The legend of Eklavya in Mahabharata inspires anyone who can turn his/her dreams into reality with one’s effort and eagerness to learn no matter whatever the opportunities are. 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.

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

The story of Ekalavya starts from here: During Mahabharata era, Ekalavya, a shudra(lower) by caste was a bright, enthusiastic and brave boy. He lived near the ashram of Drona where the Pandavas and the Kauravas (princes of Hastinapur) were taking lessons in various arts. He had dreamed of learning archery under Drona. But he was not accepted as disciple as he was a shudra & Drona could not accept students of his own will (By the laws of Hastinapur). On coming to know that there is no opportunity for him, he was sad but came up with a plan. He installed a clay idol of Dronacharya near his house, worshipped it as his Guru, & took self- lessons in bow and arrow. One day, as it happened, Acharya Drona and his students were near the hut of Eklavya while hunting. While they were resting in the pitch dark night, the peace and silence was broken by constant barking of a dog. Eklavya did not like this noise, and therefore, he shot seven arrows at the dog & filled his mouth without injuring him. Dronacharya was amazed and knew the archer must be exceptionally talented to use the shabda bhedi talent, aiming at objects by its sound, a skill that Arjuna had not yet learnt. They found Eklavya was practicing wonders with his bow and arrow in front of the clay image of Drona.

Arjuna was Drona’s favorite student. So he had given his word of making Arjuna the best archer on earth. But on seeing Ekalavya, Guru Dronacharya feared that he might not keep his promise. Dronacharya asked Ekalavya who was his Guru? 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 whom he saw in the idol. Guru Dronacharya was pleased with the dedication and loyalty of Ekalavya but he had to keep his promise. So he accepted Ekalavya as his disciple and requested for GuruDakshina. Ekalavya was overwhelmed to see Dronacharya had accepted him as his disciple.

Drona asked for an unusual & cruel demand of Ekalavya’s right thumb as his fees as GuruDakshina. But Ekalavya was happy for being his dream fulfilled which was being accepted as a disciple of Dronacharya. Without any protest, he cut off his thumb and placed at the feet of Dronacharya. Ekalavya’s sacrifice became a legend. Ekalavya later learned to shoot again using only four fingers and left-handed and was a mighty warrior hailed in several places in the Mahabharata.