EKALAVYA
Dear friends
Most of us know about Ekalaya story told in the epic Mahabharatha. I got a lot of added information on reading of it from Hindu universe. I thought of sharing with members
Sincerely
Gopala Krishnan
1. introduction
Most of us who used to recite Vishnu sahasranamam will recollect the verse
'Gurur-brahma gurur-vishnuh
Gurur-devo maheswarah
Guruh-sakshat parabrahma
Tasmai sri gurave namah'
In our land the teacher who imparts training is held in very high esteem. The teacher is respected like a father. As the above saying describes, the teacher is considered as the 'trimurtis'- Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva - all rolled into one.
In olden times, children who sought learning had to live with their teacher faithfully attend to the works assigned to them and pursue their studies with concentration as he taught them. Such stay of the pupil with his teacher was known as 'Gurukulavasa' (‘staying and learning at the abode of the master').
The teacher was not merely teaching but would actually shape the boy's character and personality too by instilling in him an awareness of the world around him, and how to lead a life useful to the society and face various problems one comes across in life.
2. Ekalavya - The Brave Jungle-boy
The story of Ekalavya is of a boy who demonstrated to the world what an aspirant could achieve in life if he has faith and respect in his master and pursues his efforts. Ekalavya was a jungle-boy. He belonged to the hunters' community and was a bold child. It was a time when such communities were considered socially inferior. But Ekalavya, by his actions and behavior, showed that one's inferior or superior status lies not in, which community one belongs to but in one's vision and qualities of heart.
2. Ekalvya become chief of the forest
Ekalavya resided in a small, charming forest, with his mother. They were leading a modest, contented life. His father Hiranyadhanu who was the chieftain there strove to bring up Ekalavya as a brave boy embodying good and noble qualities. But he passed away while the son was still a young boy. An ardent follower of the king, he died in a battle. Ekalavya then became the chief of the forest.
4.Lover of Animals
Ekalavya had developed a strong affection towards the animals amidst which he was growing up. He wanted these simple, harmless animals to grow in a loving way under his care and ensured they came to no harm. If anyone troubled them, he would feel like killing him!
A large number of wolves live in that forest and they often hunted small tender calves of deer and other animals. The calves wailing when caught by the wolves would be heart-rending, Ekalavya would upon hearing such cries, used to think whether he could save these poor animals? The hunters are born archers. Ekalavya too grew up mastering the art. However, he aspired to increase his physical prowess so that he can rid his forest of the wolves' menace and make it a safe haven for deer and other animals. He therefore pursued his training in archery with total concentration.
5.Who will be the Guru?
Ekalavya's mother, noticing her son's restlessness, asked him one day: 'Son, why are you worried so much now-a-days? Can't you say what it is even to me?'
He said-Look, our dear calves, deer, etc., are becoming game to the big cruel wild animals. We can kill a wolf if we can sight it. But how to master archery to that extent? Which Master shall I turn to? This has been my worry.'
The mother in fact felt glad when she heard these words. She was pleased to learn of her son's concern for the harmless animals in the forest. She also felt sympathetic that her son, who was without a kill the unseen father, should take upon himself such an obligation at such a young age.
6. Mother directs Ekalaya to Dronacharya
She said: 'Ekalavya, heard of Dronacharya?' 'If you want to shoot at the wolves unseen, you should become his disciple to achieve the prowess you desire.'
Ekalaya said -'Where is he, mother? Tell me. I will become his disciple', Ekalavya exclaimed with pleasure and anticipation.
'He is in Hastinavati teaching archery to the princes of Bharata clan. He is the 'guru' to the Kauravas who are the sons of emperor Dhritarashtra and their relatives. You have heard of Bhishmacharya, son of Gangadevi. It is said none can match him in battle. He was the person who suggested that Dronacharya should teach archery to the Kaurava princes.
'How did Bhishmacharya discover Dronacharya?'
'He himself came to Hastinavati. He had learnt archery from his father sage Bharadwaja, besides being a disciple of Parashurama. It is said that persons matching Dronacharya in the art of wielding the bow and arrow are rare in the world. It appears he was very poor; and in the course of travels he came to Hastinavati. Bhishma heard about him. There is an interesting story about this also.' And she narrated that story.
