EKLAVYA

THE STORY OF EKLAVYA


The legend of Eklavya in Mahabharata inspires every that one can turn his dreams into
reality with one’s effort and eagerness to learn. Ekalvya’s effort to learn and practice is a
classic example for self learning with meditative mind without physical appearance of
Guru which is technologically possible today.

Ekalvya’s story tells that what it matters at the end for accomplishing success is the eager
to learn more no matter whatever the opportunities are and also if you have opportunity
use it wisely.

It is a classic example for the GURU­SHISHYA tradition of teaching in India, showing
profound respect for teachers (Gurus).

There is a principle called Eklavya­ism in Mahabharata which believes in self­learning
and self­perfectionism. Eklavya­ism, which is a bahva or sentiment, is a philosophy for
self learning with self meditated mind.

The story of Ekalavya starts from here:

Ekalavya, who is shudra(lower) by caste is a bright, enthusiastic and brave boy having
great desire of learning the art of archery from Dronacharya. He lived near the ashram of
Drona where pandavas and kauravas are taking lessons in various arts. He had dreamed
for learning art of archery under Drona but he was not accepted as disciple as he was
shudra. On coming to know that there is no opportunity for him, he was disappointed.

Even then Ekalavya is strongly determined for learning archery. There are no boundaries
for his determination and eagerness for learning. One day Ekalavya installed a clay idol
of Dronacharya near his house and worshipped it as his Guru. Every day in the morning,
evening and at night he prayed in front of that idol and took self lessons in bow and
arrow. He is talented, concentrated and determined in self­learning. Soon he had made a
miracle he acquired very good knowledge in bow and arrow. He became an expert,
skilled person in art of archery.

One day, as it happened, Acharya Drona and Arjuna were passing near the hut of
Eklavya. It was pleasant and peaceful afternoon and people were taking rest. But the
tranquility and silence was broken by constant barking of a dog. Eklavya did not like this,
and therefore, he shut the mouth of the dog with an arrow. Dronacharya and Arjuna were
surprised to see the dog with his mouth sealed with an arrow.Naturally the curious Arjuna asked his Gurudev as to know who could have done this  delicate job. Even Dronacharya was amazed and knew the archer must be exceptionally skilled artist. They decided to trace this skillful fellow and reached the spot where
Eklavya was practicing wonders with his bow and arrow in front of the clay image of
Drona. It took no time for Dronacharya to understand the situation. He realized that
Eklavya was superior to Arjuna in some respects.

Guru Dronacharya loved Arjuna very much and Drona’s favorite student is also Arjuna.
So he gave his word of making Arjuna as the best archer on earth. But on seeing
Ekalavya, Guru Dronacharya feared that he might not keep his words of making Arjuna
the best. For a Guru or King keeping the word is much more important then his life. He
thought for a while and came to a decision of removing Ekalavya from the competition.

Dronacharya went to see Ekalavya and asked him who his Guru was? Seeing
Dronacharya he was excited and overjoyed. Ekalavya said that he worshipped
Dronacharya and he was his Guru. He attributed all his success to Guru Dronacharya.

Guru Dronacharya was pleased with the dedication and loyalty of Ekalavya but to keep
his words he had no choice. So he accepted Ekalavya as his disciple and requested for
Guru­Dakshina.

Ekalavya was overwhelmed to see Dronacharya had accepted him as his disciple. He had
promised Dronacharya that he will try utmost to give his Guru­Dakshina. This is the
pathetic scene or tragic incident into play.

Guru Dronacharya said that he was pleased with his respect and loyalty for Guru. But
Dronacharya demanded a heavy prize from Ekalavya, he asked Ekalavya’s right thumb as
his fees for Guru­Dakshina. Everybody there were stunned on listening to Guru’s unusual
and cruel demand. For an archer asking to give his thumb is almost equivalent for asking
him to give his life.

But Ekalavya was happy for being his dream fulfilled that is being accepted as disciple of
Dronacharya. In order to keep his promise without any protest Ekalavya cut off his thumb
and placed at the feet of Dronacharya. Even Gods praised his great sacrifice. Though it
had a unhappy ending, because of Ekalavya’s sacrifice it became a legend.

Source : http://intranet.daiict.ac.in

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The character of Eklavya depicts unbounded determination. Eklavya's Hard work and 
persistence has been very impressive. To learn the art of archery was "Eklavya's" sole 
aim and for that he worked hard at it for many years and persisted with his efforts. He 
had the initial setback that he could not have a teacher but still he persisted.
In Indian mythology, Eklavya occupies an important place as someone who 
exemplifies the nature of Guru-shishya tradition of teaching in India, showing extreme 
reverence for his guru
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