T.T.D. Religious Publications Series No. 1103Price :

Published by Sri M.G. Gopal, I.A.S., Executive Officer,T.T.Devasthanams, Tirupati and Printed at T.T.D. Press, Tirupati.

Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams,Tirupati

DRONACHARYAEnglish Translation

A. Krishna

Srinivasa Bala Bharati

Srinivasa Bala Bharati - 155

(Children Series)

DRONACHARYATelugu Version

K. Srinivasulu setty

English Translation

A. Krishna

Published by

Executive OfficerTirumala Tirupati Devasthanams, Tirupati.

2014

Srinivasa Bala Bharati - 155(Children Series)

DRONACHARYATelugu VersionK. Srinivasulu setty

English TranslationA. Krishna

Editor-in-ChiefProf. Ravva Sri Hari

T.T.D. Religious Publications Series No. 1103

© All Rights Reserved

First Edition : 2014

Copies : 5000

Price :

Published byM.G. Gopal, I.A.S.

Executive OfficerTirumala Tirupati DevasthanamsTirupati.

D.T.P:Office of the Editor-in-ChiefT.T.D, Tirupati.

Printed at :Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams PressTirupati.

FOREWORD

If a beautiful garden is to be raised, one needs to take propercare of tender flower plants. In the same way in order to create agood society, great care needs to be taken of young children whoare going to be future citizens of India. All their intellectual attainmentswill be futile if they fail to learn of their culture and its greatness.They need to be told of great men and women of this country sothat they are inspired by their ideals. The essentials of our cultureshould be given to them in the form of simple and charming stories.They will cherish these ideals and be guided by them. They willpromote good and they will love the society they live in. They maketheir families proud and bring great prestige to their country whenthey grow up into good citizens.

Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams have brought out thesebooklets for children in Telugu under Srinivasa Bala Bharati Series.Although meant for children, they are useful to the elderly too. Theyhave found place in the book shelves of every family. The stories oflegendary men and women are narrated in a simple way. We hopethat more and more children will read them and profit by them.

I congratulate Dr. R. Sri Hari, Editor-in-Chief, TTD for hisefforts in bringing out the English translations of SRINIVASA BALABHARATI SERIES so well. We have received co-operation of manylearned men and women in our efforts to popularize this series. I amthankful to them.

In the Service of the Lord

Executive Officer, Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams.

Tirupati.

FOREWORD

Today’s children are tomorrow’s citizens. They need aptacquaintance with the life-histories of celebrated persons at tenderso that they get opportunity to lead their lives in an exemplary way.They will come to know that great things such as Indian culture,basic tenets of life and moral teachings are abundantly available inthe life-experiences of great men. It is observed that there is noscope to teach such subjects in school curriculum.

Observing such circumstances the Publication Division ofTirumala Tirupati Devasthanams has published about hundredbooklets in Telugu about the lives of famous sages and great menwritten by various authors under the editorship of Dr.S.B.Raghunathacharya under “Bala Bharati Series”. The response tothese books is tremendous and it has given impetus to publish themin other languages also. To begin with, some of the books are nowbrought out in English and Hindi by T.T.D. for the benefit of boysand girls and the interested public.

These booklets, primarily intended to the growing children andalso to the elders to study and narrate the stories to their children,will go a long way to sublimate the aspirations of the children togreater heights.

R. SRI HARI Editor-In-Chief

T.T.D.

Welcome To Srinivasa Balabharati Series

The series is the outcome of abundant grace of Lord SriVenkateswara.

This will be an unfailing source of inspiration to the young.

It enshrines the best of Bharatiya tradition. May this nobleendeavour be successful.

India has been known for its culture and civilization, its ethicaland dharmic way of life from time immemorial. India has marchedahead with its commitment to dharma, its resistance to adharma, itsespousal of life-affirming values and its humane attitude to life as ajourney towards God realization. Those who embodied these valuesin their life have been a beacon of light to us. Their impact is deep onthe life we lead. Young boys and girls will find them exemplary andfeel proud of their invaluable heritage. They will love their motherlandand dedicate themselves to its service.

