| Philosophy and Religion / Mahabharata |
Mahabharata
Sambhava Parva (XIV)
Bhima's drinking of Ambrosia. Return of Bhima. Birth of Kripa. Colloquy of Drona and Bhishma. Drona's examination his pupils. Rescue of Drona from the alligator.
Vaishampayana said:
Then Bhishma, the king (Dhritarashtra) and Kunti with their friends, celebrated the Shraddha of Pandu and offered the ambrosial Pinda.
They feasted the Kurus and also many thousands of Brahmanas, whom they gave many gems and much wealth with many villages.
Thus being cleansed to Hastinapur with those best of the Bharata race, the sons of Pandu.
All the citizens and the people bewailed for that best of the Bharata race (Pandu), as if they had lost their own relative.
After the completion of the Shraddha Vyasa, seeing all the people plunged in grief, spoke to his bereaved and greatly afflicted mother (Satyavati) thus,
"The days of happiness are gone; the days of misery have come. Sin begins to increase day by day; the world has lost its youth.
The fearful Time, endued with many Mayas, full of various faults and loss of all virtuous acts, will now come.
By the evil doings of the Kurus the world will be destroyed; (therefore) go into the forest of asceticism, devoting yourself to Yoga meditation.
Do not be able witness of the terrible annihilation of your own race. Saying "Be it so," she entered the inner apartments and addressed her daughters-in-law thus.
"O Ambika, I have heard that inconsequence of the evil deeds of your grandsons, this Bharata dynasty with its subjects will perish.
If you give me permission, I shall go to the forest with Kausalya, so grieved at the loss of her son."
O descendant of the Bharata race, having said this to Ambika and taking the permission of Bhishma, Satyavati of excellent vows went to the forest with her daughter-in-law.
O best of the Bharata race, she performed severe asceticism. O great king, she then gave up her body and obtained heaven.
Then the sons of king Pandu, after performing all the purifying rites mentioned in the Vedas, began to grow up in a royal style in the house of their father.
They played in great joy with the sons of Dhritarashtra; and they excelled them all in the boyish sports with their superior strength.
In speed, in striking the object aimed at, in eating, in scattering dust, Bhimasena beat all the sons of Dhritarashtra.
O king, that son of Pandu (Bhima), when they were all engaged in sports, pulled them by the hair and made them fight with one another, laughing all the while. Vrikodara (Bhima) easily defeated those one hundred and one (Dhritarashtra's) sons of great energy, as if they were but one instead of one hundred and one. He sized them by the hair and throwing them down, he dragged them along the ground;
some breaking their knees, some their heads and some their shoulders.
When playing in the water, he sometimes seized ten of them by his arms and drowned them in the water. He left them off only when they were almost dead.
When they got upon a tree together fruits, Bhima shook the tree by striking it with his feet.
Being shaken and whirled by that shock, down came with all speed the princes with the fruits.
In speed, in pugilistic encounters, or in speed, the princes could not excel Bhima in any way.
Bhima thus prided himself by tormenting the sons of Dhritarashtra out of boyish pranks. In fact he had no ill will towards them.
Seeing these extraordinary exhibitions of strength by Bhima, the mighty armed eldest son of Dhritarashtra (Duryodhana), the conceived hostility towards him.
The wicked and unrighteous (Duryodhana), through ignorance and ambition (of possessing wealth), inclined to commit acts of sin.
(He thought), the son of Kunti, this Vrikodara (Bhima, this second Pandava, is the foremost in strength, I must destroy him by artifice.
The greatly strong and powerful Bhima challenges one hundred of us in pride.
Therefore, when he will be asleep in the gardens of the palace, we shall throw him into the Gangas. Afterwards confining his eldest brother Yudhisthira and his younger brother (Arjuna), I shall reign sole king over the earth." Duryodhana, having determined to do this wicked act, watched for an opportunity to injure Bhima.
O descendant of Bharata, he built for the purpose of water sport an extraordinary and beautiful palace.
With many rooms filled with all sorts of luxuries, decorated with hangings of broad cloth and with banners flying from its top.
O descendant of Bharata, its name was "water sport house" and it was situated in the country named Pramanakota.
The cooks, expert in wicked acts, kept there ready various kinds of viands (drinkable, likeable, chewable and suckable).
When all was ready, they gave information to the son of Dhritarashtra (Duryodhana.) Thereupon the wicked minded Duryodhana said to the Pandavas.
"Let us all brothers go to the banks of the Gangas, adorned with gardens and wood, there to sport in the water.
Yudhisthira replied by saying, "Let it be so." The Kurus with the Pandavas, mounted on cars resembling cities and on excellent native elephants, left the town. Arriving at that garden and wood, they dismissed their attendants. They surveyed the beauty of the garden and the wood; and then those heroes, all the brothers, entered the palace as lions enter the mountain caves.
On entering the palace they saw that its windows looked vary graceful; and its artificial water fountains were splendid. The architects had handsomely plastered the walls and the ceilings and the painters had painted them beautifully. There were tanks of pure water in which blossomed thousands of lotuses. Their banks were decked with various flowers whose fragrance filled the atmosphere and the grounds, were all over covered with the season flowers.
On entering the palace, all the Kurus and the Pandavas sat down and began to enjoy the luxurious things provided for them.
They then began to play and exchange morsels of food with one another. The wicked Duryodhana had mixed some virulent poison with the food of Bhimasena with the desire of making away with him.
