Dron's Path: From Friendship's Betrayal to Teaching in Hastinapur

Dron recounted the poignant story behind his need for money.

"I learned the art of warfare at Rishi Agnivesh's ashram. There, I hadn't introduced myself as Rishi Bharadwaj's son. Drupad, the son of the King of Panchal, was a pupil at the same ashram. We were great friends, and Drupad promised to give me half his kingdom when he became king.

"After my education was completed, I married Kripi. When my son, Ashwatthama, was born, I was ecstatic. I did not desire wealth or fame. In my little world, I was happy and satisfied. One day, I found my son crying for milk. Unlike other children, he had never tasted milk, as I was too poor to afford it. One day, I saw him drinking rice slurry, thinking it was milk, while his friends ridiculed him. Moved by that sight, I decided to earn money.

"I then remembered my old friend Drupad, who had by then become the King of Panchal. With Kripi and Ashwatthama, I set out to visit him. Having left the two of them outside, I went to meet Drupad. I reminded him of our friendship and his promise to me. But he pretended not to recognize me, saying, 'Friendship can only be between equals. An impoverished Brahmin and a king can never be friends. I don't recall promising anyone half my kingdom. Nevertheless, since you have come, I will provide room and board for tonight.'

"Deeply insulted, I immediately left Panchal and came to Hastinapur. I wish to earn money by teaching the princes here."

"It is our good fortune to have obtained a guru like you. You will have no shortage of wealth in Hastinapur," Bheeshma reassured Dron, who was well reputed as Rishi Bharadwaj's son and Parashuram's student. Bheeshma was familiar with Dron's great skill and knowledge.

The next day, all the princes assembled and bowed to their new guru. Dron asked, "When your education is complete, I will demand guru dakshina from you. Who among you is ready to give me the guru dakshina I desire?"

Only one answered, "I am ready." That was Arjun, who from then on became Dron's favorite pupil.