason was Dronacharya was bound to protect Hastinapur and he also wanna repay what Dhritrashtra had given him when he had nothing.

Read more About Name list of all Kauravas
Read more About Duryodhana little known facts

Violation of Rules made by Bhishma

Mahabharata battle is a kind of unique battle and it had certain rules to follow as per Bhishma (the commander and chief of Kauravas). But soon after Bhishma when Dronacharya became commander and chief rules start broken. 

The first case appeared when Dronacharya created Chakraviyuh to execute Yudhisthira but saved by Abhimanyu who knew how to enter into the Chakraviyuh and thus all Pandavas followed him but they couldn't break the 6th door on which Jayadratha was a protector. 

Abhimanyu was alone against GuruDronacharya, Karna, Duryodhana, Kripacharya, Ashwatthama, etc. Abhimanyu was so skilled that one on one it was seemed difficult for all the warriors to kill him. So they offended the rules and start attacking together which he couldn't defend and at last, left his body. After this incident both sides were ready to go whatever it takes for winning this battle.

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Dronacharya can't be killed legally

Killing Dronacharya in the battle by following the rules was impossible and Lord Krishna knew This.

Drona was flesh with all the divine weapons that one great warrior could have. He had given a sword name Asi by his father Bhardwaj. 

He had Brahma-Astra which he wanted to use one day in the battle but Lord Brahma appeared and told him not to use this weapon. Other than that he had so many other Divya-Astra which no other warrior had in this Mahabharata battle. 

Who killed Dronacharya

Dronacharya was killed by Dhristdyumna who was the son of Drupada. Actually when Drona left Drupada alive, he wanted revenge from Dronacharya. His life had only one aim; to find a way to avenge himself.

He began to hope for a son who would kill Drona but such a son can only be conceived through meditation and prayers. So went to meet a sage asked him for blessings. The sage said I don't have what you want. Drupada said I just want a son, to this sage replied no, you want a weapon in the pretext of a son who can kill Drona. 

Sage tried to make him understand that "when someone's aim is revenge his intelligence gets destroyed. You are asking for a curse which I can't give you. life is priceless, revenge can not be its only aim. But Drupada not ready to listen to anything then sage said then you go to my elder brother sage Yaaj, he can fulfill your desire.

He then went to sage Yaaj and asked him a son who could revenge to Sage Drona. I am ready to serve you the way you want. Sage Yaaj said what is written by god can't be denied so I'll help you. And they together perform a Yagna from which Dhristdyumna and Draupadi appeared.

Dronacharya in Mahabharata battle

Now, lets moved on to Mahabharat battle where Dronacharya died. After Bhishma, Dronacharya became the commander of the Kaurava army. Dronacharya is a formidable warrior who must be removed for a safe victory for the Pandavas. Duryodhana knew that he won't kill Pandavas as well so he said to Drona that if you capture Yudhisthira then this Battle will be over and you would not have to kill Pandavas. Dronacharya Agreed to this.

11th Day of Mahabharata Battle

On day 11th the main focus of Kauravas is to capture Yudhisthira. Drona concerned everyone coming in his ways and moving ahead towards Yudhishthira. Arjuna was fighting with a little mile away. Soon he heard the panicking in Pandavas as Drona is about to capture Yudhisthira Arjuna came in between and challenged Drona and defeat all other Kaurava Army and saved Yudhisthira.

12th Day of Mahabharata Battle

During night meeting Kauravas and Drona decide that in order to capture Yudhisthira, we need to get rid of Arjuna. Then Susharma said I will make sure while you were moving towards Yudhisthira, Arjuna will not be nearby. So as per the strategy Susarma challenge Arjuna for battle. Arjuna accepts the challenge the start fighting with Susharma.

Meanwhile, Drona showed what is he capable of and defeated Satyaki, Dhristdyumna, Sikhandi, and Bheema. Susharma fighter for a while but could not hold Arjuna longer and after defeating him Arjuna came back near Yudhishthira for his Protection.

Duryodhana was very upset with Dronacharya and claimed him for his Failures. Drona lost his Temperament and said till now you are also not able to harm any of the Pandavas so do you doubt your loyalty. Tomorrow we will execute Chakaraviyuh and the only arjuna Knows how to Break it.     Susharma then takes a pledge that tomorrow I'll fight Arjuna as my last fight and I will take him so far that he couldn't manage to come back.

13th Day of Mahabharata Battle

The battle starts with the conch and Susharma as per his pledge challenged Arjuna and said today will be your last day Arjuna. If you are a true warrior then come and fight with me. Arjuna in anger said yesterday I left you but today you will be dead and a battle started. Slowly when Susharma took Arjuna a bit far, Dronacharyaexecuted Chakaraviyuh.

Pandava saw the Chakaraviyuh and start panicking as no one Knew how to destroy this Viyuh. Everyone hoping that Arjuna will return soon. Suddenly Abhimanyu came in front of Yudhisthira and said I know how to enter into the Chakaraviyuh but don't know how to exit. Then Yudhisthira said we will follow you and enter with you so that we all together manage to exit safely.

