Desiring a son who could rival the formidable Drona in prowess, King Drupada wandered across the earth, seeking those blessed with the power, wisdom, and discipline to match the strength of Drona’s weapons. Despite his determined efforts, Drupada found no success; his quest led him to the shadowed banks of the sacred Ganga. There, he arrived at a revered Brahmin settlement, where every resident had completed their studies and upheld their vows. Amidst this sanctified community, Drupada beheld two illustrious brothers, Yaja and Upayaja, sons of rishis, steadfast in their ascetic discipline. Both belonged to the Kashyapa lineage, and as they recited the Samhitas, their righteous conduct shone forth. Clad appropriately for life in the forest, they embodied the ideals of virtue. Having discerned their strength and wisdom—especially that of the younger brother—Drupada approached Upayaja in the hermitage. Tireless in his pursuit of his desires, Drupada sought Upayaja’s aid in performing a sacrifice to fulfill his wish for a powerful son. He honored the sage with water for washing his feet, a seat, offerings, and fruits, showing utmost respect. Upayaja then gently inquired, “For what purpose do you seek us, and why have you made such an effort? Please tell us.” Recognizing the joy in the sages, Drupada addressed Upayaja, earnestly requesting, “O Brahman, by what act may I obtain a son equal to Drona in prowess? Perform that rite, Upayaja, and I will reward you with wealth.” To this, Upayaja replied, “I am not one who seeks rewards, Drupada; let those who desire them go elsewhere.” Undeterred, Drupada devoted himself to serving Upayaja, striving to please him. After a year of service, the best of the twice-born spoke to Drupada at the right moment, with gentle words. Upayaja recounted, “My elder brother never neglected me while wandering alone in the forest. Once, as I followed him, I saw a fruit fallen on the ground whose purity was uncertain. He never accepted fruit without careful consideration, observing its faults and connections. He does not discriminate for purity elsewhere either. After finishing his studies and determining the five sacrifices, he would eat only alms gathered by gleaning, repeatedly praising the taste of food. Living in the teacher’s house in the forest, he always ate the leftovers of others as alms, delighting in the quality of food. Thus, desiring fruit, I judge him to be consistent, by the eye of reasoning. Go to him, O king; he will perform the sacrifice for you.” Hearing Upayaja’s words, Drupada went to Yaja’s hermitage, feeling both repulsed and thoughtful. He honored the sage Yaja, worthy of respect, and said, “O Yaja, perform the sacrifice for me, and I will give you eight hundred cows.” Tormented by enmity with Drona, dejected and seeking refuge, Drupada’s mind turned to the Brahmin, for a Kshatriya cannot conquer another Kshatriya by force alone. He pleaded, “Therefore, you ought to protect me here from the fear of Drona, so that, by your action, O Brahman, I may have a son who will be the cause of Drona’s death. Let a woman of excellent complexion become Arjuna’s wife, for he is the foremost among those who know Brahman, unsurpassed in both Brahmanical and Kshatriya qualities. Then Drona should not defeat me because of rivalry among friends; there is no Kshatriya on earth equal to him, none who leads. The showers of arrows and the weapons that destroy enemy bodies of Drona, the wise chief preceptor of the Bharatas, son of Bharadvaja—he possesses a six-jewel bow and an incomparable sword; though clad as a Brahman, he wields Kshatriya power without doubt. The great-minded Bharadvaja, mighty with bow, strikes down his foes; he is equal to Kartavirya and comparable to Khatvanga in battle. He stands, like Jamadagni’s son, established for the destruction of the Kshatriya order. Now, joined with the force of Kshatriyas and the force of Brahmans, I consider the illustrious Bharadvaja to be truly accomplished. No arrows, no spears, nor missiles can repel him; his Brahmanic great energy is like the oblations offered with mantras. His terrifying power of weapons is irresistible by others on earth; meeting his enemies, he conquers, with Brahman placed before Kshatriya. When Brahman and Kshatriya are united, Brahmanic energy prevails; thus, weakened by Kshatriya power, I have sought Brahmanic energy. Having approached you, who surpass Drona and are the foremost knower of Brahman, I may obtain a son, difficult to defeat in battle, who will be Drona’s end. May a son be born to me today, valiant, who will be Drona’s death; perform that act for me, O Yaja, and I will offer a great number of cows.” Yaja replied, “So be it,” and prepared for the sacrifice. For the sake of the teacher, he summoned Upayaja, though unwilling, to assist. Yaja then spoke to Drupada, “Do not fear; I will give you a son by my action.” Having spoken thus and made the promise, the sage undertook the sacred rite.