7. Ekalaya hear ths story of Dronacharya from his mother
The Kaurava and pandava princes were then young boys. One day, while they were playing, their ball fell into a well. However much they tried they could not recover it and were looking for help. Near-by an impressive - looking, dark complexioned brahmin was standing. The boys went to him for help. Upon listening to their request, he took out a Dharbha , consecrated it with holy prayers and threw one piece at the ball-, following it he sent down several Dharbhas and all of them got attached to one another forming as a rope clinging to the ball in the well. He pulled at it and drew the ball out! The boys were surprised at this 'magic' and queried:
'O distinguished Brahmin, what is your name? Where did you come from?'
Dronacharya : 'Go and narrate what you saw to Bhishmacharya, your grandfather, and you will know everything.'
The boys ran to Bhishma and excitedly told him about the brahmin's feat. At that time, Bhishma was thinking about equipping the princes in archery with thorough training. He was on the lookout for a suitable tutor for the boys. He had heard about Dronacharya, as a master archer. The enthusiastic narrative of the princes convinced him that the brahmin none other than Drona. He immediately went to Drona and offered honors requesting him to stay in the capital and be the princes' master. Drona agreed and set up his residence in Hastinavati.
8. Ekalaya get directed to approach Drona
Ekalavya became excited as he heard the story of Dronacharya from his mother. "He asked- Can Acharya Drona teach archery to me too?"
'Go and try, son. I wish you luck and bless you. Do not forget that Dronacharya is a distinguished elderly man. Conduct yourself with dignity and respect. Never retort. Behave with humility, and accomplish your task. Ekalavya set Out for Hastinavati.
9.Drona bless and send Ekalaya back to forest
Even before entering the city, Ekalavya sighted -the master on the outskirts. Drona was giving early lessons in archery to the princes. Ekalavya hesitated to go to him while the class was in progress. He waited near-by and watched.
He was teaching each boy in an easily comprehen- sible manner. He would show them how to stand erect, on which leg one should rest more bodyweight, how to position the hands and fingers, how to position the arrow and mount the arrow, how to concentrate upon the object, how and to what extent one should draw the thread, when to release the arrow. And he would demonstrate to them all these things vividly and in detail. He would watch a boy send forward an arrow and show him where he was right and where he went wrong. The practice would continue.
Ekalavya was all eyes and ears as he watched this class with fascination. He felt how easy it is to understand his teaching.
He remembered the counseling of his mother. At an opportune moment he met Acharya Drona. He prostrated before him totally surrendering himself to the Master. Drona was touched by the humility of this boy from the woods, stretched his arms to raise him, and blessed him. Ekalavya introduced himself. When the Master learnt of the boy's mighty desire, a sympathetic chord struck in his heart.
As he was in teaching the princes Drnacharya worried how he could teach Ekalavya, a jungle-boy along with the princes. So Dronacharya told him, 'Son, it will not be difficult for you to learn this art. You are a born archer. Go back to the forest and practice well and with deep interest. You too are my disciple.'
Drona's words were a great blessing to Ekalavya. He felt confident that the Masters good wishes were with him. He prostrated before Drona and sought for his blessings, 'Sir, I will act as you have instructed. Please bless me.' 'Go, son, may you master archery as you wish!' Drona said
FOR ME NEW INFORMATION-Ekalaya was directed to Dronacharya by his mother. How he proceeded with self training with Drona’s idol is next posting.
10 Before The Guru's Image
Satisfied of achieved something new and significant, Ekalavya returned to his forest. There he prepared an idol of Dronacharya, installed it in a particular place, and began to worship it reverently by offering flowers, fruits, etc.
