Chapter 16: Kṛpa and Droṇa as martial instructors; Droṇa’s arrival in Hastināpura, Arjuna’s emergence as his foremost pupil, Ekalavya’s deprivation, and the Brahmaśiras weapon.
Vaiśampāyana said: (KUMB: 1-139-21क्ष् (821))
[PV-KDV:01_022_1] (Jaya)
Seeing those exceedingly high-spirited princes at play, the king sought out Gautama as a teacher for their instruction and entrusted them to him. (KUMB: 1-139-41 (6268))
[PV-KDV:01_022_2] (Jaya)
who had been born in a clump of reeds and had mastered the meaning of the Vedas and śāstras. Entrusted to him by the king, they all became accomplished, and those Kurus learned the science of archery from Kripa. (KUMB: 1-139-42 (6269))
[PV-KDV:01_022_3] (Jaya)
Janamejaya said:
[PV-KDV:01_022_4] (Jaya)
Great Brahmin, you should also tell me of Kripa’s birth: how was he born from a clump of reeds, and how did he acquire his weapons? (BORI: 1-120-1)
[PV-KDV:01_022_5] (Jaya)
Vaiśampāyana said:
[PV-KDV:01_022_6] (Jaya)
O great king, the great sage Gautama had a son named Śaradvān who, O lord, is said to have been born together with arrows. (BORI: 1-120-2)
[PV-KDV:01_022_7] (Jaya)
His inclination toward Vedic study was not as strong as his inclination toward the science of archery, O scorcher of foes. (BORI: 1-120-3)
[PV-KDV:01_022_8] (Jaya)
Just as the expounders of Brahman mastered the Vedas through austerity, so he, endowed with austerity, acquired all the weapons. (BORI: 1-120-4)
[PV-KDV:01_022_9] (Jaya)
Through his devotion to the science of archery and his immense austerities, Gautama greatly alarmed the lord of the gods. (BORI: 1-120-5)
[PV-KDV:01_022_10] (Jaya)
Then, O Kaurava, the lord of the gods sent a celestial maiden named Jālapadī, saying, “Go and disrupt his austerities.” (BORI: 1-120-6)
[PV-KDV:01_022_11] (Jaya)
The young woman approached Śaradvant’s delightful hermitage and tempted the bow-and-arrow-bearing Gautama. (BORI: 1-120-7)
[PV-KDV:01_022_12] (Jaya)
Seeing in the forest that celestial nymph, clad in a single garment and possessing a figure unrivalled in the world, Gautama’s eyes opened wide. (BORI: 1-120-8)
[PV-KDV:01_022_13] (Jaya)
His bow and arrows fell from his hands to the ground, and at the sight of her his body began to tremble. (BORI: 1-120-9)
[PV-KDV:01_022_14] (Jaya)
But owing to the greatness of his knowledge and the power of his austerities, that supremely wise man held firm with the utmost fortitude. (BORI: 1-120-10)
[PV-KDV:01_022_15] (Jaya)
But because of the sudden agitation that came over him, O king, his semen flowed, and he did not notice it. (BORI: 1-120-11)
[PV-KDV:01_022_16] (Jaya)
Leaving behind both the hermitage and that apsaras, the sage departed. His semen fell upon a clump of reeds. (BORI: 1-120-12)
[PV-KDV:01_022_17] (Jaya)
When it fell among the reeds, it split in two, O king. From it were then born twins to Śaradvat, the descendant of Gautama. (BORI: 1-120-13)
[PV-KDV:01_022_18] (Jaya)
While King Śantanu was out hunting, one of his soldiers happened to see the twins in the forest. (BORI: 1-120-14)
[PV-KDV:01_022_19] (Jaya)
Seeing a bow with its arrows and black-antelope skins, he concluded that the twins were the children of a Brahmin who had mastered the science of archery. He then showed the king the twins together with the arrows. (BORI: 1-120-15)
[PV-KDV:01_022_20] (Jaya)
Then the king, moved by compassion, took the twins and went home, saying, “These are my children.” (BORI: 1-120-16)
[PV-KDV:01_022_21] (Jaya)
Then he raised them and had the prescribed rites performed for them. Gautama too, having then departed, became devoted to the science of archery. (BORI: 1-120-17)
[PV-KDV:01_022_22] (Jaya)
“Since I have raised these two children out of compassion,” the king gave them names derived from that very word. (BORI: 1-120-18)
