Drona Ignores Warning About Drishtadyumna : Episode 49

Recap of Episode 48 :

Bhishma rejects Duryodhana’s coronation, leading Duryodhana to a furious breakdown. Shakuni advises patience and reminds him where his success truly came from, leaving Karna uneasy. Meanwhile, Bhima defeats the demon Bakasura, earning the gratitude of Ekachakrapura’s people; Sage Vyasa arrives and conceals their true identity. At Drona’s school, Drishtadyumna seeks discipleship, and Drupada humbly entrusts him to Drona, who accepts despite knowing he is destined to be slain by the boy. Elsewhere, Karna distributes wealth in Duryodhana’s name, deepening their bond.

Drona Welcomes the Son Destined to Kill Him

Dhrishtadyumna worships the Shiva Linga with flowers when Kripi and Ashwatthama walk in. They demand to know who he is. He falls at Kripi’s feet, seeks her blessings, and reveals his name. The moment they hear “Dhrishtadyumna,” both flare up. They know he is the son born from fire for the sole purpose of destroying Drona. Ashwatthama pushes him out despite his protests that he cannot leave without Drona’s permission.

Drona finds him waiting outside and asks what happened. When he hears the reason, he calmly brings Dhrishtadyumna inside, seats him for dinner, and instructs Kripi to serve food. Kripi and Ashwatthama object furiously, but Drona refuses to discriminate. A Guru, he says, must give knowledge like rain — equally to all who are worthy.

Ashwatthama accuses him of offering refuge to Yama himself. Kripi reminds Drona of Drupada’s insult and his unrepenting arrogance even when Drona returned half the kingdom. Drona remains unmoved. That was Drupada’s problem, not his. When they remain cold and unrelenting, Drona dismisses them both, serves the meal himself, and accepts Drishtadyumna as his student.

Farewell at Ekachakrapura

Kunti and her sons bid farewell to the Brahmana family. The hosts express heartfelt gratitude to Bheema for freeing their city from Bakasura. The parting is emotional on both sides.

The Mystery of the Varanavata Fire

Duryodhana, still basking in Karna’s loyalty, listens as Karna distributes wealth. A man approaches — not for money, but for justice. His name is Sadhuvanan, and he is from Sadhuvana near Varanavata. He explains that on a pilgrimage trip, his wife Vanjikodi and their five sons worked briefly at the palace where the Pandavas lived. After the fire, nobody had seen them again.

Shaken, Duryodhana asks Shakuni who really perished — Kunti and the Pandavas or the Nishada family. Shakuni realises the seriousness of the revelation. They decide to investigate the matter personally. Dushshasana, dressed in disguise, will accompany the man to Varanavata. Duryodhana warns Shakuni that Vidura must not get wind of this.

In Vidarbha: Rukmini’s Disgust

Jarasandha and his foster son Shishupala arrive in Vidarbha and receive a warm welcome from King Bhishmaka and Prince Rukmi. Rukmi calls Rukmini to offer respects. Shishupala stares at her, but she lingers only briefly and leaves with visible distaste.

Later, Rukmi asks Jarasandha why he made Shishupala — not one of his many sons — his chosen heir. Jarasandha replies that birth alone does not make one a true son; only the one who fulfills a father’s ambition earns that place. Shishupala has been Krishna’s enemy from birth, making him Jarasandha’s most favoured son. Rukmi expresses joy at giving Rukmini to Shishupala in marriage.

At that moment, Paundraka Vasudeva arrives — dressed like Krishna, playing the flute, and imagining himself the real Vasudeva. Rukmini’s friend sees him and mistakenly assumes Krishna has arrived. Excited, she runs to tell Rukmini. Rukmini rushes in, takes one look at Paundraka, and recoils. This is not her Krishna.

She runs back to her chamber, scolds her friend, and calls the visitor a comedian. “If Krishna plays the flute, the entire world sways,” she says. Her mother agrees and recounts Paundraka’s childhood — how flattery, sycophants, and his father’s indulgence made him believe he was the true Vasudeva and even imitate Krishna’s appearance and behaviour.