That wicked youth, whose heart was a razor, but -vhose tongue was ambrosia, rose like a (loving) brother and friend. The wicked man himself red (Bhima) with a large quantity of it. Bhima too ate it, knowing that there was nothing wrong. Thereupon Duryodhana felt himself very happy in his mind; that worst of men thought that he had compassed his end.
They then, all the Pandavas and the Kurus, were joyfully engaged in sporting in the water.
At the end of the spot, they dressed themselves with white garments and decked themselves with various ornaments. In the evening the heroes, the supporters of the Kuru honour, felt themselves fatigued from the sport in the water and they resolved to rest in the pleasure house. Having made others exercise in the water; the powerful Bhima felt himself very much tired and occupying a large space he lay down on the ground.
He was fatigued and he was under the influence of the poison. The cool air spread the poison all over his body and the son of Pandu (Bhima) became senseless.
Duryodhana then himself bound Bhima with the cords of creepers and he then pushed from the land that dead like hero into the water.
The senseless Pandava (Bhima) sunk into the water and fell on the Naga boys in the abode of the Nagas. Thereupon, thousands of Nagas, endued with virulently poisonous fangs, began to bit Bhima.
Having been thus bitten, the virulent vegetable poison in his body was neutralised by the snake poison.
The serpents had bitten all over his body except his chest, the skin of which was so tough that their fangs could not penetrate it.
The son of Kunti (Bhima), having regained his consciousness, burst open the cords and he then pressed them (snakes) all under the ground. Some fled in boar and the rest, that escaped death from Bhima's hands, went and spoke to Vasuki, the king of the snakes, equal to Indra.
"O king of snakes, a certain man, bound with the cords of creepers, sank into water. Perhaps he drank poison, for he was insensible.
Finding him insensible, we began to bite him, but he soon regained his senses and burst open the cords. He then began to press up to the ground. You should inquire who is this greatly powerful man."
Thereupon, Vasuki, asked by the inferior Nagas, went there. And saw mighty armed Bhima of fearful deeds. There was a chief of the snakes, named Arka; he was the grandfather of the father of Pritha (Kunti); he saw the grandson of his grandson and embraced him. The greatly illustrious Vasuki was much pleased. The king of the snakes said, "What should we do to please him? Let him be given gems and wealth in profusion."
Having been thus addressed, the Naga (Arka) thus replied to Vasuki, "O king of the snakes, when you are pleased with him, he required no amassing of wealth.
When you are pleased, let this greatly powerful prince drink (of the vessel of) Rasa (ambrosia), in which vessel there is the strength of one thousand elephants.
Let this prince drink of it as much as he can." Vasuki replied to the Naga (Arka) "Be it
so.
Thereupon, purifying himself carefully, the Pandava Bhima sat facing the east and began to drink the Rasa. The Nagas performed auspicious rites.
At one breath that powerful man (Bhima) quaffed off a whole vessel; thus (one after the other) that son of Pandu quaffed off eight successive jars.
Thereupon, that chastiser of foes, that mighty armed Bhimasena lay down in happiness on a celestial bed given by the Nagas.
Vaishampayana said:
Here the Pandavas and the Kurus, after finishing their sports and pleasure, returned to Hastinapur without Bhima.
Some on horses, some on elephants and some preferring cars and other conveyances. They said, "Bhima must have gone before us." The wicked Duryodhana was glad not to see Bhima; and we entered the city with his brothers (in joy).
The virtuous minded Yudhisthira, himself being unacquainted with vice and wickedness considered others to be as honest as he himself was.
The son of Pritha, (Yudhisthira), full of filial love, went to his mother, Kunti and making obeisance to her he said, "Has Bhima come here?
O good mother, I do not see him here. Where has he gone? We sought for him long in the gardens and the woods. But we did not find Vrikodara any where. We thought in our mind that he had preceded us.
O illustrious lady, we have come here, our hearts being great anxiety. Coming here, where has he gone? Have you sent him any where?
O illustrious lady, O great one, tell me, I am full of doubts respecting the mighty hero, Bhima.
He was asleep and has not come, I believe Bhima is killed." Having been thus addressed by the intelligent son of Dharma (Yudhisthira), Kunti. Cried out "Alas! alas!" She then said to Yudhisthira in alarm, O son, I have not seen Bhima; he has not come to me.
Go soon with your brothers and make a careful search for him." Having said this in sorrowful heart to her eldest son. Kunti summoned Khattwa (Vidura) and spoke to him thus, "O illustrious Khattwa, I do not see Bhimasena. Where is he gone!
The others with all their brothers have returned from the gardens; only my mighty armed Bhima has not come.
He is always in the evil look of Duryodhana. The Kurus are all wicked, narrow minded, covetous for sovereignty and impudent.
They might have killed him in anger. Therefore, my mind is affected with anxiety and my heart bums.
Vidura said:
O blessed lady, do not say so. Protect the others (your sons) from the Kurus. It abused, the wicked minded (Duryodhana) may kill the rest (of your sons).
The great Rishi say that your sons would be long lived. (Therefore) that son (Bhima) will surely return and gladden your heart.
Vaishampayana said:
Having said this, the learned Vidura went (back) to his house. Kunti with her sons lived in her house in (great) anxiety.
The Pandava (Bhima) awoke from his sleep on the eight days and he left himself strong beyond measure by digesting that Rasa (ambrosia).
Seeing the Pandava (Bhima) awake the snakes consoled and cheered him and they spoke to him thus.
