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Core-Pancharatra:Background story of Drona.
Vaiśampāyana said.
Then Bhīṣma, desiring training for the grandsons, sought out teachers skilled in archery and approved for their valor.
One who is of little intellect, not greatly fortunate, unskilled in weapons, or lacking divine vigor, should not train the mighty Kurus in arms.
Formerly, while moving in the sacrificial area, the great sage Bharadvāja saw directly the nymph Ghṛtācī who was bathing.
The wind stirred and pulled away her garment, and his semen was discharged, which the sage placed into a vessel — that became Droṇa.
Droṇa was born in that vessel of the wise sage, and he thoroughly studied the Vedas and their limbs.
Bharadvāja, the mighty sage and best among the righteous, imparted the fiery weapon to the fortunate Agniveśya.
O best of Bharatas, that sage born of Agni then imparted the great fiery weapon to Bharadvāja.
There was a king named Pṛṣata, a friend of Bharadvāja, whose son born then was named Drupada.
The son of Pṛṣata, a bull among Kṣatriyas, daily went to the hermitage and studied and played with Droṇa.
After Pṛṣata passed away, his son Drupada became king of the Pāñcālas and lord of men in the northern regions.
Then the blessed Bharadvāja ascended to heaven; thereafter, the highly renowned Droṇa, prompted by his father and longing for a son, obtained Kṛpī, daughter of Śāradvat, as his wife.
Gautamī, constantly devoted to sacrificial rites, righteousness, and self-restraint, bore a son — Aśvatthāmā.
As soon as he was born, he neighed like the celestial horse Uccaiḥśravā. Hearing that, a hidden being in the sky spoke.
Since this child’s neighing spread to all directions like that of a horse, he will be named Aśvatthāmā.
Bharadvāja became greatly pleased with that son and, dwelling there, the wise one became devoted to the science of archery.
O king, he then heard of the great-souled Jamadagni’s son, the scorcher of foes, giving away all his wealth to Brāhmaṇas.
As Rāma was departing for the forest, Bharadvāja said, “Know me, Droṇa, the bull among Brāhmaṇas, who has come desiring wealth.”
Rāma said.
O ascetic, whatever gold or other wealth I possessed has all been given to the Brāhmaṇas.
Likewise, this earth-goddess, extending to the oceans and adorned with cities, has been entirely given by me to Kaśyapa.
Today, only this body remains with me; I have given away all valuable missiles and various weapons. Choose — what shall I give you, Droṇa? Speak quickly.
Droṇa said.
O Bhārgava, you ought to give me all the weapons completely, along with their withdrawal modes, usage, and secrets.
Vaiśampāyana said.
Having said “So be it,” Bhārgava gave him all the weapons, along with secret practices and the entire science of archery.
Having received all that, the best among Brāhmaṇas, now armed with weapons, happily went toward his dear friend Drupada.
