Shloka 57
Ādi-parva Adhyāya 132 — Duryodhana’s Instructions to Purocana at Vāraṇāvata
Lākṣāgṛha Planning
एकलव्यस्तु तच्छुत्वा वचो द्रोणस्य दारुणम् | प्रतिज्ञामात्मनो रक्षन् सत्ये च नियत: सदा
ekalavyas tu tac chrutvā vaco droṇasya dāruṇam | pratijñām ātmano rakṣan satye ca niyataḥ sadā |
Dijo Vaiśampāyana: Al oír la dura exigencia de Droṇa, Ekalavya—siempre firme en la verdad—guardó su propio voto. Sin vacilar, con ánimo sereno y generoso, se cortó el pulgar derecho y lo ofreció a Droṇa, anteponiendo la fidelidad a su palabra empeñada a toda pérdida personal.
वैशम्पायन उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse foregrounds satya and pratijñā-rakṣaṇa—upholding truth and one’s vow even at great personal cost—while also inviting ethical reflection on authority: a guru’s demand can be socially and morally fraught, and dharma may involve painful choices under unequal power.
After hearing Droṇa’s severe words (his demand for guru-dakṣiṇā), Ekalavya remains committed to his pledge and truthfulness. He cuts off his right thumb and gives it to Droṇa, thereby crippling his archery skill but fulfilling what he considers his obligation.