[PV-KDV:01_022_23] (Jaya)
Through his ascetic power, Gautama discovered that the two had been left there. He then came and told the king everything, beginning with their lineage. (BORI: 1-120-19)
[PV-KDV:01_022_24] (Jaya)
He then taught him in full the fourfold science of archery, the various weapons, and all its secrets. In a very short time, he attained the rank of a supreme teacher. (BORI: 1-120-20)
[PV-KDV:01_022_25] (Jaya)
Then all those mighty chariot-warriors mastered the science of archery: the sons of Dhritarashtra, the immensely powerful Pandavas, the Vrishnis, and other princes who had gathered from many lands. (BORI: 1-120-21)
[PV-KDV:01_022_26] (Jaya)
Vaiśampāyana said:
[PV-KDV:01_022_53] (Jaya)
Then Bhishma, seeking excellence and wishing to have his grandsons trained, made inquiries about teachers skilled in archery and renowned for their prowess. (BORI: 1-121-1)
[PV-KDV:01_022_54] (Jaya)
No one of limited intelligence, lacking great distinction, unversed in many weapons, or devoid of divine strength could train the mighty Kurus in arms. (BORI: 1-121-2)
[PV-KDV:01_022_55] (Jaya)
Long ago, as the great seer Bharadvaja was walking about the sacrificial enclosure, he saw with his own eyes the apsaras Ghritachi, who had just bathed. (BORI: 1-121-3)
[PV-KDV:01_022_56] (Jaya)
A gust of wind swept away her garment. Then his semen spilled forth, and the sage placed it in a wooden vessel. (BORI: 1-121-4)
[PV-KDV:01_022_57] (Jaya)
Droṇa was born in that wise sage’s jar. He studied the Vedas and all the Vedāṅgas thoroughly. (BORI: 1-121-5)
[PV-KDV:01_022_58] (Jaya)
The mighty Bharadvaja, foremost of the upholders of righteousness, imparted the fiery weapon to the illustrious Agniveshya. (BORI: 1-121-6)
[PV-KDV:01_022_59] (Jaya)
That sage, born from an Agniṣṭut sacrifice, then imparted that great fiery weapon to Bharadvaja’s son, O best of the Bharatas. (BORI: 1-121-7)
[PV-KDV:01_022_60] (Jaya)
Bharadvaja had a friend named Prishata, who was a king. At that time, he too had a son named Drupada. (BORI: 1-121-8)
[PV-KDV:01_022_61] (Jaya)
That son of Prishata, a bull among Kshatriyas, regularly went to the hermitage, where he played with Drona and also pursued his studies. (BORI: 1-121-9)
[PV-KDV:01_022_62] (Jaya)
Then, after Pṛṣata had passed away, the mighty-armed Drupada became king and ruler of the northern Pañcālas. (BORI: 1-121-10)
[PV-KDV:01_022_63] (Jaya)
The blessed Bharadvaja too then ascended to heaven. Thereafter, at his father’s bidding and from a desire for a son, the illustrious Drona took Kripi, daughter of Sharadvat, as his wife. (BORI: 1-121-11)
[PV-KDV:01_022_64] (Jaya)
Gautamī, ever devoted to the Agnihotra, righteousness, and self-restraint, bore a son, Aśvatthāman. (BORI: 1-121-12)
[PV-KDV:01_022_65] (Jaya)
The moment he was born, he cried out just like the horse Uccaihshravas. Hearing this, an unseen being in midair said: (BORI: 1-121-13)
[PV-KDV:01_022_66] (Jaya)
Because this crying child’s voice has carried through the quarters like a horse’s, this boy shall therefore be named Ashvatthaman. (BORI: 1-121-14)
[PV-KDV:01_022_67] (Jaya)
Bharadvaja was then greatly delighted with that son. Living there, the wise man devoted himself to the science of archery. (BORI: 1-121-15)
[PV-KDV:01_022_68] (Jaya)
Vaiśampāyana said:
[PV-KDV:01_022_107] (Jaya)
Then, O king, the mighty son of Bharadvāja approached Drupada and said to the son of Pṛṣata, “Know me as your friend.” (BORI: 1-122-1)
[PV-KDV:01_022_108] (Jaya)
Drupada said:
[PV-KDV:01_022_109] (Jaya)
Your judgment is immature, Brahmin, and hardly reasonable, since you audaciously tell me, “I am your friend,” O twice-born man. (BORI: 1-122-2)