"O mighty armed hero, the strength giving Rasa (liquor) which you have drunk will give you the strength of ten thousand elephants and you will be invincible in battle.
O best of the Kuru race, bathe in this sacred and auspicious water and return home. Your brothers are disconsolate for your absence.
Thereupon the mighty armed (hero) became purified by a bath and decked himself with white garments and with white flowery garlands. He ate the Paramanya offered to him by the powerful Nagas. Then being adored and blessed by the Naga hero, the Pandava (Bhima), decked with various celestial ornaments, rose from the nether regions.
That chastiser of foes (Bhima) rose from the abode of the Nagas in delightful heart. The lotus eyed (hero), being upraised by the Nagas from the water, was placed in the self same gardens, where he had been sporting. They then vanished in his own sight.
The powerful Bhima, the son of Kunti, being thus arisen, ran to his mother with all speed.
Saluting her and his eldest brother, that chastiser of foes smelt the heads of his younger brothers.
He was embraced by his mother and by every one of those best of men. In filial love for one another they then exclaimed, "What joy! What great joy!"
Every thing about the villainy of Duryodhana was told to his brothers by the greatly powerful Bhima.
The Pandava (Bhima) told them in detail all about the lucky and unlucky incidents that befell him in the region of the Nagas.
Thereupon, king Yudhisthira spoke to Bhima these words of great import, "Keep your silence. Do not speak it out to any one in any way.
O sons of Kunti, you should protect one another with great care from this day." having said this, the mighty armed Dharmaraja Yudhisthira.
With all his brothers, became very vigilant from that day. And the virtuous minded Vidura gave the sons of Pritha (the Pandavas) good counsels.
Some time after, Duryodhana again mixed (with Bhima's food) poison which was fresh, virulent, fearful, hair stirring and deadly.
The son of the Vaishya women (their cousin Yuyutsu), being desirous of doing good to the sons of Pritha, informed them of it; but Vrikodara (Bhima) ate it and digested it.
Through that poison was greatly virulent, though it was intended for killing Bhima, it produced no effects on Bhima; he digested it.
Thereupon, Duryodhana, Karna and the son of Subala (Shakuni) adopted numerous other means to kill that Pandava (Bhima).
The Pandavas, though they were aware of all this, did express no indignation as advised by Vidura.
King Dhritrasthra to search Kripacharya born of race of Gautama, who was originated from arrows for giving the education of their Kumar's engaged in playing and were impertinent. Accepting them as a preceptor they handed over Kumar's of Kuru race to him. They started the teaching of Dhanurveda (archery).
Janamejaya said:
O Brahmana, you should relate to me the account of the birth of Kripa. How did he spring from a clump of health? Whence did he obtain his weapons?
Vaishampayana said:
O great king, the great Rishi Gautama had a son, named Sharadvana. This son of Gautama was born with arrows. O chastiser of foes, he had not as much aptitude for the study of the Vedas, as he had for the study of the science of weapons.
As Brahmacharis acquire knowledge by austerities, so he acquired all his weapons by austerities.
That son of Gautama frightened the king of celestial by his aptitude for the science of weapons and austerities.
O descendant of Kuru, the king of the celestial summoned a celestial maiden named Janapadi and told her, "Destroy the penances (of Sharadvata).
She went to the charming hermitage of Sharadvata; and that damsel began there to tempt the son of Gautama (sitting) with bows and arrows.
Seeing that Apsara of matchless beauty on earth clad in a single cloth (roaming) alone in that wood, Gautama's eyes danced in delight.
Seeing her, his body shook all over with emotion and his bow and arrows slipped from his hands and fell on the ground.
But he was possessed of ascetic fortitude and strength of soul. The Rishi mastered patience to withstand the temptation.
But O king, his sudden mental agitation caused an unconscious emission of his vital fluid.
Leaving his bow and deer skin, the Rishi escaped from the Apsara and left the hermitage. His vital fluid fell upon a clump of heath. And having fallen on it, it was divided into two parts.
Whence sprang two children that were twins (son and a daughter). A soldier in attendance upon the king Shantanu, wandering in the forest in hunting, saw them. Seeing the bow, arrows and the deer skin, he thought they might be the sons of a Brahmana proficient in the science of arms. He took up those children along with the bow and amws and showed the king what he had found. The king was filled with pity to see the twins. He took them home saying, "Let them be my children."
The best of men, bringing that twins Gautamas home, performed the usual rites and they (too) began to grow up.
Gautama also, leaving (his old hermitage), studied the science of weapons. That king gave them the name of Kripa and Kripi, because they were reared up by him out of kindness. Gautama came to know through his spiritual sight where they (his son and daughter) were.
He came there and represented every thing about his lineage. He taught him (Kripa) the four branches of the science of arms, various other branches of science, including all their mysteries and details. He (Kripa) soon became a great professor (of the science of arms).
The great car warriors, the sons of Dhritarashtra, the Pandavas, the Yadavas and the Vrishni and many other princes came to him and received from him lessons in the science of arms.
Vaishampayana said:
Being desirous of giving his grand sons a superior education, Bhishma was in search of a preceptor, who was endued with energy and who was well-skilled in the science of arms. O best of the Bharata race, deciding that none who was not possessed of great intelligence, who was not illustrious, who was not a perfect master of the science of arms, who was not as powerful as the celestial, shall be the preceptor of the Kurus, the son of Ganga (Bhishma), placed the Pandavas and the Kurus under the tuition of the son of Bharadvaja, the wise Drona, learned in all the Vedas. Having been honoured according to the proper form by the illustrious Bhishma.