Ekalavya would get up early in the morning, bathe and offer 'pooja' to the master’s idol. Enshrined in his mind were the words, actions and training methods of Drona he had witnessed (only on a single day). He faithfully followed the instructions and continued his practice; and his prowess increased as days passed. (I have also read somewhere sitting on a tree hidden to all he used to observe Drona’s classes)
While Arjuna had personally mastered archery from Drona, learning from him by first hand, Ekalavya achieved equally impressive skill while worshipping the idol. If he could not accomplish a particular technique, he would rush to Drona's image and present his problem and would wait in meditation till a solution appeared in his mind. He would then proceed further. Ekalavya's training progressed in this manner.
11.Who is This Expert Archer?
The Kaurava and Pandava princes once went to the forest on a hunting expedition. Their leading dog was running forward. Ekalavya dressed in a tiger-skin and wearing strings of conch- beads, was engaged in his practice. The dog, on approaching him, began to bark. Probably wishing to show off his workmanship, he sent down a series of arrows in the direction of the barking dog and the arrows filled its mouth. It ran back to the princes. They were astonished at this expertise in archery and wondered who the archer was.
Arjuna, seeing this, was not only got surprised but also felt anxious. He wanted to be recognized as the world's foremost archer. His fame was spreading across many states. The princes went in pursuit of the archer who had hit their dog, and saw Ekalavya.
12.Two Disciples
Ekalavya was standing there- a dark complexioned young man looking like a chiseled creation, there was the bow in his left hand and an arrow in the right.
The princes wondered: Was this youngster really the one who shot those arrows? How did he acquire his training? Who taught him to use the arrows with such precision in this forest? Arjuna felt restless. Here was a person matching him. He felt deflated.
The princes asked Ekalavya: Are you the person who sent down those arrows into the dog's mouth?' 'Yes.'
'Who are you? What's your name?’
'I am the son of Hiranyadhanu, the king of Nishada. I am the chieftain of this forest. Ekalavya is my name.
Who is your master?'
'My master is Dronacharya' replied Ekalavya humbly; Arjuna was taken aback at the mention of Drona's name. Could his dear teacher teach so much to a nishada boy? If so, what about the Master's promise to him?
13.The Guru's Promise
Drona had developed a special affection towards Arjuna. He was pleased at the extraordinary interest Arjuna evinced in his training.
There was a king named Drupada who also had learnt archery along with Drona in child hood. He had promised Drona that would help him when he assumed throne. But later when the poor Dronacharya went to see, him, the king dismissed him saying 'Do you think a king can keep friendship with a wretched person like you?'
Dronacharya was enraged and retorted: 'remember this! Some day one of my disciple will bring you to me bound like a slave!' Since then, this one thought was constantly nagging in the Acharya's mind.
Drona on conclusion of classes called his disciples and told them- "Sons, I am sure all of you will meet with expected success. I have a desire to be fulfilled. You should accomplish it after your training is completed. Will you promise?'
The princes stood in silence before their tutor listening to his words. After a while, Arjuna felt that it was not proper for them not to respond to their Master. Rushing forward, Arjuna said: "O Master, should you’re asking us thus? Your word is law to us. Whatever may be your wish, I shall fulfill it."
Dronacharya felt happy to discover a pupil of his heart's desire. His affection flowed forth towards Arjuna, 'I will train you to be unmatched in the world', and he promised him.
14. Arjuna practice in the dark
Another incident occurred during the period. Once when Drona and the princes were having their dinner, the light was suddenly extinguished by a drought of wind. The darkness encouraged Arjuna to ponder thus: 'now, in this darkness, our eyes cannot spot our hands or mouth. And yet the hand with food is correctly moving towards the mouth. This is the result of our practice. So, if we have thorough practice, even in darkness we can hit our target.' No sooner was the meal over, than he rushed out, and started target practice in the dark. Drona was pleased with his dedication.
15.Ekalavya getting angry with Arjuna
The sight of a jungle-boy who could challenge him set Arjuna worrying. "Is it true that Dronacharya is your master? Arjuna again asked to Ekalavya.
'Don't be so arrogant as to question my word. My father did not live long to teach me archery completely. But he taught me to be truthful and not to tolerate untruth. Do you doubting me? Who are you to doubt even my Master?'
Arjuna replied: 'I am the son of king Pandu. My name is Arjuna, and my Master is Dronacharya. He hails from a distinguished clan and would never teach a jungle-boy like you."