[PV-KDV:01_022_110] (Jaya)
For nowhere do exalted kings form friendships with men such as you, you fool—men bereft of prosperity and stripped of wealth. (BORI: 1-122-3)
[PV-KDV:01_022_111] (Jaya)
Even friendships decay in time when those involved decline. For my friendship with you in the past was founded on equal standing. (BORI: 1-122-4)
[PV-KDV:01_022_112] (Jaya)
No friendship in this world is ever seen to remain ageless forever; desire disrupts it, and anger severs it. (BORI: 1-122-5)
[PV-KDV:01_022_113] (Jaya)
Do not cling to that old friendship; establish a new one. O best of Brahmins, my friendship with you was based on a particular purpose. (BORI: 1-122-6)
[PV-KDV:01_022_114] (Jaya)
A poor man is no friend to a rich man, nor an unlearned man to a learned one; a coward is no friend to a hero. What use is a former friendship? (BORI: 1-122-7)
[PV-KDV:01_022_115] (Jaya)
Friendship and marriage are possible only between two people of equal wealth and equal family standing, not between the prosperous and the impoverished. (BORI: 1-122-8)
[PV-KDV:01_022_116] (Jaya)
One unversed in the Vedas is no friend of a Vedic scholar, nor is a man without a chariot the friend of a chariot-warrior. A king has no association with one who is not a king; what can be sought on the basis of former friendship? (BORI: 1-122-9)
[PV-KDV:01_022_117] (Jaya)
Vaiśampāyana said:
[PV-KDV:01_022_118] (Jaya)
Thus addressed by Drupada, the valiant son of Bharadvāja reflected for a moment, overwhelmed with anger. (BORI: 1-122-10)
[PV-KDV:01_022_119] (Jaya)
Having made up his mind about the king of Panchala, the wise man went to Nagasahvaya, the city of the foremost Kurus. (BORI: 1-122-11)
[PV-KDV:01_022_120] (Jaya)
Having reached the city of the Nagas, the eminent Brahmin, Bharadvaja’s son, stayed there incognito in Gautama’s residence. (KUMB: 1-141-15)
[PV-KDV:01_022_121] (Jaya)
Then his son, a master, taught the Pārthas the use of weapons after Kripa, but the people did not recognize him. (KUMB: 1-141-16)
[PV-KDV:01_022_122] (Jaya)
Thus he lived there in disguise for some time. (KUMB: 1-141-17)
[PV-KDV:01_022_123] (Jaya)
Then the princes came out of Gajasahvaya together and roamed about there joyfully, the young heroes playing with a ball. (BORI: 1-122-12)
[PV-KDV:01_022_124] (Jaya)
As they were playing, the ball fell into a well, and they could find no way to retrieve it. (BORI: 1-122-13)
[PV-KDV:01_022_125] (Jaya)
Then the valiant Drona, seeing the princes intent on the task, smiled gently and, confident in his skill, addressed them. (BORI: 1-122-14)
[PV-KDV:01_022_126] (Jaya)
Ah, shame on your warrior strength, and shame on your skill in arms—you who were born in Bharata’s lineage cannot retrieve the ball! (BORI: 1-122-15)
[PV-KDV:01_022_127] (Jaya)
This handful of reeds has been consecrated by me with a weapon-spell. Behold its power, which no other possesses. (BORI: 1-122-16)
[PV-KDV:01_022_128] (Jaya)
I shall pierce the ball with one reed, then that reed with another, and that one with yet another; by linking them in this way, I shall retrieve the ball. (BORI: 1-122-17)
[PV-KDV:01_022_129] (Jaya)
The princes watched this, their eyes wide with amazement. Seeing the ball drawn out, they said to the man who had pierced it: (BORI: 1-122-18)
[PV-KDV:01_022_130] (Jaya)
We salute you, Brahmin. No one else possesses such skill. Who are you? By what name may we know you? What can we do for you? (BORI: 1-122-19)
[PV-KDV:01_022_131] (Jaya)
Droṇa said:
[PV-KDV:01_022_132] (Jaya)
Tell Bhishma of my appearance and qualities. Being exceedingly wise, he will understand at once. (BORI: 1-122-20)
[PV-KDV:01_022_133] (Jaya)
Vaiśampāyana said:
[PV-KDV:01_022_134] (Jaya)