That foremost of all men skilled in arms, that illustrious man (Drona) was pleased with the reception given to him by great Bhishma and accepted them as his pupils.
Drona taught them the science of arms in all its branches. O king, the immeasurably powerful Pandavas and the Kurus became with in a very short time experts in the use of all kinds of weapons.
Janamejaya said:
O Brahmana, how was Drona born? How and whence did he acquire his arms? How and why he came to the Kurus? Whose son was that powerful man?
How was born his son Ashvathama, the foremost of all skilled in arms? I wish to hear all this. Narrate them in detail.
Vaishampayana said:
There lived at the source of the Ganges a great and high-souled Rishi who was known as Bharadvaja and he was always observing rigid vows. In the time of yore, Rishi Bharadvaja one day. intending to perform Agnihotra, went many other great Rishis to the Ganges to perform ablution. The Rishi was Ghritachi herself, the Apsara, young and beautiful, proud and voluptuous, rising from the water. As she rose, her cloth became loose and disordered. Seeing her cloth disordered, the Rishi became full of desire.
Mind of the wise Bharadvaja was attracted to her and his vital fluid was dropped. But he held it in a Drona (a vessel).
Thereupon, the wise Drona was born in that vessel. He studied all the Vedas and Vedangas.
The foremost of all wielders of arms, the greatly powerful Bharadvaja bestowed on the illustrious Agnivisha the weapon, called Agneya.
O best of the Bharata race, the Rishi, born of fire, gave that great fire, weapon to the son of Bharadvaja (Drona).
Bharadvaja had a friend, named Prishata who was a king. He had a son, born to him, named Drupada.
That best of Kshatriyas, that prince (Drupada) went very day to his (Bharadvaja's) hermitage and played and studied with Drona.
O king, when Prishata died, this mighty-armed Drupada became the king of the Northern Panchalas.
The illustrious Bharadvaja also (at this time) ascended heaven; thereupon, Drona continued to dwell (in the hermitage) engaged in ascetic austerities.
Being well-versed in the Vedas and Vedangas and having burnt all his sins by asceticism, the greatly illustrious Drona, obedient to the injunctions of his father and moved by the desire of offspring, married Kripi, the daughter of Sharadvana, ever engaged in Agnihotra, in piety and in penances.
The daughter of Gautama obtained a son, named Ashvathama; as soon as he was born, he neighed like me horse Uchaishrava.
Hearing this, an invisible beingin the skies said, "As the voice of this child was like that of a horse and as it has been heard over a great distance. He will be known by the name of Ashvathama, (the horse voiced). The son of Bharadvaja was exceedingly glad by obtaining the son.
He continued to live there devoting himself to the study of the science of arms. He heard of that slayer of foes, that high-souled son of Jamadagni, that Brahmana, who was the foremost of all wielders of arms and who was versed in all kinds of knowledge. O king, he (Jamadagni) had expressed his desire of giving away all his wealth to the Brahmanas.
Having heard of Parashurama's knowledge of arms and of his celestial weapons and of his morality, he (Drona) set his heart upon them.
Thereupon, the mighty-armed and greatly ascetic (Drona), accompanied by his disciples who were all devoted to vows and asceticism, started for the Mahendra mountain.
On arriving at the Mahendra (mountain) the son of Bharadvaja, the great ascetic, saw the son of Bhrigu, who was self-controlled, who was of great patience and who was the exterminator of his foes.
Then approaching with his disciples to the descendant of Bhrigu, Drona told him his name and that he was born in the race of Angirasa.
Touching the ground with his head, he worshipped his (Parashurama's) feet. Seeing that the illustrious son of Jamadagni determined upon retiring into the forest after giving away all his wealth, the son of Bharadvaja (Drona) said, "I am born of Bharadvaja, but I am not born in any woman's womb. Know me to be an excellent Brahmana by name Drona. I have come to you with the desire of obtaining your wealth." The destroyer of all the Kshatriyas, that high-souled (Parashurama) thus replied to him.
"O best of the twice born, you are welcome. Tell me what you desire." Having been thus addressed by (Parashu) Rama, the son of Bharadvaja (Drona) said to that foremost of all smiters, Rama, who was desirous of giving away all his wealth, "O (Rishi) of multifarious vows, I ask your eternal wealth."
Rama said:
O ascetic, whatever gold and other wealth I had, I have already given them away to the Brahmanas. This lady earth, bounded by the sea and adorned with the garlands of towns and cities, I have given away to Kashyapa.
I have now left only my body and my valuable and various weapons and arms.
I am prepared to give you either my body or my weapons O Drona, tell me without delay what you like to have, I shall give it to you.
Drona said:
O descendant of Bhrigu, you should give me all your arms and weapons, together with the mysterious knowledge of hurling and recalling them.
Saying "Be it so," the descendant of Bhrigu gave away all his weapons to him (Drona) with the whole science of arms with its rules and regulations.
That excellent Brahmana (Drona) after receiving all of them and considering himself amply rewarded, went to (the country of) his friend Drupada in a delight-full heart.
Vaishampayana said:
O king, thereupon the mighty son of Bharadvaja (Drona), coming before Drupada, told that monarch, "Consider me as friend."
Having been thus joyfull addressed by his friend, the son of Bharadvaja (Drona), the king of Panchala could not bear those words.
