Drona Obtains Weapons and Knowledge from Rama
Hearing that the great warrior-sage Parashurama is giving away all his wealth before retiring, Drona goes to him seeking riches. Parashurama offers only his own body or his divine weapons. Drona makes his choice.
Drona heard the news: the great Rama — Parashurama, the Brahmin-warrior, descendant of Bhrigu — was preparing to retire to the forest. As part of his renunciation, he wished to give away all his riches.
Drona went to him. He introduced himself as the son of Bharadvaja and stated his purpose plainly: “O bull among Brahmanas! I am Drona and I have come to you for some riches.”
Parashurama looked at him. “O Brahmana! Now I have only my body left. Ask for either my body or my weapons.”
The choice was stark. He could have the legendary warrior’s physical form, or he could have the tools of his power. Drona did not hesitate. “O illustrious one! Give me all your weapons, together with the knowledge of releasing them and recalling them.”
Parashurama agreed. He gave Drona every weapon in his arsenal and the complete knowledge of how to deploy and withdraw them. On receiving them, Drona felt a profound sense of accomplishment; he concluded he had become successful. And when he obtained from Parashurama that supreme weapon known as the brahmastra, his happiness was complete. He became supreme among men.