After replying, “So be it,” they all said to their grandfather Bhishma, “The Brahmin’s words are true, and that feat was extraordinary.” (BORI: 1-122-21)
[PV-KDV:01_022_135] (Jaya)
Hearing the princes’ account, Bhishma recognized the man as Drona and reflected, “He is indeed a fitting teacher.” (BORI: 1-122-22)
[PV-KDV:01_022_136] (Jaya)
Then Bhishma, foremost of weapon-bearers, had the accomplished Drona brought before him, personally received him with great honor, and asked him the reason for his coming. Drona told him everything. (BORI: 1-122-23)
[PV-KDV:01_022_137] (Jaya)
After Drupada had spoken to me in this way, I was overcome with anger and came to the Kurus, O Bhishma, seeking accomplished pupils. (BORI: 1-122-38)
[PV-KDV:01_022_152] (Jaya)
Bhishma accepted him as preceptor, together with the sons of Pandu. Then, taking all those grandsons and various kinds of wealth… (BORI: 1-122-39)
[PV-KDV:01_022_153] (Jaya)
“These are your pupils,” he said, O king, and duly entrusted them to Droṇa. That mighty archer then accepted the Kauravas as his pupils. (BORI: 1-122-40)
[PV-KDV:01_022_154] (Jaya)
Having accepted them all, Drona, confident in himself, then spoke privately to them after they had respectfully approached him: (BORI: 1-122-41)
[PV-KDV:01_022_155] (Jaya)
There is a certain task I desire that weighs on my heart. Once you have mastered the weapons, you must perform it for me. Give me your solemn word on this, blameless ones. (BORI: 1-122-42)
[PV-KDV:01_022_156] (Jaya)
Hearing this, the Kauravas sat in silence, O lord of men; but then Arjuna, the scorcher of foes, promised to do all that was asked. (BORI: 1-122-43)
[PV-KDV:01_022_157] (Jaya)
Then Drona repeatedly smelled the crown of Arjuna’s head, embraced him affectionately, and wept for joy. (BORI: 1-122-44)
[PV-KDV:01_022_158] (Jaya)
Then the valiant Drona taught the sons of Pandu various divine and human weapons. (BORI: 1-122-45)
[PV-KDV:01_022_159] (Jaya)
Vaiśampāyana said:
[PV-KDV:01_022_205] (Jaya)
Arjuna, however, devoted himself with the utmost diligence to honoring his teacher and applied himself fully to the art of weaponry; he thus became dear to Drona. (BORI: 1-123-1)
[PV-KDV:01_022_206] (Jaya)
Then Drona summoned the cook and told him privately, “You must never give Arjuna food in the dark.” (BORI: 1-123-2)
[PV-KDV:01_022_207] (Jaya)
Then once, while Arjuna was eating, the wind blew, extinguishing the lamp that was burning there. (BORI: 1-123-3)
[PV-KDV:01_022_208] (Jaya)
Arjuna continued eating his meal, and the vigorous warrior’s hand did not stray from his mouth, through long habit of taking food. Realizing that this was the result of practice, the Pandava began practicing at night. (BORI: 1-123-4)
[PV-KDV:01_022_209] (Jaya)
Drona heard the twang of his bowstring, O Bharata. Rising and going to him, he embraced him and said: (BORI: 1-123-5)
[PV-KDV:01_022_210] (Jaya)
I shall strive to ensure that no other archer in the world will equal you. I tell you this truly. (BORI: 1-123-6)
[PV-KDV:01_022_211] (Jaya)
Then Drona gave Arjuna further training in combat on chariots, on elephants, on horseback, and on foot. (BORI: 1-123-7)
[PV-KDV:01_022_212] (Jaya)
Drona trained the Pandava in fighting with the mace, swordsmanship, the use of javelins, spears, and lances, and mixed combat. (BORI: 1-123-8)
[PV-KDV:01_022_213] (Jaya)
Seeing his skill, kings and princes who wished to learn archery came in their thousands. (BORI: 1-123-9)
[PV-KDV:01_022_214] (Jaya)
Then Ekalavya, the son of the Nishada king Hiranyadhanus, came to Drona, O great king. (BORI: 1-123-10)
[PV-KDV:01_022_215] (Jaya)
Knowing dharma, he did not accept him as a student of archery, thinking, “He is a Niṣāda’s son,” out of consideration for them alone. (BORI: 1-123-11)