The king intoxicated with the pride of wealth, contracted is brows in anger and with eyes red (in wrath) spoke to Drona thus.
"O Brahmana, your intelligence is hardly high of order. You address me all on a sudden as your friend.
O dull-minded man, great kings can never be friends with such luckless and indigent fellow as you.
We had friendship between us when we were both equally circumstances but time that wears out everything, wears out friendship also.
Friendship never remains in any one's heart in this world being worn-out time wears it out and anger also destroys it.
Do not therefor stick to our worn-out friendship. Do not think of it any longer. O best of Brahmanas, the friendship I entertained for you was for a particular purpose.
The poor cannot be the friend of the rich, the unlearned can not be the friend of the learned; the coward can not be the friend of the brave (heroes). How then do you desire the continuance of our old friendship!
Friendship or enmity, exists between two persons equally situated as to wealth or prowess. The poor and the rich can neither be friends nor enemies of each other.
One of pure birth can never be a friend of one, who is lowly born; a car warrior cannot be a friend of one, who is not a car warrior. One who is not a king cannot have a king for his friend. How then do you desire the continuance of our old friendship?"
Valshampayana said:
Thus addressed by Drupada, the powerful son of Bharadvaja, was filled with anger and reflecting for a moment. That wise man made up his mind as to his course of action with regard to the king of Panchala. He then went to the city of the foremost of the Kurus, named Hastinapur.
Arrived at Hastinapur, the excellent Brahmana, the son of Bharadvaja, (Drona) lived in privacy in the house of the son of Gautama (Kripa).
His lordly son, at the intervals of Kripa's teachings, gave instructions to the sons of Pritha (Pandavas) on the use of arms. But none knew as yet Ashvathama's (real) prowess.
Thus he (Drona) lived there in privacy for sometime, when one day the (Kuru) princes all in a company came out of the city of Hastinapur. The princes began to play with a ball and when they were thus there playing, the ball fell into a well.
Thereupon, they tried their utmost to recover the ball (from the well). But with all their efforts they could not get up the ball.
Then they stared at one another, their faces flushed with blushes of shame. They were filled with great anxiety finding no means of recovering it.
They then saw near them a Brahmana of darkish colour, decrepit and lean, one who had performed his Sandhya and purified himself with Agnihotra.
Seeing that illustrious (Brahmana), the princes, who were despaired of the ball, immediately surrounded him.
The powerful Drona, seeing the princes unsuccessful in their attempts, smiled a little and being conscious of his own skill, he said:
"Shame on your Kshatriya prowess and shame also on your skill in arms! Being born in the race of Bharata, how is it that you cannot recover the ball!
"If you give me a dinner, I shall with these blades of glass bring up not only the ball you have lost, but also this ring which I now throw down."
Having said this, that chastiser of foes, Drona took off his ring and threw it into that dry well. Thereupon, the son of Kunti, Yudhisthira, spoke to Drona thus -
Yudhisthira said:
O Brahmana, ask from us with the permission of Kripa that which would last you for life. Having been thus addressed, (Drona) smiling replied to the princes,
Drona said:
I shall by my Mantras invest this handful of Ishikas (long glass) with the virtue of weapons. Behold their virtues that no other weapons possess. I shall piece the ball with one of these blades and then pierce that blade with another and that another with a third and thus making a chain, I shall bring it up.
Vaishampayana said:
Then Drona did exactly what he had said. The princes were all amazed and their eyes expanded with delight. Regarding what they saw as very extraordinary, they said -
The princes said:
"O best of the twice born, raise up the ring without delay.
Vaishampayana said:
Then the greatly illustrious Drona, taking a bow with an arrow pierced the ring with it and brought it up. Raising up from the well that ring, pierced with the arrow, he gave it to the astonished princes. Then princes too, seeing the ring thus recovered, said -
The princes said:
O Brahmana, we bow to you. No one else possesses such skill. We early desire to know who you are and what we can do for you."
Having been thus addressed, Drona spoke thus to the princes.
Drona said:
Go to Bhishma and describe to him my likeness and skill. That greatly powerful man will be able to recognise me.
Vaishampayana said:
Saying "Be it so," the princes went to Bhishma and told him all that the Brahmana had said and done. Hearing from the princes everything, Bhishma (at once) recognised Drona and thought that he would be the best preceptor (for the princes.)
That foremost of all wielders of weapons, Bhishma, went to him in person and welcoming him respectfully, brought him over to the palace and asked him the reason of his arrival. Thereupon Drona told him all.
Drona said:
Being desirous of learning the science of arms, I formerly went to the great Rishi Agnivesha for obtaining weapons from him.
I was engaged there in serving my preceptor and lived (with him) for a long time as an humble minded Brahmachari with matted locks on my head.
The prince of Panchala, the greatly powerful Yajnasena also lived there with the same motive (as that of mine).
There he became my friend and he always sought my welfare. He was beloved to me. O lord, he lived with me for many years.
O descendant of Kuru, we had studied together from our earliest days; he was my friend from boyhood; he always spoke and did what was agreeable to me.
O Bhishma he used to tell me these gratifying words, "O Drona, I am the favourite son of my illustrious father.
When my father (the king) would install me as the ruler of the Panchalas, it (the kingdom) shall be then enjoyed by you. O friend, this is my solemn promise. My kingdom, my wealth, my happiness all will be at your disposal." When his study of the science of arms was finished he went away after being duly worshipped by me.