It is therefore necessary that the young learn about these greatmen and women so that they will realize their indebtedness to themfor their selfless contribution to the enrichment of life. This shouldindeed be a chief component of true education which ensures theperennial continuity of Indian culture and civilization. SRINIVASABALA BHARATI SERIES has come into existence to acquaint theyoung boys and girls with right perspective of Indian life and valuesthrough a series of booklets written exclusively for this purposedescribing in brief the lives of great men and women.

We welcome you to share our joy in launching these booklets.

S.B. Raghunathacharya

Chief Editor

DRONACHARYA

Dronacharya was one of the well-known aged Kuruwarriors. His father was Bharadwaja, a great saint. Ashis father brought him up in a dronam, he was calledDrona.

Education of Drona and Drupada

The pious Bharadwaja had a friend named Vrushat.He was the king of Panchala. Once while doing pen-ance he happened to see Menaka picking up flowersnearby. At once he passed his semen. From it wasborn a boy called Drupada, Yajnasena was his anothername. Without taking home Vrushat entrusted his sonto Bharadwaja and educated him. Bharadwaja taughthis son Drona and his friend's son Drupada the Vedasand archery very well. As Vrushat died after a fewyears, his son Drupada was coronated as the king ofPanchala. While going to his kingdom Drupada askedhis friend again and again to come to Panchala.

Born Aswatthama

After Drupada left for his kingdom, Drona learntarchery from Agnivesh, a great saint. By the grace ofhis master he acquired Agneyastra and other divineweapons. After the completion of his education, hisfather asked him to marry. As per his father's word hemarried Krupi the sister of Krupacharya. To him wasborn a son called Aswatthama.

Of the two what do you prefer ?

Drona was a poor brahmin. He wanted to earnmoney for the sustenance of his family. He heard thatParasurama the son of Jamadagni was continuouslygiving away money to the brahmins in charity. He atonce went to Parasurama who was performing pen-ance on the mountain of Mahendra. Looking at DronaParasurama asked him why he had come. Putting forthhis abject poverty he desired riches from him. HearingDrona's desire Parasurama felt down hearted and toldhim that he had given away his riches to all the brahminsand the remaining land to the Saint Kasyapa in charity.What was left behind was his body and his archeryand asked him to choose either of the two. Then think-ing for a while he asked him to impart archery.Parasurama taught him archery in full. Drona completedhis education acquiring many divine weapons, the se-crets of their use, the incantations relating to them andtheir withdrawals.

Ego wounded :

After learning the whole education of archery fromParasurama, Drona visited his boyhood friend Drupadafor the sake of money. Then Drupada was at his heightsof glory with the exuberance of all the riches whereasDrona was in utter poverty. Drona reminded him ofhis boyhood friendship. But Drupada did not heedhim and asked him to go away saying that it was im-

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possible to make friendship with the poor brahminsfor the kings of his stature. Drona grew angry. Think-ing of the insult heaped upon him he started forHastinapura with his wife and son without saying anything.

The ball fell into the well :

There was a large playground on the outskirts ofHastinapura. The princes were usually playing there.That day Kauravas and Pandavas were playing togetherwith the ball. In the course of their play the ball ingolden colour fell into the well. The princes had noinstruments to pick the ball. Not knowing any trickhow to get the ball they were looking into the well withtheir faces downcast.

I pick out and give it to you :

Just then Drona came there. He learnt from theirtalk what had happened. He was surprised to hear thatthough the princes had learnt archery from the saintGowtama, they had not known the trick of taking theball out of the well. He told them that he would pickout the ball. When they were looking at with over-whelming curiosity, Drona pierced the ball with his ar-row. He repeated this operation with the other arrowstill a chain was formed. With this chain he pulled outthe ball and gave it to them. The joy of the Princesknew no bounds and wondered at his intellectual sa-gacity and dexterity in archery. At once they took him

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to their grand-father Bheeshmacharya and happily nar-rated the incident that had happened.