[PV-KDV:01_022_216] (Jaya)
But that scorcher of foes bowed his head at Drona’s feet, went into the forest, and made an earthen image of Drona. (BORI: 1-123-12)
[PV-KDV:01_022_217] (Jaya)
He then showed it the utmost devotion due to a teacher and devoted himself to the practice of archery, observing the strictest discipline. (BORI: 1-123-13)
[PV-KDV:01_022_218] (Jaya)
Endowed with the highest devotion and discipline, he attained supreme quickness in taking up, fitting, and releasing arrows. (BORI: 1-123-14)
[PV-KDV:01_022_219] (Jaya)
One day, with Drona’s permission, all the Kauravas and Pandavas, subduers of their foes, set out in chariots to hunt. (BORI: 1-123-15)
[PV-KDV:01_022_220] (Jaya)
There, O king, a certain man happened to follow the Pandavas alone, carrying the equipment and taking a dog with him. (BORI: 1-123-16)
[PV-KDV:01_022_221] (Jaya)
While they roamed there, intent on their various tasks, the foolish dog wandered through the forest and went toward the Niṣāda. (BORI: 1-123-17)
[PV-KDV:01_022_222] (Jaya)
In the forest, the dog spotted the dark-skinned Nishada, his body smeared with dirt and clad in a black deerskin, and stood near him barking. (BORI: 1-123-18)
[PV-KDV:01_022_223] (Jaya)
Then, while the dog was barking, he loosed seven arrows into its mouth all at once, displaying his skill with the weapon. (BORI: 1-123-19)
[PV-KDV:01_022_224] (Jaya)
The dog, its mouth filled with arrows, came to the Pandavas. Seeing it, the valiant Pandavas were utterly amazed. (BORI: 1-123-20)
[PV-KDV:01_022_225] (Jaya)
When they saw that extraordinary dexterity and skill in hitting a target by sound, and looked at the dog, they were ashamed and full of praise. (BORI: 1-123-21)
[PV-KDV:01_022_226] (Jaya)
Then, as they searched the forest for that forest-dweller, the Pandavas saw him, O king, ceaselessly shooting arrows. (BORI: 1-123-22)
[PV-KDV:01_022_227] (Jaya)
They did not recognize him then, for his appearance had changed. So they asked him, “Who are you, and whose son are you?” (BORI: 1-123-23)
[PV-KDV:01_022_228] (Jaya)
Ekalavya said:
[PV-KDV:01_022_229] (Jaya)
Heroes, know me as the son of Hiranyadhanus, lord of the Nishadas, a pupil of Drona who has devoted himself to the art of archery. (BORI: 1-123-24)
[PV-KDV:01_022_230] (Jaya)
Vaiśampāyana said:
[PV-KDV:01_022_231] (Jaya)
Having learned the truth about him, the Pandavas returned and told Drona everything that had happened, astonishing as it was. (BORI: 1-123-25)
[PV-KDV:01_022_232] (Jaya)
But Arjuna, son of Kunti, remembering Ekalavya, O king, met Drona in private and, out of affection, said this: (BORI: 1-123-26)
[PV-KDV:01_022_233] (Jaya)
Did you not embrace me alone and affectionately tell me, “No pupil of mine will ever surpass you”? (BORI: 1-123-27)
[PV-KDV:01_022_234] (Jaya)
Then why is there another pupil of yours—the son of the Nishada king—who is superior to me and mightier even than the whole world? (BORI: 1-123-28)
[PV-KDV:01_022_235] (Jaya)
After pondering this for a moment and making up his mind, Drona took Savyasacin with him and went to the Nishada prince. (BORI: 1-123-29)
[PV-KDV:01_022_236] (Jaya)
He saw Ekalavya, his body smeared with dirt, his hair matted, and clad in bark garments, bow in hand and ceaselessly shooting arrows. (BORI: 1-123-30)
[PV-KDV:01_022_237] (Jaya)
But when Ekalavya saw Drona drawing near, he went up to him, clasped his feet, and bowed his head to the ground. (BORI: 1-123-31)
[PV-KDV:01_022_238] (Jaya)
Then the Nishada youth duly honored Drona, declared himself his pupil, and stood before him with hands joined. (BORI: 1-123-32)
[PV-KDV:01_022_239] (Jaya)