Ekalavya felt like laughing at Arjuna's words but without making fun, he said: 'Arjuna, my Master does not bother about all these class distinctions. My Master Dronacharya has heartily blessed meâ€
Arjuna could not accept Ekalavya's words. What you are saying is false. I won’t believe it. Did Master Dronacharya deceive me? Arjuna's words angered Ekalavya. He suddenly whipped out his bow and shouted at Arjuna: 'you keep your mouth shut. If you say one more word insulting my Guru, and I shall cut off your tongue!’
16. Yudhishtira calm Arjuna
Sensing the war of words was getting out of hand, Dharmaputra pacified Arjuna saying, -O dear Arjuna, why all these unnecessary arguments? Let us go and ask Dronacharya himself.'
17.Arjuna calls on Guru Drona
No sooner did they return to Hastinavati than Arjuna rushed to Dronacharya. His face was red and his eyes showed his anxiety. He explained to the Master what transpired in the forest and lamented: "A hunter-boy has gained superiority over me. He boasts that you are his 'Guru'. How can this be possible? What about your promise to me?"
FOR ME- the hunt dog incident is new. The conflict between Arjuna and Ekalaya is also new.
What was the reply from Dronacharya? Interested readers please wait for next posting.
18 Dronacharya study the situation
Dronacharya was perplexed: He remained silent for a while. He could guess what really happened. Dronacharya was very pleased at the enterprise of this disciple who stayed in the forest and had mastered the art of archery relying only upon the name of the Guru. He was very pleased at Ekalavya's devotion to the Master and thirst for acquiring a thorough training. He decided to show Arjuna the real qualities of Ekalavya.
And Drona also came to a painful decision in relation to his obligation as the teacher to the princes. 'God, Thy will be done', he prayed and set about his task.
19. Dronacharya proceeds to forest
Accompanied by Arjuna and Ashwatthama, he proceeded to Ekalavya's forest. Ekalavya's joy knew no bounds when he learnt that Dronacharya was visiting him. He did the best to welcome the Master. Thinking that Drona should not miss his path amidst darkness or shadows thrown by tall trees, he positioned his fellow tribesmen all along the route to guide his teacher to the destination without hindrance.
He decorated the idol he was worshipping with colorful wild flowers. He prayed before it again. He kept the bow and arrows properly arranged. He was full of anticipation.
Horns blew heralding the arrival of Dronacharya. Ekalavya rushed out and saw him majestically walking down. Approaching him, Ekalavya fell at his feet, His desire to welcome the Master was great; it was total surrender. Ekalavya also formally welcomed Arjuna and Ashwatthama, who had accompanied the Master.
20 Droncharya receives the welcome by Ekalavya
Ekalavya treated the distinguished guests to a feast of delicious fruits, milk, etc. He later demonstrated to them his prowess in archery. Arrows flew in all directions in novel formations.
Ekalavya gratefully told Drona: 'Sir, all this is the result of your blessing. As long as I remember you, none of the arrows I send forth can fail to hit the target, Acharya, I have also learnt to aim at the source of any sound! I sat in prayer before your idol and during the worship; the whole knowledge comes to me.
Dronacharya was thrilled at the words and actions of Ekalavya.Seeing the devotion with which is worshipped his idol, his eyes swelled with tears of emotion. I am lucky to have such a pupil', he told himself. When he remembered the object of his visit, Drona shuddered in agony. Should this poor boy suffer because of a promise I made to a prince? Should his life's ambition collapse shatteringly? Drona felt grieved.
Arjuna and Ashwatthama sat transfixed upon witnessing Ekalavya's skills. They forgot themselves and began applauding him.
21 Guru-Dakshina
Drona awakened from his emotional state and remembering his objective instructed Ashwatthama to go out and make arrangements for their return journey. He was concerned that his son might oppose him. After Ashwatthama went out, Drona, in a low voice, summoned Ekalavya.
