Drona, the great teacher, solemnly addressed Arjuna, saying, “My son, you must never use this weapon among ordinary men; if directed against one of little energy, it could consume the entire world. This weapon is truly extraordinary among men. Guard it with the utmost care, and heed my words well. Should you ever face a human enemy who oppresses you, O hero, then and only then may you unleash this weapon in battle for his destruction.” Having spoken thus, Arjuna—also known as Bībhatsu—bowed with joined palms and promised to uphold his teacher’s command. He accepted the supreme weapon with reverence, and Drona, pleased, declared, “There will be no archer in the world equal to you.” Time passed, and the sons of Dhṛtarāṣṭra and the sons of Pāṇḍu all became accomplished in the arts of war. Drona approached King Dhṛtarāṣṭra, lord of men, and spoke in the presence of Kripa, Somadatta, the wise Bāhlīka, Bhīṣma (the son of Ganga), Vyāsa, and Vidura. “O best of the Kurus, the princes have now mastered their learning. With your permission, O King, let them display their skill.” King Dhṛtarāṣṭra’s heart filled with joy. He replied, “Whenever, wherever, and however you deem fit, command me yourself to make the arrangements. Today, I long to see my sons striving for mastery in weapons, surpassing others in valor. O Kṣattā, whatever the teacher commands, do that at once; for I think nothing could be dearer.” With the king’s approval and Vidura’s blessing, Drona, the wise Bhāradvāja, carefully measured out the ground for the display. On a level field, free from trees and slopes and situated near a watercourse, he performed the sacred offerings on a day sanctified by auspicious lunar phases and stars. A proclamation was made throughout the city, and a vast arena was prepared according to scriptural injunctions and proper rites. Skilled craftsmen constructed a splendid viewing gallery for the king, complete with a full armed guard and protection for the women. Platforms were built for the people of the land, and luxurious palanquins, rich and lofty, were arranged. When the appointed day arrived, the king, accompanied by his ministers, household, and counselors, came to the arena with Vyāsa’s approval. Bhīṣma led the way, followed by the illustrious teacher Kripa. The king brought with him Bāhlīka, Somadatta, Bhurishravas, and other Kurus and counselors from the city. Surrounded by Brahmins, he entered the arena. The king took his place in a divine gallery, adorned with nets of pearls and shining with lapis lazuli, all fashioned from gold. Gandhari, radiant and fortunate, and Kunti, foremost among women, along with all the royal ladies and their attendants, ascended the platforms, bedecked in ornaments, like celestial women climbing Mount Meru. Brahmins, Kshatriyas, and people from all four classes flocked in from the city, eager to witness the princes display their prowess. The crowd gathered swiftly, their excitement swelling like the ocean stirred by a storm, as the sounds of musical instruments and the buzz of voices filled the air. Then, Drona entered, dressed in white garments, with a white sacred thread, white hair, and white beard, his body smeared with white unguents. With his son by his side, he walked to the center of the arena, resembling the sun and Mars together in a cloudless sky. With Vyāsa’s approval, the mighty Drona performed the sacred offering, assisted by Brahmins skilled in mantras, who conducted the auspicious rites. The king bestowed gifts of gold, jewels, gems, and fine garments upon Drona and Kripa. After the proclamation of blessings and happiness, the men entered, each carrying various weapons and equipment. The great chariot-warriors, their finger guards fastened, belts secured, quivers tied, and bows in hand, entered the arena. They respectfully greeted Drona and honored both him and Kripa in the midst of the assembly. Their hearts filled with joy, and after receiving blessings, they again paid respects to the weapons, adorning them with offerings of flowers. The Kauravas themselves worshipped their weapons, smearing them with red sandalwood and adorning them with garlands of red flowers and red sandal paste. All bore red banners, their eyes reddened with excitement. With Drona’s permission, these subduers of enemies took up their arms. First, they picked up their bows, decorated with refined gold, stringing them in various ways and fitting arrows to the strings. The twang of bowstrings and the clash of palms echoed through the arena, bewildering all who heard. There, the mighty princes, led by Yudhiṣṭhira, performed wondrous feats of arms, unharmed in the contest. For some, arrows fell upon their garlands; for others, arrows struck their floral crowns. Some, with arrows marked for various targets, struck both large and small marks with great skill. Others, fearing to miss, turned their heads away, while bold and amazed onlookers watched the spectacle intently.