Dronacharya was the royal Guru (trainer) of the Pandavas and Kauravas. He used to teach army arts to the princes.
Once, a boy named Eklavya asked Guru Dronacharya, “Gurudev, will you train me in the art of archery?” Ekalavya aspired to study archery in the gurukul of Dronacharya, the greatest-known trainer. Dronacharya was in a dilemma as he had promised King Bhishma that he would educate this artwork solely to the princes. Evlavya was not a prince, so Dronacharya was reluctant to show him and he duly conveyed his refusal to Eklavya.
Deeply saddened by Dronacharya’s rejection, Ekalavya returned home. However, he determined to grasp the artwork of archery. So, he went into the forest and prepared a clay statue of Guru Dronacharya. He accepted the statue as his Guru and practised archery in front of it every single day. After practising for years together, Eklavya ultimately grew to become an exceptional archer.
Once Guru Dronacharya took the Pandava and Kaurava princes to the forest for training archery. A dog was also accompanying them. The dog wandered away from the place of practice and deep in the forest, got across Eklavya and began barking at him. Disturbed by his practice with the dog, Eklavya fired seven arrows into the dog’s mouth with such caution and skill that it stopped his barking without injuring the dog.
The dog returned to the place where the princes had been practising. Dronacharya was amazed to see the dog’s state. He was wondering how such a feat could be achieved. Dronacharya and his students investigated and came across Eklavya, practicing archery.
On seeing Dronacharya, Eklavya was filled with pleasure. He bowed right down to him.
Dronacharya asked Eklavya, “Where did you study archery?”. Pointing in the direction of the clay statue, Eklavya replied, “Under you O Guru.”
Dronacharya was upset. He had promised King Bhishma that he would make Arjun the best archer in the kingdom and he knew that his promise could be broken now as Eklavya had surpassed Arjun in that talent.
Dronacharya stated to Eklavya, “You made my statue and learnt archery accepting it as your Guru. However you didn’t offer me my Guru-dakshina”.
Eklavya replied, “O Guru. I’m prepared to offer no matter what you ask for.”
Dronacharya replied, “Give me your right thumb as my Guru-dakshina.”
Everybody was startled upon listening to this. Nonetheless, without a moment of hesitation, Eklavya cut his right thumb and gave it to Guru Dronacharya.
Filled with emotions, Dronacharya blessed Eklavya, “Son, as I have promised Arjun he would be the finest archer. Nonetheless, so long as this universe exists, you’ll be identified all around the world for your faith and devotion unto your Guru.”
