I am here with another kid today. This kid is a real genius in archery. He is the one and only self – learned kid in Indian Mythology. His name starts with letter E, as today is the E-day only right? Can you folks take a guess at his name?
He is none other than Ekalavya, the best archerer in the entire world. Do you want to know how he became the best archerer?
Introduction of Ekalavya:
Ekalavya is a tribal kid and his father is the chief of tribals in the then Hastinapuram kingdom. While all the tribal kids are happy jumping around and playing, Ekalavya used to sit alone and would be always lost in deep thoughts.
Ekalavya’s father couldn’t see him in sitting unhappily like this, so when he enquired what’s the reason for his unhappiness. Ekalavya replied that he wants to learn archery from the best teacher in the world. Ekalavya told his father that guru Drona is the best teacher in the world and he wants to join the school run by guru Drona, so that he can also become a best archerer in the world.
Ekalavya’s father knew that his son is asking for something impossible, but he has decided to let his son go and chase his dreams. So Ekalavya goes to the school run by guru Drona and asks for his permission to stay there so that he can learn archery from guru Drona.
How Ekalavya became a Self Learned Kid
But Drona, refuses to teach Ekalavya, as he is the royal teacher and in those days, royal teachers are not supposed to teach other kids. Ekalavya is heartbroken due to this. But being a stuborn kid, he didnt accept his defeat so easily.
Eklavya went back home and made an idol of guru Drona with the mud. Daily he would pray to this idol and will start practicing his archery. Over a period of time, he became so perfect in his shooting skills that he can shoot the smallest of the small birds sitting way up on the tree too. Once while practicing his skills, a dog keeps barking and disturbing him. So Ekalavya gets irritated and shoots seven arrows into the dog’s mouth so that it won’t be able to bark. That is his precession of shooting the arrows.
But the story doesn’t end here. Drona comes to know about the skills of Ekalavya and he comes to Ekalavya’s place to ask for guru Dakshina – the fees for teaching Ekalavya. Can you all take a guess as what Drona asks from Ekalavya?
It’s his right thumb. How can an archer shoot his arrows with out having a thumb? This was the Drona’s way to ensure that only his student Arjuna would be the best archer in the world. So Ekalavya gives off his thumb finger willingly to his guru for being his moral support.
My take on Ekalavya and why I love him
The reason why I love Ekalavya is that he has the dedication to excel in the skills he wants to learn. When he doesn’t get the guru, he starts learning on his own. Don’t you all agree that its amazing? That’s why I also like him and I want to improve my dance just like him you know? So I am thinking of learning his dedication and determination. I want the
So that’s my story about Ekalavya, the best archer and self-learned kid friends. Hope you liked it. See you tomorrow with one more story. Till then, here are my other articles on Indian Mythology series for #A to Z Challenge.
Really nice to go through these inspirational stories. You make them more interesting by keeping them short and to the point.
Thank you Samira for your encouragement. Also thanks for stopping by
Yes, his dedication to learn is a lesson for kids. another great share.
Yes Pragun…i truly agree
You know I have always felt that life was unfair to Eklavya. He was as good as Arjun but Dronacharya made him cut his finger so that he didn’t become a competitor to Arjun. Great read Suhasini. Enjoying the posts
Yup Sonia. Thanks for stopping by
Yes, it was amazing to learn about the dedicated and self-learned Eklavya.
Thank you dear
Ekalavya and Karna were given a raw deal. Many a time good people get a bad hand in life. They dealt with their misfortune bravely. Nice character you chose in Ekalavya.
Thank you Abhijit
Ekalavya is a great character. Like Karna he was dealt a bad hand by life. He faced it bravely and even complied with unfair demand by his guru Dronacharya.
Yes Abhijit very rightly said. I like the braveness with which Ekalavya has faced the unfair demands of his guru
Eklayya was known for his dedication and determination.
Thank you Shubhra for the blog visit
Injustice indeed, teacher must be impartial. great way of story telling.
Thank you Ujjawal.
Ekalavya was a dedicated student of archery. He excelled in archery but Dronacharya nipped the bud. it is very unfair and unjust. My grandma had narrated this story in my childhood.
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Thanks a lot for blog visit and encouragement
I knew Eklavya will make to your list. I fondly remember the stories of his brilliance, dedication and sincerity. Though I felt bad for him when he had to cut his thumb for his Guru. Not fair.
That is another wonderful tale from Indian mythology. I had heard it before but I did not know the details. Thanks for filling in the details.
Thank you Jay
I didn’t know Eklavya’s story and after reading it, I’m pretty upset with Drona- how unfair!
Eklavya is worthy of much admiration. Keep ‘em coming- I’m really enjoying your series!
Thank you Noor.
Eklavya is one of my favourite characters in Mahabharata. I have always felt sorry for him.
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Thank you Kislaya. Me too, he and Karna were given rough deal
Thank you Aditi
Ekalavya is true example to those who give excuses. He showed that everything is possible when you have will power and dedication. Great post!
Thank you Sanjota
Ah, I love love love this character – Eklavya from Mahabharata! Thanks for writing his story. Refreshed my memory!
Thank you Shalini
Another fascinating piece about an inspirational character.
My A-Z of Children’s Stories
Thank you Keith
Another wonderful post!! loved it!
Thank you Aditi
You have presented it so beautifully. This is one character that has fascinated me and I have read in depth about him. You have summed it up so well.
Thank you Rashi.
I really feel sad for Eklavya. Gurus should be impartial.
Yes Sudip. Thats the age when the true nature of the gurus started changing.
Wonderful theme and it must have taken a lot of research to put it together.. and it shows! Eklavya did get a raw deal and it seems very very unfair. His story is a huge inspiration for youngsters who these days crib about lack of teachers. Where there is will, there is a way! Happy AtoZ!
Thanks for the visit Archana