But the fate had already written for Abhimanyu when he entered through the 6th door, Jayadratha stopped the rest of the Pandavas as he was boon by Lord Shiva. Abhimanyu was so skilled that one on one it was seemed difficult for all the warriors to kill him. So they offended the rules and start attacking together which he couldn't defend and at last, left his body. After this incident both sides were ready to go whatever it takes for winning this battle.

When Arjuna came to know this that because of Jayadratha, Pandavas couldn't save Abhimanyu then he took a pledge to kill before sunset and if he didn't do that then he would burn himself in the fire.

14th Day of Mahabharata Battle

In order to save Jayadratha Dronacharaya executed  3 united Viyuhas to protect Jayadratha, first was Shaktavuha then PadmaViyuh, and the last was SrigantakaViyuh and in the back of it was Jayadratha and stood.

Arjuna Fightly furiously and destroyed everyone but time was running and still there was no clue where Jayadratha was hiding. When Lord Krishna saw that he couldn't find Jayadratha this way and Arjuna was required to win Kurukshetra (Mahabharata battle took place in Kurukshetra)  battle, so did a trick just a few minutes before the sunset Lord Krishna created such an illusion that it felt as if the sunset had occurred and all the Kauravas started celebration and Jayadratha also came out to see Arjuna die.

Arjuna was upset with himself then suddenly the sun again start shining and Krishna told Arjuna that makes sure Jayadratha's head should not be touch to the ground otherwise his head would also blast. So Arjuna Shoot the arrow with such power that Jayadratha head straight went down in his father's lap and as soon as Jayadratha's father got scared of it and got up, Jayadratha's head hit the ground and his father's head also exploded.

15th day of Mahabharata battle

Because of his failure again and again and Duryodhana's poisonous taunts, Dronacharya was unstoppable on the 15th day and had killed many soldiers, kings, and other warriors.

Krishna told the Pandavas that it is impossible to get rid of Drona, so unless they are armed. Only Arjun can counter his weapons but cannot remove them, Arjun is his favorite student. Dronacharya can be defeated only when he is unarmed.

Krishna said in today's battle, no one can defeat Drona. The only way to remove Drona is to convince him that his son, Ashwathama, is dead. If he believes that his son has died, he will drop his weapon, and then we can get rid of him. Arjuna, Sorry But I cannot use unfair means to kill my teacher and I do not want to win this war at the cost of sin.

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Krishna to Arjuna, Your religion is to fight against unrighteousness, so all you have to do is complete the task given to you. Do not make a hypothetical analysis of the result, because you have no control over the result.

Krishna to Yudhishthira, If any person can help religion today, it is you. You are the symbol of religion and religiosity and therefore religion is looking for answers to you. The irony is that you have to tweak religion to restore it. will you help?

Yudhisthira, If there is no other way to restore religion, then I will bear the burden of this sin on my shoulders. Then Krishna pointing to an elephant and asked Bheema, Do you know the name of that elephant? Bheema, I do. His name is Ashwatthama.

Bheema goes ahead and kills the elephant. He then goes to the center of the battlefield and declares that he killed Ashwathama.

A distressed Drona refused to believe him. He moved towards Yudhishthira. Dronacharya said  Yudhishthira, I have come here for the truth. Is it true that my son is not Ashwathama?

Yudhisthira said in Sanskrit, Ashwatthama (and then he grumbling) Iti Narova Kunjrova. Yes Ashwatthama is dead but I do not know if he has a man or an elephant.

A moving Drona lost the will to fight. He listens with half ears and loses the will to live. He dropped his arms and sat in deep meditation. His soul went on a journey to heaven in search of Ashwathama's soul. The commander of the Pandava army Dhiradhyadhuman jumps from his chariot and kills Drona with his sword.

When Ashwathama came to know of his father's death, he was angered and released a dangerous weapon - "Narayana-Astra". This weapon can never be stopped with any other weapon and anyone who tries to counter this weapon will surely die.

Krishna said there only way to save from Narayana-Astra Just drop your weapons and salute it. If you do not fight it, then this weapon will not do any harm.

On the instruction of Krishna, all the soldiers, except Bhima, dropped their weapons. Bhima threw his mace and ran towards Ashwathama and Narayanastra covered him since he was armed. Krishna ran to the rescue and pulled the mace out of his hand. Narayanastra withdrew, as it would not harm anyone who was not armed and hostile.

Ashwathama could not use Narayanastra as it can only be used once. Although Arjuna was very angry on Dhristdyumna as he killed his mentor when he was unarmed. Later Ashwatthama killed Dhritdyumna when he was sleeping and unarmed.

Duru Drona was considered one of the best Mentor at that time and that is why in recent times we honor our best couches with Dronacharya Award in order to motivate them for thanksgiving as they shared their knowledge.

Lesson from Dronacharya's life

The biggest lesson one can learn from Gurudrona's life is that revenge can only lead you towards destruction. Our life aim must not only be revenge on someone. 

If someone hurt you and you really want revenge then improve your skills and proved the world that you are better then him.