Seventh volume (Drona Parvamu) of the "Mahabharatam - 12 volumes set by Sri Somayaji Saripalle"

Drona parvamu - Parva Sangrahamu 

From 

Telugu Sloka Vachana sahita

SrimamMahabharatamu by Brahmasri Saripalle Venkata Subrahmanya Somayaji

Story: Drona's departure

Drona gets coronated as principal Senapati to the Kourava forces after the fall of Bheeshma. 

Favoring to Duryodhana's wish on the event of his coronation, he pledges to capture Yudhishtira if Kouravas keep Arjuna away far from Yudhishtira for some time.

Irrespective of his old age, he pierces into the opponent's army with a striking enthusiasm like a young knight while Arjuna was diverted by Kourava's allies farther from the field. Bheema, Dhristadyumna and other Maharathis fail to stop Drona's progress.

To save Pandava's king and keep their fight live for few more hours, Bheema kills an elephant named Aswaththama and announces loudly that he killed Aswaththama. Dronas son's name is also Aswaththama and he has blessings of Lord Siva for long life. Yet, since all Pandavas known for their truthful and straightforward manners, Dronas gets dejected by Bheema's announcement. Yet, stands in the field not believing into that the dead Aswaththama was his son. Drona keeps on fighting, though dejected. He kills 20,000 soldiers within the short time after the bitter announcement and keeps on pouring Divyastras onto Pandava forces. With the influence of Lord Krishna and for safeguarding of the remaining armed forces, Yudhistira also confirms the Aswatthama's death with the purpose of weakening Drona's power. He utters the name Aswaththama loudly followed by the fact, in a warning tone, that it's an elephant. Hearing unbelievably bad news from so truthful king as Yudhishtira, he fights halfheartedly. Yet, kills 10000 more. 

Bheema's timely, but derogated remarks pointing to the innocent Kshatriyas' death caused by Brahmavetta like Dronacharya, makes him rethink his purpose of continuing the fight in the battle field. Drona feels that it is time for leaving his body. He leaves all his weapons, sits and immerses himself into dhyana samadhi thinking of Lord Vishnu. Unaware of Drona's departed soul, Dhristadyumna beheads him. With great anger, Aswaththama, Drona's son, pours Narayana Astra on Pandava forces. But, Krishna who alone knows the nature of the Astra, suggests Pandava army to down their weapons. Remaining Pandava army gets saved this way and gets ready for the fight next day.

For brief summaries of other Parvas, click here.