I kept his words always in my mind. Some time after, in obedience to the injunction of my father and in the temptation of begetting offspring, I married the illustrious daughter of Gautama (Kripi) who had sort hair, who possessed great intelligence and observed many rigid vows and who was ever engaged in the Agnihotra, sacrifices and austerities. She gave birth to a son, named Ashvathama, who was greatly powerful and as the sun.
As Bharadvaja, was pleased on obtaining me, so I was pleased to getting that son. One day Ashvathama began to cry on seeing some rich men's sons drink milk. I was so beside myself at this that I lost all knowledge of the points of heaven.
"Instead of asking him who had only a few kine, just sufficient for sacrificial proposes, I shall ask him who had many," thinking thus in my mind, O son of Ganga, I roamed over many countries.
Through I roved all over the country, yet I could not obtain a milch-cow and I returned unsuccessful. Thereupon some boys tempted him with Pistaudaka (water mixed with powdered rice). The child, drinking the Pistaudaka cried out, "O I have drunk milk." O descendant of Kuru, he began to dance in joy, being thus decided by his childish ignorance. Seeing him dance with joy amidst his playmates who were smiling at his simplicity, I was exceedingly touched. "Fie to the poor Drona, who does not try to earn wealth!
His son in the thirst for milk drinks Pistaudaka; in ignorance he dances, crying "I have drunk milk." Hearing these derisive words, I was quite beside myself! Then reproaching myself by myself, I began to reflect thus in my mind, "Cast off and censured by Brahmanas, I would not yet, from the desire of wealth, be any body's servant, which is ever sinful."
O Bhishma, thus resolved and remembering my former friendship for him (Drupada) I regarded myself very much blessed. I went joyfully to the Saumaka, taking my beloved son and wife me.
I joyfully heard that my beloved friend had been installed on the throne and remembered his words and companionship. O lord, I went to Drupada
Remembering my old friendship and said to him "O best of men, know me as your friend." I went to Drupada confidently as a friend should do.
But Drupada, laughing in derision, cast me off as if I were a vulgar fellow; and he said, "O Brahmana, your intelligence is hardly of high order. As coming to me on a sudden you say are my friend. O dull-minded man, great kings can never be friends with such luckless and indigent fellow like you.
We had friendship between us when we were both equally circumstance, but Time that wears out everything, wears out friendship also.
Friendship never remains in the world in any one's heart without being worn out. Time wears it out and anger also destroys it.
Do not, therefore, stick to that wom-out friendship. Do not think of it any longer. O best of Brahmanas, the friendship I entertained for you was for a particular.
The poor cannot be the friend of the rich; the unlearned can not be the friend of the learned; the coward cannot be the friend of the brave (heroes). How them do you desire the continuance of our old friendship? There may be either friendship or enmity between two persons equally situated as to wealth or prowess.
The poor and the rich can neither be friends nor enemies of one another.
One of pure birth can never be a friend of one who is lowly born; a car warrior can be a friend of one who is not a car-warrior; one who is not a king cannot have a king for his friend. I do not know you, I do not remember that I ever promised you my kingdom.
O Brahmana, I can give you food and shelter for one night." Having been thus addressed, I left his presence with my wife, vowing to do that which I shall certainly do without much delay. O Bhishma, thus insulted by Drupada I was filled with wrath.
I have come to the Kurus wishing to obtain accomplished pupils. To act according to your wishes, I now come to Hastinapur. Tell me what I am to do.
Vaishampayana said:
Having been thus addressed, Bhishma thus spoke to the son ofBharadvaja.
Bhishma said:
Unstring your bow and teach (these prices) the science of arms. Enjoy joyfully as much as you like every luxury in the Kuru abode.
Whatever wealth, kingdom and sovereignty the Kurus posses, you are the lord of all. All the Kurus are at your command.
O Brahmana, consider that to be already accomplished which is in your heart. O best of the twice born, as the fruit of our good luck we have obtained you.
Vaishampayana said:
Thereupon that best of men, that greatly effulgent Drona, worshipped by Bhishma, took up his quarters in the house of the Kurus and was adored by them all.
When he had taken rest for a while, Bhishma, taking his grandsons, the. Kurus, gave them to him as his pupils, making him their preceptor with the presents of various wealth. That lord (Bhishma) gave the son of Bharadvaja (Drona) a neat and tidy house, well filled with paddy and every kind of wealth.
That great bowman, Drona, in delightful heart, accepted the Kurus, the sons of Dhritarashtra and Pandu, as his pupils.
Having accepted them all as (his pupils), Drona called them apart and spoke, to them confidently thus -
Drona said:
"O sinless ones, I have a particular desire in my heart; promise me truly that you will accomplish it when you will become skilled in arms.
Vaishampayana said:
Hearing these words, the Kuru princes remained silent. O chastiser of foes, Arjuna, (however), vowed to accomplish it.
Drona then cheerfully clasped Arjuna to his bosom and repeatedly took the scent of his head and shed tears of joy.
The greatly powerful Drona taught the sons of Pandu (the use of) various weapons, both celestial and. human.
O best of Bharata race, many other princes also flocked to that best of Brahmanas, Drona, to learn (the science of) arms.
The Vrishnis, the Andhakas and the princes from various countries and the son of Suta and Radha (Karna) made Drona their preceptor.
The son of Suta (Karna), being jealous of Partha (Arjuna), always defied him and being supported by Duryodhana disregarded the Pandavas.
