Drona

Janamajeya wanted to know who Drona was. The sage said:

One day the sage Bharadwaj was bathing in the river, when he saw the apsara Gritachi. Seeing her, he was filled with desire, and his semen came out. Seeing a basket (Droni) close by, he kept his semen in that. The semen transformed itself into a boy, who because he was born in a basket, was named Drona.

When he was old enough, he was taught the arts of weapory by his father. Prishat was the king of Panchala. His son, Drupada was also a student of Bharadwaj and was a friend of Drona.

When Prishat passed away, Drupada went back to Panchala to take over the kingdom.

Soon after Drona, went to the forests to meditate. After finishing her meditation, he came and got married to Kripa's sister, Kripi. They soon had a son, who started neighing like a horse as soon as he was born. He was blessed to have a long life and was called Ashwathama. He taught his son all he know.

One he heard that Parashurama was giving away all his wealth. Being a poor brahman, Drona went to see if could get something. Parashurama said he given away all. All that he was left with, was his life and his bow and arrows. Drona could choose one.

Drona chose the weapons and Parashurama taught him how to use those and the mantras to invoke the weapons.

Drona remembered his friend Drupada and decided to go and ask for help. He went to Drupada, having walked all the way. He was tired and covered with dust.

He introduced himself to the king, The king refused to recognize him and insulted him.

In anger, Drona left that place. He went to his brother in law, Kripa. Kripa was happy to see his sister and nephew.

Drona began living in Hastinapur.

One day the Kuru princes were playing with an iron ball, when that ball fell into a dry well. The princes kept trying but they could not bring the ball out. They saw Drona there and asked if he could help them.

Drona said he was hungry and tired and if the princes promised to help him, he would help them. The princes agreed.

Drone took a blade of grass and threw that at the ball, which got stuck to the ball. Then he threw another blade, which stuck to the first blade. He kept throwing grass blades in this manner till a chain was formed to pull the ball out.

The princes were amazed and wanted to know who he was.

Drona asked them to inform Bhishma about the meeting. Bhishma knew immediately who this was. He brought them to his palace and appointed him as the teacher for the princes.