The gathering of people at the grounds, where the princes displayed their strength and skill, ended in a blaze of triumph, though not without sparks of sudden outburst. All admired Karna as a rival equal to Arjuna, yet among the elders there grew a silent unease, for they foresaw in his entry into Duryodhana’s fold the quickening of dark designs that might swell each day into threats against just rule and the peace of common life. Still, they knew that testing times are like camphor for the worthy, burning bright and pure, but like mire for the unworthy, dragging them deeper with every step.
At dawn, Dronacharya summoned his disciples, demanding that they honor their preceptor with a fitting tribute. When they asked his desire, he declared with a stern voice, “Go forth and capture King Drupada, who, in pride of power and wealth, has forsaken wisdom. Bring him to me, and that shall be a reward worthy of the training you have received.” At once, the princes mounted chariots, armed with bows, maces, and steeds, and marched upon the kingdom of Panchala. The Kauravas rushed ahead, scattering panic and distress among the people, while the Pandavas, guarding their teacher in the midst, advanced with ordered strength.
Arjuna, seeing the chaos, spoke with calm foresight: “Acharya, can men who rush blindly, driven by arrogance, conquer a warrior so resolute as Drupada? He is bold and vigilant, ever weighing his weaknesses as well as his strengths, shaping strategy with precision. Moreover, he is your companion since your youth, your bosom friend. Yet now one cause has split into two currents, one mission into two paths, and thus this storm is breaking upon his land.”
The armies clashed with thunderous fury. Duryodhana, Yuyutsu, Jalasandha, Dussasana, and others pressed into fortified places, only to be hemmed in by Drupada’s forces, whose arrows fell like rain clouds bursting upon the parched earth. Bhima, wielding his mace, crushed elephants and shattered chariots, sparing loyal soldiers but driving them off like a shepherd scattering a herd. Arjuna, son of Kunti, pierced the enemy lines like the sun scattering darkness, scattering rank after rank of defenders. Satyajit, Drupada’s brother, sought to check his advance, but Arjuna struck down his steeds and shattered his chariot, forcing him to flee wounded from the field.
Then Drupada himself, discerning Arjuna as the true peril, bent his bow with all the mastery of his craft. Arrows rained thick as nightfall, blotting out the sun, so that soldiers faltered, thinking the day itself extinguished. With peerless skill he severed Arjuna’s bowstring and struck his chariot. Yet Arjuna, fearless, leapt down sword in hand, mounted Drupada’s car, seized him by the hair, bound his hands, and dragged him captive amid the roar and confusion of battle. Thus subdued, he was brought before Dronacharya.
The teacher looked upon his old companion and mocked: “So this is the proud King Drupada, now bound and broken before me. Behold how your pride of power and wealth lies humbled at my feet. The anger of a Brahmin burns fierce but brief, like fire upon grass. I am content, and I grant your life and kingdom. Rule henceforth by my mercy.” Freed but humiliated, Drupada’s heart smoldered with vengeance. With sacrifice and ritual he prayed for a son who should one day uproot Drona and his allies. A king’s wrath is not soon spent; it broods long, biding its hour, and in time it would shape the course of the great war.
Meanwhile, Dhritarashtra, guided by Vidura, Bhishma, and the wise elders of the court, recognizing the strength and service of the sons of Pandu, installed Yudhishthira as crown prince. Supported by his four brothers, he extended dominion in every quarter, subduing kings, bringing vast wealth, and raising the name of Hastinapura to fresh glory. Yudhishthira excelled in justice and in tender care of the people, shining like the moon amid his brothers. Arjuna’s fame spread wide for his unmatched mastery of arms, his chivalric daring, and his noble humility. Bhimas’ name thundered across the land as the smasher of elephants, as a lion roaring in battle. Nakula and Sahadeva gained renown for their skill with the sword, bow, and chariot, remaining steadfast in their loyalty to the throne.
Arjuna, though fierce in war, was ever gentle to elders and generous to the needy. Each day he honed his skill in bow, sword, mace, spear, and every weapon, surpassing all others, his greatest strength lying not in might but in humility and devotion to the cause of righteousness. Dronacharya, pondering long within himself, bestowed upon him the divine Brahmasira weapon, undefeated and sanctified, yet with stern warning: “This power is not for idle use. If misused, it will bring ruin beyond measure.” Thus was Arjuna armed with might and wisdom, set apart as the chosen wielder of destiny.