That Pandava (Arjuna) from his eager desire to learn the science of arms always remained at the side of Drona and he excelled all in skill, in strength of arms and in perseverance, on account of his love for the science of arms.
Though he (Drona) gave equal instructions to all, yet Arjuna became the foremost of all in lightness and skill. Drona was convinced that none of his pupils would be able to equal that son of Indra.
Thus he gave instructions to all the princes in the (science of) arms. To keep them away for long, he gave them Kamandala (a vessel narrow mouth) for fetching water. But he gave his son a Kumbha (wide mounted vessel to fetch water), so that it may not take him, long (to fill it). When they were thus kept away, Drona instructed his son some superior methods of using arms. Arjuna came to know it.
Thereupon he filled his Kamandala with the Varuna weapon and came to his preceptor at the same time with his preceptor's son and thus the intelligent son of Pritha, that foremost of all the learned in arms, became in no way inferior to his preceptor's son. Arjuna took great deal of care in worshipping the preceptor; he had great devotion of his study of the science of arms, therefore, he became a great favourite of Drona.
Drona, seeing Falguni's (Arjuna) great devotion of arms, summoned the cook and told him in private, "Never give rice (food) to Arjuna in the dark and never told him also that I have asked you to do it."
On a certain day when Arjuna was taking his food, a wind arose and the burning lamp went out.
The effulgent son of Kunti, (Arjuna) continued eating the dark, his hand from habit going to his mouth.
Thinking this to be the result of the force of habit, the mighty armed son of Pandu practiced with his bow in the night.
O descendant of the Bharata race, bearing the twang of his bow string, in the night, Drona came to him and embracing him spoke to him thus-
Drona said :
I speak to you truly that I shall do to you that by which there will be no bowman in the world who will be equal to you.
Vaishampayana said:
Thereupon Drona taught Arjuna the art of fighting on horse back and on the back of the elephants, on car and on the ground.
Drona taught that Kaurava (Arjuna) how to fight with clubs, the sword, the lance, the spear and the dart. He taught him the use of many other weapons and how to fight with many men.
Hearing of his skill, thousands of kings and princes, desirous of learning the science of arms flocked (to him).
O great king, thereupon, Ekalavya, the son of Hiranyadhanu, king of the Nishadas, came to Drona.
That learned man in all the precepts of religion (Drona) did not accept him (the Nishada prince) as his pupil in archery, thinking that he was a Nishada and considering the interest of the princes.
O chastiser of foes, touching Drona's feet with his head, he went into a forest and made a clay statue of Drona. He began to worship it (the clay figure) as if were his real preceptor and before that figure he practiced the use of arms with the most rigid regularity.
In consequence of his exceptional reverence for his preceptor and of his devotion to his purpose, all the three processes of fixing arrows on the bow string, aiming and letting off became very easy to him.
O chastiser of foes, one day the Kuru and the Pandu princes with the permission of Drona all set out on their cars to a hunting excursion.
O king, a servant followed the Pandavas at his ease with the necessary things (for the hunt) and took a dog with him.
They wondered about the forest, intent on the purpose they had in view; the dog also wandered about alone and came to the Nishada (prince).
The dog seeing the Nishada of dark colour and of body besmeared with filth, with an attire of black skin and with matted hair on his head, began to bark aloud.
Thereupon he (the Nishada,) exhibiting lightness of hand, at once struck seven arrows into the mouth of the barking dog.
The dog, thus pierced in the mouth with the arrows, came back to the Pandavas and the Pandava heroes on seeing this were very much astonished.
Ashamed of their own skill, they praised the lightness of hand and precision of aim by auricular perception (of the Nishada Prince).
O king, they, thereupon, began to search in the forest for that unknown dweller of the wood. The Pandavas soon found him discharging ceaseless arrows from his bow.
Seeing that man of grim visage, a total stranger to them, they asked, "Who are you and whose son are you?"
The Ekalavya said:
O heroes, I am the son of the Nishada king, Hiranyadhanu. know me to be a pupil of Drona labouring to acquire the science of arms.
Vaishmpayana said:
The Pandavas, having made themselves acquainted with everything connected with him and returning (to Hastinapur) told Drona all about the wonderful feat of archery they had seen in the forest.
O king, the son of Kunti, Arjuna thinking of Ekalavya all the while, saw Drona in private and relying upon his preceptor's love for him he said -
Arjuna said:
"You have joyfully told me, embracing me to your blossom, no pupil of yours should be equal to me.
Why then there is a pupil of yours in the world (equal to me), the mighty son of the Nishada king?"
Vaishainpayana said:
Thereupon Drona reflected for a moment and resolved upon the course he should adopt. He then took Savyasachi (Arjuna) with him and went to the Nishada (prince).
He saw Ekalavya with body besmeared with fifth, with matted locks (on his head) with rags on and with a bow in his hand with which he was ceaselessly shooting arrows.
Seeing Drona coming towards him, Ekalavya also went a few steps forward and touched his feet and prostrated himself on the ground.
The son of Nishada worshipped Drona in the due form and represented himself as his pupil. He then stood before him with joined hands.
O king, thereupon Drona spoke thus to Ekalavya, "O hero, if you are really my pupil, give me my remuneration. Ekalavya was much pleased in hearing this and he said -
O illustrious one, what shall I give you, command me. O excellent Brahma knowing man, there is nothing that is not to be given to my preceptor."