What do you want to do ?

Since so long a time Bheeshmacharya had beenseeking a suitable Guru to impart higher education tohis grand-children. Drona was a man of splendour en-dowed with matchless strength. He was black in com-plexion lean and lanky in stature and shining with allthe good qualities. Seeing such a great man in front ofhim and hearing his skill in archery Bheeshmacharyafelt utmost happiness. Soon he honoured him andasked, "Swami, where from are you coming? wheredo you want to live in?"

The thing that is sought is found :

"Acharya! My father is Bharadwaja. I have learntVedas and archery with strict celibacy in the Asram /monastery of Agnivesh. Drupada, the son of Vrushatand king of Panchala is my classmate. At the instanceof my father I have married Krupi called Gowtami.This is my son Aswatthama, a boy of great splendour.Though I am poor, I don't like to go to the kings andbeg charity from them. That's why I am leading a poorlife. Then remembering my boyhood friend Drupadaand his invitation I have gone to him with the desire ofridding of my poverty. But he has spoken sarcasticallyand asked me to go away saying that friendship be-tween the poor like me and the kings like Drupada is

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impossible. Feeling insulted and no work to do I havecome to this kingdom" narrated Drona his entire story.Bheeshma felt happy at hearing his story. He thoughtthat the thing he had been seeking for was found. Atonce he honoured Drona by giving him all the richesand made him happy.

Afterwards Bheeshma entrusted the Pandavas andKauravas to Drona and requested him to teach all kindsof archery. Drona agreed and taught them archery.From thence he was called 'Dronacharya.'

Who will fulfill my desire ?

After completing education in archery one dayDronacharya asked the princes," who will fulfil mydesire?" The sons of Dhrutarashtra saw their facesone another without saying anything. Then Arjuna said."I will fulfil your desire." For Arjuna's reply the masterfelt very happy, embraced him and began to teach himarchery. Not only the Kurus but also the other Princescame to learn archery from him. Radheya, the son ofSuta, felt jealous of Arjuna's dexterity in archery anddeveloped partiality towards Duryodhana.

Matchless archer :

With his continuous study Arjuna became anexpert in archery and won the admiration of his Guruby his dexterity and devotion. Drona developed loveand affection towards Arjuna for his intelligence. But

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Aswatthama nursed grudge against him and orderedthe cook not to serve food in the dark. One day whenArjuna was taking his meal at night the light was putout due to boisterous wind. Not caring for the dark-ness he took his meal and thought," By practice only ithas become possible to take food in the dark. We cando any type of work at any time, by mere practice"and started learning archery even at midnight. One nightAcharya heard the sound of the string, woke up fromsleep, came to him, admired him for his inquisitive-ness and promised him that he would make him match-less archer of all.

The figure instead of his guru :

Like this the fame of Dronacharya spread far andwide. Hearing the name of Dronacharya,Hiranyadhanva, the son of tribal king came toDronacharya and requested to take him as his disciple.But Acharya did not agree on the pretext of his being anishada. With the consent of Acharya Ekalavya madean Earthen idol of Dronacharya, worshipped him dailyand made continuous practice in archery and graspedits secrets.

Who is such a great man ?

The study of the Princes at Hastinapur was pro-gressing continuously. One day they went to the forestfor hunting. There their dog went astray, came toEkalavya and barked at him. Then Ekalavya shot seven

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arrows into the dog's mouth at a time. The dog cameto the Princes running. Seeing this incident the Princeswondered. "Who is such a great man?" and came tosee him. On the way they met a black strong man wear-ing deer skin and shining with the quiver of arrows.They asked him who he was. He replied that he wasthe son of a forester called Hiranyadhanva, and thedisciple of Dronacharya. The Princes returned fromthe forest and revealed this matter to their masterDronacharya.

