Children you all know who Guru Dronacharya was? He was the royal Guru of the Pandavas and Kauravas. He used to teach them military arts. Near the ashrama of Drona, there lived a small bright boy, shudra by caste. His name was Eklavya. Once, Eklavya asked Guru Dronacharya, “Gurudev, will you teach me the art of archery?” Eklavya aspired to study archery in the gurukul of Dronacharya, the greatest known teacher. Dronacharya was in a dilemma as he had promised King Bhishma that he will teach this art only to the princes. Eklavya was not a prince, so Dronacharya was reluctant to teach him and he duly conveyed his refusal to Eklavya.
Deeply dejected by Dronacharya’s rejection, Eklavya returned home. But he was not be put off, his determination knew no bounds. Near his house, under a tree, Eklavya installed a clay idol of Dronacharya that he worshiped as his Guru! Daily, morning and evening, this devotee put flowers and natural perfumes in front of this idol. He took Self-Lessons in the art of bow and arrow every single day. After practicing for years together, Eklavya eventually became an exceptional archer. He attributed his success to his Guru Dronacharya.
Once Guru Dronacharya took the Pandava and Kaurava to the forest for practicing archery. It was a pleasant and peaceful evening. But the tranquility and silence were broken by constant barking of a dog. Disturbed in his practice by the dog, Eklavya fired seven arrows in the dog's mouth with such caution and skill that it stopped his barking without injuring the dog. Curious Arjuna asked Guru Drona, "O Gurudev, who could have done this delicate job." Even Dronacharya was amazed and knew the archer must be an exceptionally skilled artist. They decided to trace this skillful fellow and reached the spot where Eklavya was practicing wonders with his bow and arrow in front of the clay image of Drona.
It took no time for Dronacharya to understand the situation. He realized that Eklavya was superior to Arjuna in some respects. He had promised King Bhishma that he would make Arjun the finest archer in the kingdom and he knew that his promise would be broken now as Eklavya had surpassed Arjun in that skill. Hence the Guru thought for a while and came to a decision to remove Eklavya as a competitor to Arjuna.
Dronacharya went to Eklavya and said, "O young man, who has taught you such wonderful skills in archery! Who is your Guru?".
Seeing the Guru in front of him, the boy Eklavya was more than overjoyed and said, "Why, O Gurudev, this all is your grace! I worship you as my Guru. Look you are there in that image!"
Dronacharya was pleased with the dedication of Eklavya, and said, "I bless you, my son. But as is customary, won't you give me my fees - Guru-Dakshina!"
[It is customary in India to give to the Guru whatever he demands as his fees - Guru-Dakshina for the knowledge the Guru has given to the disciple.]
Eklavya was overwhelmed to see Dronacharya had accepted him as his disciple! Out he said, "O Guru, whatever you ask, this humble disciple of yours will try his utmost to offer you as Guru-Dakshina! I am blessed."
And now comes a very touching and pathetic incidence in Mahabharata.
Guru Drona said, "O Eklavya, I am pleased with your respect for Guru. I want the thumb of your right hand as my Guru-Dakshina."
Everyone was startled on hearing this. The trees and atmosphere around stood still for a minute! Even Arjuna was stunned on listening to the unusual and almost cruel demand of his Guru. To ask for the thumb of an archer was equivalent to almost killing him! How could Dronacharya demand such a heavy prize from one disciple to protect the honor of the other!
But Eklavya had no such remorse. Unruffled and with due humility, cheerfully and without protest, he cut his right thumb and placed at the feet of Dronacharya. Gods in heaven silently praised the greatness of Eklavya's sacrifice.
Filled with emotions, Dronacharya blessed Eklavya, “Son, as I have promised Arjun he will be the best archer. However, as long as this universe exists, you will be known all over the world for your faith and devotion unto your Guru.”
Deeply dejected by Dronacharya’s rejection, Eklavya returned home. But he was not be put off, his determination knew no bounds. Near his house, under a tree, Eklavya installed a clay idol of Dronacharya that he worshiped as his Guru! Daily, morning and evening, this devotee put flowers and natural perfumes in front of this idol. He took Self-Lessons in the art of bow and arrow every single day. After practicing for years together, Eklavya eventually became an exceptional archer. He attributed his success to his Guru Dronacharya.
Once Guru Dronacharya took the Pandava and Kaurava to the forest for practicing archery. It was a pleasant and peaceful evening. But the tranquility and silence were broken by constant barking of a dog. Disturbed in his practice by the dog, Eklavya fired seven arrows in the dog's mouth with such caution and skill that it stopped his barking without injuring the dog. Curious Arjuna asked Guru Drona, "O Gurudev, who could have done this delicate job." Even Dronacharya was amazed and knew the archer must be an exceptionally skilled artist. They decided to trace this skillful fellow and reached the spot where Eklavya was practicing wonders with his bow and arrow in front of the clay image of Drona.
It took no time for Dronacharya to understand the situation. He realized that Eklavya was superior to Arjuna in some respects. He had promised King Bhishma that he would make Arjun the finest archer in the kingdom and he knew that his promise would be broken now as Eklavya had surpassed Arjun in that skill. Hence the Guru thought for a while and came to a decision to remove Eklavya as a competitor to Arjuna.
Dronacharya went to Eklavya and said, "O young man, who has taught you such wonderful skills in archery! Who is your Guru?".
Seeing the Guru in front of him, the boy Eklavya was more than overjoyed and said, "Why, O Gurudev, this all is your grace! I worship you as my Guru. Look you are there in that image!"
Dronacharya was pleased with the dedication of Eklavya, and said, "I bless you, my son. But as is customary, won't you give me my fees - Guru-Dakshina!"
[It is customary in India to give to the Guru whatever he demands as his fees - Guru-Dakshina for the knowledge the Guru has given to the disciple.]
Eklavya was overwhelmed to see Dronacharya had accepted him as his disciple! Out he said, "O Guru, whatever you ask, this humble disciple of yours will try his utmost to offer you as Guru-Dakshina! I am blessed."
And now comes a very touching and pathetic incidence in Mahabharata.
Guru Drona said, "O Eklavya, I am pleased with your respect for Guru. I want the thumb of your right hand as my Guru-Dakshina."
Everyone was startled on hearing this. The trees and atmosphere around stood still for a minute! Even Arjuna was stunned on listening to the unusual and almost cruel demand of his Guru. To ask for the thumb of an archer was equivalent to almost killing him! How could Dronacharya demand such a heavy prize from one disciple to protect the honor of the other!
But Eklavya had no such remorse. Unruffled and with due humility, cheerfully and without protest, he cut his right thumb and placed at the feet of Dronacharya. Gods in heaven silently praised the greatness of Eklavya's sacrifice.
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