Story of Ekalavya Stories from Mahabharata
1
Near the ashrama of Drona, where Arjuna and his brothers used to take lessons in
various arts, there lived a small bright boy, shudra by caste (lower caste). His
name was Eklavya. He had great desire to learn the art of archery from Dronacharya.
But his mother had told him that as a shudra, Acharya Drona would not accept
Eklavya as his disciple. It was futile to dream of such a privilege. But the boy
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 flower and natural perfumes in front of this
image and took Self-Lessons in the art of bow and arrow. The talented young Eklavya
soon acquired high knowledge in archery. He attributed his success to his Guru
Dronacharya. One day, as it happened, Acharya Drona and Arjuna were passing near
the hut of Eklavya. It was pleasant and peaceful afternoon and people were taking
rest. But the tranquility and silence was broken by constant barking of a dog.
Eklavya did not like this, and therefore, he shut the mouth of the dog with an
arrow! Dronacharya and Arjuna were surprised to see the dog with his mouth sealed
with an arrow! Naturally the curious Arjuna asked his Gurudev as to who could have
done this delicate job. Even Dronacharya was amazed and knew the archer must be
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.
Dronacharya loved Arjuna very much and had declared him to be the best archer on
the earth. Hence the Guru thought for awhile 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 that 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!"
2
[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
Honorable Teacher, whatever you ask, this humble disciple of yours will try his
utmost to offer you as GuruDakshina! 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 fees –
GuruDakshina." 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 kill 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 the heaven silently praised the greatness of Eklavya's sacrifice.
Cnu.pne
