Mantralaya-1064

(What is truth and Real reason behind death of Dronacharyaru in Mahabharat - Part1)

Date Nov 16, 2023

Background

Dear Devotees : Namaskara.

| Sri MannMoolaRamastu Mannmathe Moolamahasamsthhaana Mantralaya Sri Rayaramathe||
|| OM SRI RAGHAVENDRAAYA NAMAHA||
SATYAMEVA   JAYATI NA ANRUTA

What is truth and Real reason behind death of Dronacharyaru in Mahabharata is described in Mantralaya(1064).


Meaning

Sri Raghavendra Teertharu and Sri Madhwacharyaru have provided insights into the genuine rationale behind the demise of Dronacharya. On the surface, it might seem as though Krishna instructed a false statement regarding his son Ashwathama's death, deceiving Dronacharya. However, a more detailed examination is necessary to unravel the deeper layers of this narrative.

Dronacharya, a Brahmin and Vedic scholar, possessed expertise not only in Vedic knowledge but also in the art of war. Adhering to the principles outlined in the Shastra, he embraced a traditional Brahmin lifestyle. His daily routine involved gathering grains from cow dung, washing them, and consuming them, believing that the produce of the land should be shared with both animals and humans. Utilizing his yogic abilities to sustain himself on this humble diet, he found contentment.

As time passed, Dronacharya became associated with the royal family and assumed the role of the teacher for both the Pandavas and Kauravas. This shift in his circumstances led to a transformation in his way of life.

Bhima Sena possessed unparalleled knowledge, surpassing all others, and held a special place in Lord Krishna's heart. Following their exile in the forest (Vanavasa) and the incognito period (Agnatya Vasa), Lord Krishna, in an attempt to avert the impending war, decided to act as a peacemaker and approached King Dhritarashtra.

However, the Pandavas, excluding Bhima, were displeased with the idea of seeking peace. Amidst the discontent from four Pandavas, Bhima, the repository of profound wisdom, expressed his willingness to support a peace deal. He went a step further, stating that he would even serve the Kauravas if it contributed to establishing peace. Bhima foresaw the magnitude of the impending destruction in the Kurukshetra war.

Despite Krishna's efforts for peace talks in Hastinapur, he confided in Bhima, whispering that preparations for war should be made, as he sensed that peace might not be achievable. This incident exemplifies the deep trust and affection that Lord Krishna had for Bhima.

Following the defeat of BhishmaCharyaru, Dronacharya assumed command and led the war effort against the Pandavas. During this time, Duryodhana, exhibiting skepticism, mocked Dronacharya, insinuating that he might show favoritism towards the Pandavas.

In response to Duryodhana's taunt, Dronacharya made a solemn vow, pledging to slay 10,000 soldiers from the Pandava army every day in the battlefield. He added a weighty consequence, declaring that failure to meet this commitment would lead him to take his own life. This resolute promise underscored Dronacharya's determination and the gravity with which he approached his role as the commander in the war.

Lord Krishna devised a strategic plan during the war. An elephant named Ashwathama had perished, and Krishna instructed Bhima to inform Dronacharya, ensuring that he only mentioned, "Ashwathama Hataha" (Ashwathama is dead) without adding "Kunjaraha" (the elephant). Bhima, without contemplating the consequences, faithfully conveyed Krishna's directive to Dronacharya.

Although taken aback, Dronacharya expressed skepticism, stating that he would believe the news only if Dharmaraj Yudhisthira confirmed it. Krishna then instructed Yudhisthira to deliver the same message. Yudhisthira, torn between upholding truth and adhering to Krishna's plan, audibly declared, "Ashwathama Hataha," but added "Kunjaraha" softly to himself. This subtle inclusion of the elephant's name satisfied Yudhisthira's commitment to a form of truth, albeit deceptive.

Upon hearing Yudhisthira's words, Dronacharya, trusting the word of the righteous Yudhisthira, relinquished his weapons and entered into meditation. It was during this vulnerable moment that Dhrishtadyumna seized the opportunity and slew Dronacharya. This well-known story underscores the complexity of truth and the moral dilemmas faced by the characters in the Mahabharata.

Numerous questions arise in contemplation. What prompted Krishna to choose the path of causing Dronacharya's death? Can we assert that Yudhisthira lacked a deep understanding of truth? Moreover, is the act of killing Dronacharya through deceit morally justifiable?

Let's interpret this based on the perspective presented in Mahabharata Tatapariya Nirnaya from Sri Rayaru and Sri Madhwaru

Recall Dronacharya's commitment to the Kauravas—slaughtering 10,000 individuals daily. Lord Krishna and Bhima, witnessing this relentless descent into negative karma, felt profound sorrow for Dronacharya. The gravity intensified as a Brahmin, he deviated from Dharma by ruthlessly taking the lives of those fighting for righteousness, thereby defying the sacred duty to protect those devoted to the path of Lord and Dharma. Each passing day, Lord Krishna and Bhima were gripped by the powerful realization that Dronacharya's once-positive karma was being mercilessly washed away.

