An Anguished Drona Teaches Brahmastra to Aswaththama : Episode 35

Recap of Previous Episode

: The Pandavas continue living cautiously in the flammable palace at Varanavata, hiding their suspicions while Purochana keeps watch. Vidura secretly sends Kanaka to build a tunnel for their escape. Meanwhile, Ashwatthama discovers Ekalavya’s devotion to Drona, and Drupada finds the sages who may help him obtain a son destined to defeat his old rival.

Ashwatthama Confronts Drona

Ashwatthama erupts in rage, hurling weapons to the ground and threatening to burn them. Drona stops him and asks for the cause of his fury. Ashwatthama accuses his father of denying him instruction in the Brahmastra while willingly teaching the divine weapon to Arjuna. He claims Drona values Arjuna above his own son and even crippled Ekalavya to preserve Arjuna’s supremacy.

Drona reveals the truth: Arjuna once saved him from a crocodile while others watched, and out of gratitude he granted the knowledge of Brahmastra. He admits he despises seeking help from others, yet had begged Drupada only to provide a life of comfort for his son. His duty as a father had driven him to accept the role of royal guru, despite Parashurama’s instruction not to teach Kshatriyas.

Moved by Ashwatthama’s anguish, Drona finally initiates him into the Brahmastra, whispering the sacred mantra into his ears. He then vows that if any calamity befalls Ashwatthama, he will lay down his own life. Ashwatthama, deeply touched, seeks forgiveness.

Drupada Prepares the Yagna

Drupada approaches Upayaja again, this time requesting his assistance for Yaja, who has already agreed to conduct the yagna. He expects resistance, but Upayaja accepts without question. Drupada asks why he now agrees so easily when he rejected the same request for years. Upayaja explains that earlier Drupada was burning with personal vengeance and tempted him with wealth, trying to purchase spiritual power. Now, the request comes not from Drupada’s anger but from Yaja — his elder brother and guru — whom he is duty-bound to support. Together they meet Yaja, who gives Drupada a long list of preparations and instructs him to return to Panchala to arrange everything.

Winning Trust at Varanavata

At the Shiva temple in Varanavata, Yudhishtra publicly praises Purochana, Vanjikodi, and her sons for their hospitality. Kunti and the Pandavas are disturbed, knowing these very people are plotting to burn them alive.

Yudhishtra explains that the enemies are waiting for complete trust before acting; therefore, he must appear unsuspecting to hasten their final move. The more convinced Purochana is, the sooner they can execute their own escape.

A Deadly Plot Within the Plot

Purochana meets Shakuni, Duryodhana, and Dushasana, boasting that the Pandavas trust him completely. Pleased, Shakuni orders him to torch the palace the day after the full moon.

Once Purochana leaves, Duryodhana summons another spy. He gives secret orders to kill Purochana in the fire itself—no witness to the plot should survive. He jokes that the spy will be handled similarly later. Unbeknownst to them, another spy listens and reports everything back to Vidura.

The Pandavas Set the Final Plan

Vidura sends the message to the Pandavas through his spy. The brothers realize they must set fire to the palace themselves, escaping through the tunnel while ensuring the world believes they died in the flames.

They begin formulating a plan—one that will turn their pursuers’ scheme against them.