Ekalavya's gurudakshina :

With the incident of Ekalavya, Arjuna felt agitatedin his mind. One day he made overture of Ekalavya'sskill in archery and reminded his master of his prom-ise. At once he went to the forest accompanied byArjuna. Ekalavya felt very happy for his master's visit.He revealed how he had worshipped and learnt ar-chery indirectly from him. Hearing that word Acharyaasked him of his gurudakshina. Ekalavya wished himto choose one of the three things, i,e. his body, hismoney and his men. Acharya thought for a while andasked Ekalavya's thumb as gurudakshina. Ekalavya cutoff his thumb without any hesitation and gave it tohim as gurudakshina. Drona took the thumb ofEkalavya and went back to Hastinapura with Arjuna.With this the study of Ekalavya's archery came to anend. The agony in the mind of Arjuna disappeared.

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Nothing visible :

Drona wanted to test the degree of skill the Princeshad acquired in the study of archery. He placed anartificial bird in golden colour on the top of a tree,called all the Princes and expressed his opinion of testingeach one of them. They all agreed. Then Drona calledDharmaraja and asked. "Raja, Have you seen the birdon the tip of the tree? " replied Dharmaraja," yes Ihave seen. "At once Drona asked him, "Have you seenme and your brothers?" "yes" replied Dharmaraja.Acharya said," Your attention is diverted. You have noconcentration and you can not shoot at the bird," andasked him to go away. Kauravas, Pandavas and theother Princes were asked the similar questions and sentthem away saying that they had no concentration. Atlast he called Arjuna and asked the similar questions.Arjuna replied that he had seen nothing except the headof the bird. Acharya felt happy and asked Arjuna toshoot down the bird. Immediately Arjuna shot at thehead of the bird with his arrow and the bird fell down.Drona felt happy for Arjuna's skill and presented himso many weapons.

He alone deserves :

After this incident one day Drona took the Princesto the river Ganges for bath. When Drona was in deepmeditation in waters, a crocodile caught hold of histhigh tightly. It was not clearly visible above the wa-

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ters. Though Drona was capable of ridding of thecrocodile, he asked his disciples to kill the crocodile.As the crocodile was not clearly visible, Duryodhanaand other expressed their inability. Finally Arjunaagreed, shot five arrows, killed the crocodile and savedhis master. With this incident Drona felt utmost happi-ness and decided that Arjuna was the right person towreak vengeance on Drupada.

Competition show :

After some time an open competition was con-ducted for the display of the Princes' martial arts. Towitness this competition the people from several citiescame in large number. All the courtiers occupied theirrespective seats. With the permission of their masterthe Princes stand in the centre of arena were display-ing their arts skillfully. Then Bheema and Duryodhanagot ready to show their skill in their mace fight. Duringthis display their anger upon each other turned into thefire of hatred. Seeing this fight Drona sent his sonAswatthama to stop their fight and permitted Arjuna toexhibit his talent in archery.

Challenge of Karna :

With the permission of the master Arjuna exhib-ited all the secrets of martial skills in archery he hadlearnt. Just then Karna entered the centre of arena, dis-played all his skills and challenged Arjuna. Arjuna got

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ready for the dual fight with Karna. The fight betweenthem was so fierce that Krupacharya intervened andsaid, "The fight between two unequals is against therules. Tell me what is your caste,?" With shame Karnabent his head. Understanding Karna's plight fullyDuryodhana made Karna king of Anga.

Get hold of Drupada :

After the open competition one early morningDrona called his disciples and asked them of hisgurudakshina. The Princes saluted and asked" what'syour wish?" Drona replied," go and get hold of proudDrupada. That is my gurudakshina". All the Princesagreed and started for Panchala to wage war onDrupada. At first Kauravas on their chariots startedfor Panchala. Pandavas with their master followed thesuit. On the way Arjuna said to Drona, "Swami,Kauravas are going with so much of enthusiasm to gethold of Drupada. This is an indication of their merepride. Drupada is not such a weakling to get be caughthold of. They don't know that he is your classmate.After their trials are over and come back, I will get intothe field and fulfil your desire". The master agreed.

Have you identified who we are ?