Then Drona said these words to Ekalavya, O king: “If you are my pupil, pay me my fee at once.” (BORI: 1-123-33)
[PV-KDV:01_022_240] (Jaya)
Hearing this, Ekalavya was delighted and said, “What shall I give you, venerable sir? Let my teacher command me.” (BORI: 1-123-34)
[PV-KDV:01_022_241] (Jaya)
“There is nothing I would not give my teacher, O best of those who know Brahman.” Drona said to him, “Then give me your right thumb.” (BORI: 1-123-35)
[PV-KDV:01_022_242] (Jaya)
But Ekalavya, hearing those cruel words of Drona, kept his own promise and remained, as ever, devoted to truth… (BORI: 1-123-36)
[PV-KDV:01_022_243] (Jaya)
Still smiling and wholly undismayed, he cut off his own thumb without hesitation and gave it to Drona. (BORI: 1-123-37)
[PV-KDV:01_022_244] (Jaya)
Thereafter the Nishada prince drew the bowstring with his fingers, but he was not as swift as before, O king. (BORI: 1-123-38)
[PV-KDV:01_022_245] (Jaya)
At that time, among the Kurus, Duryodhana and Bhima, both pupils of Drona, became especially proficient in the use of the mace. (BORI: 1-123-40)
[PV-KDV:01_022_247] (Jaya)
Ashvatthaman excelled in all the secret teachings. Likewise, the two twins surpassed other men in swordsmanship. Yudhishthira was the foremost chariot-warrior, but Dhananjaya excelled in every respect. (BORI: 1-123-41)
[PV-KDV:01_022_248] (Jaya)
O king, the wicked sons of Dhṛtarāṣṭra could not abide Bhīmasena, who was dearer than life, or Dhanañjaya, who had mastered his training. (BORI: 1-123-44)
[PV-KDV:01_022_251] (Jaya)
But Drona, having assembled them all once they had mastered every branch of learning, wished to test their knowledge of weapons, O bull among men… (BORI: 1-123-45)
[PV-KDV:01_022_252] (Jaya)
He had an artificial bird made by craftsmen placed at the top of a tree and, without the princes knowing, designated it as the target. (BORI: 1-123-46)
[PV-KDV:01_022_253] (Jaya)
Drona said:
[PV-KDV:01_022_254] (Jaya)
Quickly, all of you, take up your bows and stand ready with arrows nocked, aiming at this bird of prey. (BORI: 1-123-47)
[PV-KDV:01_022_255] (Jaya)
At the very moment I give the word, strike off its head. I shall command each of you in turn; do as I say, my sons. (BORI: 1-123-48)
[PV-KDV:01_022_256] (Jaya)
Vaiśampāyana said:
[PV-KDV:01_022_257] (Jaya)
Then the foremost of the Angirases first said to Yudhishthira, “Nock an arrow, O invincible one, and release it when I have finished speaking.” (BORI: 1-123-49)
[PV-KDV:01_022_258] (Jaya)
Then Yudhishthira was the first to take up the loudly twanging bow and stand aiming at the bird, spurred on by his teacher’s command. (BORI: 1-123-50)
[PV-KDV:01_022_259] (Jaya)
Then, after a moment, Drona spoke these words to that scion of Kuru, whose bow was drawn, O bull of the Bharatas. (BORI: 1-123-51)
[PV-KDV:01_022_260] (Jaya)
“Do you see this vulture perched at the top of the tree, son of the noble king?” “I see it,” Yudhishthira replied to his teacher. (BORI: 1-123-52)
[PV-KDV:01_022_261] (Jaya)
A moment later, Drona addressed him again: “Now do you see this tree, or me, or your brothers as well?” (BORI: 1-123-53)
[PV-KDV:01_022_262] (Jaya)
The son of Kunti repeatedly answered him, “I see that tree, you, my brothers, and the bird as well.” (BORI: 1-123-54)
[PV-KDV:01_022_263] (Jaya)
Drona, seemingly displeased, said to him, “Step aside. You cannot hit this target,” thus disparaging him. (BORI: 1-123-55)
[PV-KDV:01_022_264] (Jaya)
Then the illustrious teacher, wishing to test them, questioned the sons of Dhritarashtra, beginning with Duryodhana, one after another in the same way. (BORI: 1-123-56)
[PV-KDV:01_022_265] (Jaya)
…the other pupils, beginning with Bhima, as well as kings from other lands. They all likewise said, “We see all of that,” and were rebuked. (BORI: 1-123-57)
