Story
Ekalavya and Drona
- verses
- 78
- book
- 1
- chapter
- 1
What the texts say
In the Mahabharata, the story of Ekalavya and Drona begins when Ekalavya, son of the Nishada king Hiranyadhanus, approaches Drona. Mahabharata 1.123.10, 1.123.24 He fashions an earthen image of Drona. Mahabharata 1.123.12 When a dog barks, he sends seven arrows into its mouth, and the dog returns to the princes known as the Pandavas, who are struck with astonishment. Mahabharata 1.123.19, 1.123.20 Ekalavya says nothing is beyond giving to the teacher, and Drona then asks for his right thumb as a fee. Mahabharata 1.123.35 Afterwards he draws the bow with his fingers, yet is not as swift as before. Mahabharata 1.123.38
Where the story is told
Mahabharata 1.123
Begins at 1.123.10Who is in it
Where to read
Every verse that tells the story, book by book.
- 1.123.10
Then Ekalavya, the son of Hiraṇyadhanuṣ, king of the Niṣādas, approached Droṇa, O great king.
- 1.123.11
He did not accept him as a student in archery, thinking, “He is a Naiṣāda.” Though knowledgeable of dharma, he did so with regard to those (already under his charge).
- 1.123.12
But he, the scorcher of foes, bowed his head to grasp Droṇa’s feet. Then he went into the forest and fashioned an earthen image of Droṇa.
- 1.123.10