Deep in the dense forests of Hastinapura, a young boy named Ekalavya lived among the Nishadas, a hunter tribe. Though born into a humble background, his heart burned with a single desire—to become the greatest archer in the world.
Ekalavya had heard tales of Guru Dronacharya, the royal teacher of the Kuru princes, and longed to learn from him. One day, he made his way to Drona’s ashram, where he found the great master training Arjuna, the Pandava prince.
Bowing deeply, Ekalavya said, “O revered Guru, please accept me as your disciple. I wish to learn the art of archery under your guidance.”
Drona observed the young boy, his sharp eyes filled with determination. However, he knew that his loyalty belonged to the royal family, and Arjuna was his chosen student. “I train only the princes of Hastinapura,” Drona said firmly. “I cannot teach you.”
Heartbroken but undeterred, Ekalavya returned to the forest. There, he sculpted a statue of Drona from clay, setting it under a large tree. Every day, he practiced before the statue, treating it as his guru, perfecting his aim, his stance, and his reflexes.
Years passed, and Ekalavya’s dedication bore fruit. He became an unmatched archer, capable of shooting arrows with incredible speed and accuracy. His fame spread even to Hastinapura.
One day, while hunting, the Kuru princes encountered a remarkable sight—Ekalavya shooting arrows so swiftly that they blocked the path of a wild dog without harming it. Astonished, Arjuna’s pride was wounded.
He returned to Dronacharya and said, “Guru, you promised that I would be the greatest archer. But there is one who surpasses me. How can this be?”
Curious, Drona sought out Ekalavya in the forest. When he found the young archer, he was astounded by his skill. Ekalavya greeted him with deep reverence, bowing low before the teacher he had never truly met.
Drona, realizing the danger of a warrior so powerful yet unbound by royal loyalty, devised a test. “Ekalavya, if I am your guru, then I must be given a guru dakshina (teacher’s fee). Will you grant me what I ask?”
Ekalavya’s eyes lit up with joy. “Anything you wish, my Guru.”
Drona’s voice was calm, yet ruthless. “Then, give me your right thumb.”
For a moment, silence fell. The other princes watched in shock. Without his thumb, Ekalavya would never shoot an arrow with the same mastery again.
But without hesitation, Ekalavya smiled, drew his dagger, and severed his right thumb, placing it at Drona’s feet. “I am honored to offer this, Guru.”
Drona’s heart was heavy, but his duty to Arjuna was fulfilled. Arjuna remained the best archer—but the world would forever remember the devotion of Ekalavya, the disciple who sacrificed everything for his guru.