[PV-KDV:01_022_266] (Jaya)
Then Drona addressed Dhananjaya with a smile: “Now you must strike this target. Listen.”} filthy? Wait etallakṣyaṃ niśamyatām perhaps (BORI: 1-123-58)
[PV-KDV:01_022_267] (Jaya)
Your arrow must be released at this target the very moment I give the word. Son, draw your bow and stand ready for a moment. (BORI: 1-123-59)
[PV-KDV:01_022_268] (Jaya)
Thus addressed, Savyasachi drew his bow into a full curve and stood aiming at the target, impelled by his teacher’s command. (BORI: 1-123-60)
[PV-KDV:01_022_269] (Jaya)
After a moment, Drona addressed him again: “Do you see this bird perched there, the tree, and me as well?” (BORI: 1-123-61)
[PV-KDV:01_022_270] (Jaya)
“I see the bird,” Pārtha replied to Droṇa, “but I see neither the tree nor you, sir, O Bhārata.” (BORI: 1-123-62)
[PV-KDV:01_022_271] (Jaya)
Then Drona, pleased at heart, after a moment addressed him again—the formidable master speaking to that foremost chariot-warrior among the Pandavas: (BORI: 1-123-63)
[PV-KDV:01_022_272] (Jaya)
“If you see that bird, tell me again in the same way.” He replied, “I see the bird’s head, but not its body.” (BORI: 1-123-64)
[PV-KDV:01_022_273] (Jaya)
Thus addressed by Arjuna, Drona’s hair stood on end with delight. He said to Partha, “Release it!” and Arjuna loosed the arrow without hesitation. (BORI: 1-123-65)
[PV-KDV:01_022_274] (Jaya)
Then, with a sharp, razor-headed arrow, the Pandava swiftly severed the head of the man in the tree and sent it falling. (BORI: 1-123-66)
[PV-KDV:01_022_275] (Jaya)
When that deed had been accomplished, he embraced Phalguna and regarded Drupada and his followers as defeated in battle. (BORI: 1-123-67)
[PV-KDV:01_022_276] (Jaya)
Then, after some time, the foremost of the descendants of Aṅgiras went with his pupils to the Ganges to bathe, O bull of the Bharatas. (BORI: 1-123-68)
[PV-KDV:01_022_277] (Jaya)
Then, when Drona had entered the water, a powerful aquatic crocodile, driven by fate, seized him by the lower leg. (BORI: 1-123-69)
[PV-KDV:01_022_278] (Jaya)
Though capable of freeing himself, he urged all his pupils on, as if in great haste: “Kill the crocodile and set me free!” (BORI: 1-123-70)
[PV-KDV:01_022_279] (Jaya)
The very moment those words were spoken, Bibhatsu struck the crocodile submerged in the water with five sharp arrows, while the others, utterly bewildered, scattered in all directions. (BORI: 1-123-71)
[PV-KDV:01_022_280] (Jaya)
Seeing the Pandava so quick to act, Drona judged him superior to all his other pupils and was delighted with him. (BORI: 1-123-72)
[PV-KDV:01_022_281] (Jaya)
Cut into many pieces by Pārtha’s arrows, the crocodile released the great-souled man’s leg and died. (BORI: 1-123-73)
[PV-KDV:01_022_282] (Jaya)
Then Bharadvaja said to the great-souled mighty warrior, “Receive this exceptional and nearly irresistible weapon, mighty-armed one. It is called the Brahmashiras, and comes with the means of deploying and withdrawing it.” (BORI: 1-123-74)
[PV-KDV:01_022_283] (Jaya)
You must never use it against human beings; if unleashed upon one of little power, it would burn up the world. (BORI: 1-123-75)
[PV-KDV:01_022_284] (Jaya)
My son, this weapon is said to be unparalleled in all the worlds. Keep it with due discipline, and listen to these words of mine. (BORI: 1-123-76)
[PV-KDV:01_022_285] (Jaya)
When some superhuman foe assails you, hero, then use this weapon in battle to slay him. (BORI: 1-123-77)
[PV-KDV:01_022_286] (Jaya)
Bibhatsu assented, saying, “So be it,” and, with palms joined, received that supreme weapon. Then his teacher said to him again, “No other man in the world will be an archer equal to you.” (BORI: 1-123-78)
[PV-KDV:01_022_287] (Jaya)