Kauravas attacked the kingdom of Panchala andstarted the war. The terrible war ensued as per their

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ability. Unable to resist the weapons of Drupadakauravas took to heels and returned. Seeing the poorplight of Kauravas Arjuna took the permission of hismaster and his brother Dharmaraja and intruded intothe army of Drupada followed by Bheema, Nakula andSahadeva. The ghastly war took place. Owing to theshots of arrows the whole battle field became dark.Arjuna and Drupada engaged in a dual fight. To breakthe bow of Arjuna Drupada shot the arrows. ThenArjuna fell upon Drupada furiously with the dagger,caught him, tied him to his chariot, brought and en-trusted to his master. Drona felt happy and said," Ahaha!who are you? Oh! Drupada maharaj! why have youbecome so pale? Has your kingly power gone out ofyour mind now ? Have you recognized who we are?"Drona derided and left him away.

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The strange gurudakshina :

Drona divided the kingdom of Panchala into twoparts. Half the kingdom was given to Drupada and theother half was kept under his control and he ruled itfrom Ahicchatram. Like this Drona fulfilled his desirethrough Arjuna and felt happy for his skill and effi-ciency. One day Drona offered him a divine arrowcalled Brahmasiras and said, "Partha ! This arrow wasgiven to Agrivesh by Agasti. Agrivesh has presented itto me and I am giving it to you. Don't use this weaponon men and on the unrenowned people. If needs be,use this weapon on men who hurt you." So saying hetook a promise that he would not fight with his master.

Do you have love more than we :

After marrying Draupadi Pandavas enjoyed all theriches at Panchala. It became painful for Duryodhanaand for others. Even now they could not toleratePandavas' nobility. Saying this matter to Dhrutarashtrathey were making a plan to separate Drupada andPandavas. Here Karna suggested that all the problemsshould be solved if Panchalas were defeated.Dhrutarashtra did not agree and asked them to consultBheeshma and others. Then Duryodhana convened ameeting. In the meeting Bheeshma advised them to befriendly with Pandavas. Taking it as an advantageDronacharya advised the same. Then Karna opposedDrona saying that being friendly with the enemies is

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against political morality. He quoted an instance of howVitantu the king of Magadha had lost his kingdom hear-ing the words of his minister. He goaded Duryodhananot to follow the words of his ministers. Drona grewangry and said, "There is no meaning for the words ofKarna. He has no love more than we have ". Like thisthe argument continued. During the course of their ar-gument Vidura intervened, tried to stop their argumentand taught morals. Then Dhrutarashtra directed Vidurato get Pandavas to Hastinapura.

Duryodhana's blame :

In the war of Gograhana Dronacharya heard thesound of Gandeeva and conch, understood that Arjunawas coming from the side of Virat. He said that it wasdoubtful to win the war as the ill-omens seemed to betracing from their side and asked to set right the armystopping unnecessary chatting. Duryodhana grew fu-rious and said, "Arjuna is nothing before me. If we setright the army, we need not dread our enemies. EvenDharmaraja can not face us. Saying that Drona can notface Arjuna is a matter of derision. Who ever hearsthis matter will laugh at. Speaking high of our enemy isnot good. Flattery is the profession of Vandimagadhas.It is not good on the part of Acharya to speak of mor-als in times of war." Then Aswatthama got angry andblamed Duryodhana for making indecent remark onhis father.

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Arjuna's saluting arrows :

The army was ready. The kuru warriors were alsoready for war. When Arjuna was entering into the battle-field, Drona saw his splendour and felt happy thoughdown hearted for Pandavas' difficulties in the past.Arjuna shot two arrows at the feet of his master andshowed his respects to him. Drona felt happy for thiskind of salutations and enquiring of his welfare.Bheeshma and Krupacharya admired Arjuna for hisdecency and docility.