We discussed Yudhisthira's hesitation to tell a lie. He quietly added "Kunjaraha" when saying "Ashwathama Hataha." Bhima hurriedly goes to Yudhisthira and tells him he made a serious mistake by not listening to Lord Krishna. Bhima reminds Yudhisthira about Lord Krishna's teachings on truth. According to the Geeta, truth is not just saying what is, but speaking what is right and good for Dharma. Bhima reminded the story that Kirsh

Once, Lord Krishna shared a story to illustrate a point. In this tale, a Brahmin set out to visit various temples to offer prayers and donations. While passing through a jungle, a thief began chasing him. The Brahmin spotted a hut where a sage was meditating and sought refuge. He asked the sage to say he went in another direction if the thief inquired, explaining that he needed to offer prayers to God.

The sage, bound by his commitment to truth, disclosed the Brahmin's hiding place when the thief asked. Lord Krishna explained that what the sage considered truth had severe consequences. By revealing the Brahmin's identity to the thief, the sage had depleted his positive karma and was headed for hell.

Lord Krishna emphasized the importance of discerning the impact of one's words. When telling the truth, one must consider whether it leads to positive or negative karma. In this situation, the sage could have said he didn't see the Brahmin, recognizing that the Brahmin's intention was virtuous—offering money to temples—while the thief intended to use the money for nefarious purposes. Thus, what may seem like the truth may not always align with the greater moral truth.

Bhima tells Yudhisthira that “Lord Krishna showed mercy to Dronacharya because, each day, he would unintentionally cause the demise of 10,000 righteous individuals. Hence, Krishna instructed you Yudhisthira to say "Ashwathama Hataha" and but you silently added "Kunjaraha." “. Despite Yudhisthira's profound knowledge of Dharma, he struggled to grasp the intricacies of truth, leading to his realization of the mistake later on. Consequently, after Yudhisthira's demise towards the end of the Mahabharata, he experienced a visit to hell, distant and observational, as a consequence of not fully trusting Lord Krishna.

When Drona ceased fighting upon hearing Yudhisthira's proclamation of "Ashwathama Hataha," Bhima approached him and delivered a poignant reality check. Addressing his guru, Bhima questioned Drona's presence on the battlefield, questioning the incongruence between his Brahmin identity and his involvement in the war. He challenged Drona, asking whom he was truly fighting for and why he was supporting adharma. Bhima reminded Drona of his righteous role as a performer of Vedic chants and a servant of the nation through positive karma.

In response, Drona reflected on his past commitment to dharma, recalling a time when he conscientiously abstained from consuming anything grown as a compassionate gesture towards animals. He acknowledged the stark contrast with his current actions and realized that he had no rightful place in the Kshatriya war. Overwhelmed by regret, Drona admitted that his ego had led him into Duryodhana's trap, compelling him to declare the intent to kill 10,000 people.
Haunted by the shame of being involved in disreputable events like the humiliation of Draupadi and Krishna's peace-making efforts, Drona recognized that he could have disassociated himself from the Kauravas long ago. However, the allure of wealth and luxury provided by Duryodhana kept him tethered. Confronting his numerous mistakes, Drona resolved to end his life through meditation. Sitting on the ground, he entered deep meditation, channeling energy from the bottom to the top of his head.

Observing Drona's spiritual journey, Krishna and the Pandavas witnessed his soul departing through meditation. Dhrishtadyumna, misunderstanding Drona's state as an act, also entered meditation and proceeded to kill Drona's physical body. In his final moments, Drona harbored gratitude towards Bhima for awakening him to the gravity of his errors.

Lord Krishna's strategy in orchestrating the circumstances that led to Drona's departure and Bhima's subsequent actions were designed with the ultimate purpose of benefiting Drona's soul. Drona, who had once been a repository of knowledge, found himself deviating from the innate nature of his soul (Jiva Swabhava). Recognizing this departure, Lord Krishna intervened to guide and correct the path of this pure soul. The events unfolded not merely as a sequence of actions on the battlefield but as a divine plan aimed at the spiritual well-being and correction of Drona's soul.

At first glance, the events in the Mahabharata may raise questions about why Lord Krishna and Bhima seemingly didn't act in a straightforward manner. However, upon deeper examination, Sri Raghavendra Swamy suggests that Bhima was a Brahmagyani, someone endowed with profound spiritual knowledge, who received the complete blessings of Lord Krishna. This perspective invites a nuanced understanding of the characters and their actions, revealing a deeper spiritual significance to the unfolding events in the epic.

The devotion towards Sri Raghavendrateertharu is the ultimate truth and is the most simple and effective way to reach Sri Hari  - "NAMBI KETTAVARILLAVO EE GURUGALA"! “Those who have complete faith in this Guru will never be disappointed.”

   || BICHALI JAPADAKATTI SRI APPANACHARYA PRIYA MANTRALAYA
   SRI RAGHAVENDRATEERTHA GURUBHYO NAMAHA||