Ekalavya ever devoted to truth and desirous of keeping his promise, hearing the fearful words of Drona, at once cut off his right thumb with a cheerful face and unruffled heart and gave it to Drona.
Thereupon, O king, when the help of his other fingers, he found he had lost his former lightness of hand.
Arjuna became pleased and his fever (of jealous) was gone. "None will equal Arjuna," these words of Drona now became true.
Two of Drona's pupils became greatly expert in club fight, namely Duryodhana and Bhima, who were jealous of each other.
Ashvathama excelled all in the mysteries (of the science of arms). The twins (Nakula and Sahadeva) excelled every body in handling the sword.
Yudhisthira became the best of car warriors and Arjuna excelled every one in every respect. He surpassed all in intelligence, in the skill of using all weapons and in devotion to his arms and his preceptor. He thus became the foremost of all car warriors.
Though the instructions (of Drona) were equal, (to all), yet the mighty Arjuna excelled all (the princes) and became an Athiratha a warrior capable of fighting with sixty thousands foes all at once.
The wicked minded sons of Dhritarashtra became jealous of Bhima, for he was exceeding strong and of Arjuna, because he was accomplished.
O best of men, Drona became desirous of examining his pupils' knowledge in arms and he collected them all together, all (the princes) skilled in all the weapons.
He caused in artificial bird made by an artisan to be placed on the top of a tree without the knowledge of the princes for the purpose of using it as the target.
Drona said:
Take up quickly, all of you, your bows and six your arrows on the bowstring. Stand here aiming at that bird on the tree.
As soon as I give the order, cut off the bird's head. O sons, I shall give each of you a turn one after another.
Vaishampayana said:
The best of the descendant of Angirasa (Drona) first spoke to Yudhisthira thus, "O invincible one, aim with your arrow and shoot (the bird) as soon as I order."
The chastiser of foes, Yudhisthira, first took up the bow as ordered by his preceptor and stood aiming at the bird.
Yudhisthira who stood aiming at the bird, very next moment Drona said -
"O prince, behold that bird on the top of the tree." Yudhisthira replied to the preceptor, "O Sir, I see it."
Very next moment Drona again said.
Drona said:
Do you see the tree, myself, your brothers and the bird?
That son of Kunti (Yudhisthira) said, " I see lord of the forest (tree), your self, my brothers and the bird." He said this again being asked (by Drona) again and again.
Drona, being displeased, reproachingly told him, "Stand back. It is not for you to strike at this aim."
Thereupon, the greatly illustrious (Drona) placed in the same position Duryodhana and other sons of Dhritarashtra and also Bhima and his other brothers and also all the princes that had come from other countries. He asked them one after another the some question, but they all replied as did Yudhisthira.
Vaishampayana said:
Drona smilingly, called Dhananjaya and said to him, " It is to be shot by you. Turn your eyes to it.
"You must shoot the aim as soon as I shall give order, O son, stand here for a moment with your bow and arrow."
Having been thus addressed Savyasachi (Arjuna), drawing the bow to a semi-circle, aimed at the bird and stood there as ordered by the preceptor.
Very next moment Drona asked him, "O Arjuna, do you see the bird, the tree and myself?"
O descendant of the Bharata race, Partha (Arjuna) replied to Drona, "I see only the bird. I do not see the tree or yourself."
The invincible Drona, being much pleased, spoke again a moment after to that great car-warrior, the son of Pandu, (Arjuna).
"If you see the bird, describe it to me." He (Arjuna) again replied, "I see the head of the bird, but I do not see its body."
Having been thus told by Arjuna, Drona was filled with delight and his hair stood on their end. He told Partha, "Shoot," and he instantly let fly (the arrow).
The Pandava (Arjuna) speedily struck off the head of the vulture with his sharp arrow and brought it to the ground.
As soon as this feat was performed, he (Drona) embraced the son of Pandu (Arjuna) and thought that Drupada with his friends were already vanquished, in the battle.
O best of the Bharata race, some time after, the best of Angirasa (Drona) with his pupils went to the Ganges to bathe.
When Drona was bathing, a strong alligator, as it sent by Death himself, seized him at the thigh.
Though quite capable of freeing himself (from the mouth of the alligator), he (Drona) spoke to all his pupils in a hurry, "Kill this alligator and rescue me."
As soon as he uttered these words, Bibhasa (Arjuna) struck the alligator under the | water with five sharp and irresistible arrows.
The others (his pupils) stood confounded each at his place. Seeing this readiness of Arjuna, Drona considered that son of Pandu to be the foremost of all his pupils and he was exceedingly pleased. The alligator, being cut into pieces by the arrows of Partha. Released the thigh of the high-souled (Drona) and gave up his life. Thereupon the son of Bharadvaja, (Drona) thus addressed the illustrious car-warrior (Arjuna).
"O mighty armed, accept this superior and irresistible weapon, named Brahmashira, with its method of hurling and recalling it.
You most not use it against any human foe. If hurled at a foe of inferior power, it might burn the whole universe.
O son, it is said that this weapon heat not a superior in the three worlds, keep it therefore with great care and listen to what I say.
O hero, if ever any foe, if he is not human, comes to fight with you, may then use it against him to accomplish his death."
Bibhatsa (Arjuna) with joined hands promised to do as he was bidden and he received the great weapon. The preceptor then spoke to him again thus, "None will ever become a superior bowman to you. You will be invincible and greatly illustrious.
YOU MAY ALSO LIKE