The war between Drona and Arjuna :

Before the commencement of the war Arjuna in-troduced to Uttarakumar all the elders in the army ofKauravas, and told him that he would not fight againstDronacharya. But it was inevitable for Arjuna to fightwith his master. The ghastly war took place betweenthem. Both of them showed their skills. Dronacharyaadmired Arjuna for his skill in his heart of hearts. Atlast Arjuna broke down the master's chariot and killedthe horses. Thought the war ended between them, warwith Aswatthama became inevitable.

War between Kauravas and Pandavas :

With the permission of Gangeya Duryodhana ap-pointed eleven persons to be the chiefs of the ElevenAkshowhinis. Bheeshma was made commander-inchief of the army. On this occasion he revealed the

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abilities and capabilities of Kauravas and made Dronaatiratha. Drona would create fear in the hearts of en-emies. He was the master for both the sides of thearmies. There was no strategy that he did not knowand the great divine weapons were under his control.

On the second day of Bheeshma's warDrushtadyumna sought to fight with Dronacharya. Theterrible war took place. Their valour increased whenthey broke down their weapons each other. During thistime Drona killed Suta and his horses ofDrushtadyumna. Then Bheema came in support ofDrushtadyumna. Again the ghastly war took place be-tween them. When Bheema went to face Kalingapati.Dharmaraja came to the rescue of Drushtadyumna.On the ninth day of war Drona fought with Arjuna. Inthis war Krupa, Salya, Bahlika faced Arjuna. On thetenth day Drona sent Aswatthama to assist Bheeshma.

Coronation of Commander - in - Chief :

After the fall of Bheeshma Karna felt a lot recol-lecting his greatness. With his permission he startedfor the battle field. With the fall of BheeshmaDuryodhana went into a reverie who should be madecommander-in chief of the army. Karna suggested thateverybody in his army was fit to be the commander-in- chief and nobody would object if Drona was madecommander - in - chief. Duryodhana agreed and

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coronated him as commander - in - chief. Drona felthappy and said that he would grant a boon ifDuryodhana desired. Accordingly Raraju asked himto catch hold of Dharmaraja and entrust him.

Again send him to the forest :

Drona doubted there was some secret hidden inhis desire. He asked Duryodhana to defeat Pandavasand part half the kingdom. Duryodhana replied that hisintention was to invite Dharmaraja for the game of dice,defeat him and send him again to the forest. Thoughgrieved for Duryodhana's evil intention Drona prom-ised that he would get hold of Dharmaraja if he did notrun away or Arjuna was not with him.

Dharmaraja caught hold :

On the first day Dronacharya hatched / plannedthe formation of cart (sakata vyuha). In reply to itPandavas made the formation of Krauncha. WhenDrona raged the army of Pandavas to the ground,Dharmaraja made Kauravas run helter - skelter. Takingit as an advantage Drona tried to catch hold ofDharmaraja. The cries of woes that Dharmaraja wascaught were raised. Just then Arjuna came suddenlyfaced his master scattering his army.

Catch him by any means :

On the second day Drona advised Raraju to sepa-rate Dharmaraja from Arjuna by taking Arjuna away.

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To separate them Duryodhana instigated samsaptakasto fight with Arjuna. But Arjuna arranged protectionfor Dharmaraja and went to fight with samsaptakas.This day Kauravas planned the formation of 'Garuda'where as Pandavas the Mandalardha. The fierce wartook place. Duryodhana felt happy when Pandavaswere on the verge of defeat. Mounting his elephantBhagadatta was killing the army of Pandavas. Mean-while Arjuna defeated Samsaptakas and came to therescue of Dharmaraja and killed Bhagadatta. With thisthe army of Kauravas was a little bit dreaded. Now thearmy of Pandavas attacked Drona furiously. But theycould not stand before Drona. That day the war endedwithout any truthful result for Drona. While going totheir tents Duryodhana reminded his master of hispromise. He said that he would catch Dharmaraja byany means.

Drona's formation of Lotus (Padmavyuham) :

On the third day of war Drona planned the forma-tion of Lotus (Padmavyuham). No body knew how tobreak the lotus formation except Arjuna. Abhimanyuknew only how to enter but did not know how tocome back. Dharmaja asked Abhimanyu to pave theway into lotus formation to be followed by them lateron.