'Your learning has been enormous, son. I am deeply satisfied. With utter devotion and practice, you have achieved something magnificent. May your achievement become an ideal for all to emulate.' Drona blessed his disciple whole-heartedly.
Ekalavya was overwhelmed. 'Thank you, Gurudeva! I only wish my mother had heard your noble words. May your kind blessings protect me for all time, Acharya!'
Drona said - 'If you accept me as your Master, you are obliged to pay my fee ('guru-dakshina'). Think it over.'
Ekalavya smilingly replied: 'what is there to think over, Sir? I am your disciple and you are my 'Guru'. This is as true as the existence of my mother, my forest here and my dear animal friends. Should I hesitate to pay my obeisance to you? Please say what you wish, Sir. I will fulfill it even if I have to sacrifice my life in the effort.'
Words failed Drona. He felt utterly helpless and was obliged to tell him: 'Ekalavya, your achievement is unparalleled. Any master should feel proud of such a disciple. But, son, now it has fallen to my lot to promise I made.'
'Oh, Master what are you saying? You have to break a promise? And that too because I got trained in this art? Please tell me how I can help you solve this problem. Everything that is mine, my whole being is at your disposal.'
22.Dronacharya ask for right had thumb as Gurudakshina
'Ekalavya, I have to demand a supreme sacrifice from you to fulfill my word. Can you please give me the thumb of your right hand as my fee?'
Ekalavya stared at Dronacharya for a while. He could sense the Master's agony. He then stood up and walked. To the idol with determination, placed his thumb upon a stone and cut it off with an arrow from his left hands in an instant. Blood started gushing out.
Meanwhile, Arjuna was keenly listening to the dialogue between Drona and Ekalavya. He was worried whether he could match Ekalavya in the skills of archery, but felt confident that Drona would keep his promise.
When the Master asked Ekalavya's thumb as his fee, Arjuna was shocked. By the time he collected his thoughts and turned to Ekalavya, the thumb had already rolled down to the floor.
Ekalavya then prostrated before Drona who was sitting with his eyes closed and said: 'O Master, please accept my fee.' Opening his eyes, Drona saw the thumb soaked in blood; the disciple stood before him with a smile on his face. Drona, while feeling grieved at the injury he inflicted upon Ekalavya, was at the same time deeply touched by his ardent devotion. I feel a sense of fulfillment in having had a disciple like you. May God bless you.' Arjuna was standing there dumbfounded. Later, the threesome returned to Hastinavati
23 Lord Kishna kill Ekalavya before war
Ekalavya scored victory in defeat! With the right thumb gone, he could no longer wield the bow effectively. He continued his practice using his left arm and achieved distinction. He demonstrated that nothing could be a hindrance to a totally sincere pursuit. But he was constantly nagged by one worry. As a heroic person like his father, he had desired to assist the king of the land in times of difficulties and he could not fulfill this ambition.
It was the time when the Great War of Kurukshetra was being fought. Lord Krishna, supporting the Pandavas, was thinking about talented and heroic people who may join hands with Kauravas.
Ekalavya's father Hiranyadhanu had died in the service of Kaurava kings. Now it was possible his son might also assist Kauravas. Though he had lost his right thumb, he was still one of the world's greatest archers, as Krishna knew. It is said in the Mahabharata that Lord Krishna, not wanting Ekalavya to assist the Kaurava army, killed him before the war erupted, ad blessed him with eternal salvation.
24 Ideal Pupil
Ekalavya was an ideal pupil. An intense desires for learning makes one a good pupil. Ekalavya, though not sitting before the Master in person, mastered archery by worshiping the 'Guru' in absence. A boy from the woods, losing his father early in life, achieved such great glory in the art of archery. When the Master desired his right thumb as his fee, he unhesitatingly cut it off and presented it to him. Ekalavya is a name that lives in the memory of mankind eternally like a star.
This article has inputs from a story told in Hindu universe by - Nagamani S.Rao
NEW TO ME- Dronacharya went to the forest with his son Aswathama and Aswathama was sent away while guru dakshina was asked, in the presence of Arjuna. Arjuna remained silent during the time. Krishna killed Ekalaya was read by me earlier also.
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