Dronacharya (द्रोणाचार्य)

Bhaktamal | Dronacharya
Real Name - Dronacharya
Other Name - Guru Drona
Guru - Guru Agnivesha, Rishi Bharadwaja, Parashuram
Disciples - Pandavas and Kauravas
Aradhya - Bhagwan Shiv
Marital Status - Married
Language - Sanskrit
Father- Bharadvaja
Wife - Kripi
Children - Ashwatthama
Famous - Spiritual Guru of Pandav and Kaurava’s

Dronacharya, also known as Guru Drona, was a master of advanced military techniques tasked with teaching the same to the princes of the royal houses, the Pandavas and the Kauravas. He is one of the main characters in the epic Mahabharata in Indian mythology.

It is said that Drona was the incarnation of Shukracharya. He is the guru of Pandavas, Kauravas, Jayadratha and his son Ashwatthama. Drona refused to teach Ekalavya because he taught only the royals. Eklavya did not belong to the Kuru royal family. But as soon as he demonstrated his proficiency and talent in archery, Dronacharya recognized his talent.

Dronacharya represents how knowledge and strength combine in battle, using his martial intelligence to fight at an advanced age but ultimately being undone by a trick. The acharya remains a revered figure in Hindu history, and a pillar of the Indian tradition of respecting one's teacher as an equal not only of parents, but even of God. The Government of India annually awards the Dronacharya Award for excellence in sports tutelage to the best sports teachers and coaches in India.