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I kill Saindhava :

Abhimanyu entered the lotus formation(Padmavyuham). When Pandavas were about to en-ter, Saindhava stood against them. Abhimanyu foughtalone and got tired. As per the hint of Drona Karnabroke the bow of Abhimanyu. The other Maharathissurrounded him. At that time Abhimanyu was fightingwith the son of Dussasana. During this fight Abhimanyudied. Hearing the death of his son Arjuna took the oaththat he would kill Saindhava before sunset the nextday, as he was the cause for his son's death. Saindhavawas afraid of Arjuna's oath but Drona and Karna gavegood encouragement to him.

Saindhava in wheel formation (Chakravyuham) :

On the fourth day Drona wearing white shouldershield and suitable turban seemed to be furious withthe bow aimed at. That day he planned 'wheel forma-tion.' In this wheel formation he planned lotus forma-tion and kept Bhurisrava and Aswatthama to be theguardians to save Saindhava.

Make Pradakshinam and enter into formation :

Arjuna kept Dharmaraja under the protection ofSatyaki and went for war. With a smile Dronacharyasaid to Arjuna," How can you go without conqueringme? Sensing the inner meaning of these words Krishnasaid to Arjuna," The whole day will become waste if

you fight with him. Better go round him and enter intoVyuham. Arjuna did as he was bid. Scattering the armyArjuna killed so many warriors.

The wheel across the sun :

Dharmaraja sent Satyaki to assist Arjuna who en-tered the Vyuham alone. After sometime Bheema wassent. These three showed their martial skills and pro-ceeded towards Saindhava. To resist these three Rarajuran towards Arjuna. Instigated by Krishna, Arjuna cutthe hand of Bhurisrava who lifted his hand to killSatyaki. Satyaki severed the head of Bhurisrava. Bythat time the Sun went down the west. Saindhava wasnot killed. Kauravas were trying to prevent Pandavasfrom reaching Saindhava. Then Krishna thought of aplan, sent his wheel across the Sun, and created artifi-cial darkness. Seeing the darkness Saindhava coura-geously lifted his head. With the hint of Krishna Arjunaat once cut off the head of Saindhava.

War throught the night :

Both the sides did not stop the war even at twi-light. They continued the war with the candle sticks,Partha observed the tired soldiers and gave them rest.He asked them to commence the war with the moon-rise. All agreed. Like this the war continued the wholenight. That day Karna killed Ghatotkacha with the ar-row of 'Sakti'.

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Aswatthama hatah kunjarah :

On the fifth day the army of Pandavas ran awayfailing to withstand the onslaught of Dronacharya.Drona used powerful weapons and severed the headsof many heroes. Virat and Drupada were killed. No-body withstood for the onslaught of Acharya. Krishnasuggested that it would be difficult to conquer him inthe war. Better kill him by some trick. Dharmaraja wasasked to say that Aswatthama had died. ThoughDharmaraja did not accept. He was convinced to sayso. Then in the presence of Acharya Dharmaraja said"Aswatthama hatah kunjarah". The first words werespoken loudly, the last one slowly. Hearing the loudwords of Dharmaraja Drona renounced his weaponsthinking that his son had died. He called Karna, Krupaand advised them to continue the war intelligently. Hesat in meditation on the chariot. During this timeDrushtadyumna cut the head of Drona with his dag-ger though Arjuna and others objected him. ThenAswatthama grew angry and used 'Narayanastra.' Onthe advise of Krishna Pandavas left their weapons, sa-luted to it and saved their lives.

Personality :

Like this Dronacharya became one of the renownedheroes of Bharat. He was applauded by Bheeshma andothers for his skill in archery. He was called to be the

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right disciple of Parasurama. Without any secrecy hetaught his disciple all martial arts and Vedas. Though abrahmin he proved to be a king,' Idam BrahmamidamKshatram' and remained immortal as an unconquer-able hero.