The iconic friendships from Mahabharata attesting “Aprameyatam Mitrena”

To celebrate Friendship Day around the world, colourful trinkets and friendship bands are sold. On the first Sunday in August of every year, cafes around the world toast the heavenly bond of friendship. The relationship between friends has a long history and is mentioned in our sacred texts and folklore. The oldest proof that friendship in its purest, most innocent, and unselfish form has existed for aeons can be found in the legends, stories, and lessons derived from them. They educate us on the value of friendship and how it may help you become a better person.

To draw the principles of friendship from the depths of Indian mythology. Here are a few tales from Indian mythology that have been used to honour friendship day in its most authentic form for centuries and are regarded as timeless examples of friendship.

An Eternal Bond: Krishna and Sudama  

An unbreakable bond existed between Krishna and Sudama that is independent of caste, religion, or socio-economic status. Both are said to have been the closest of friends despite the significant socio-economic gap that divides the society.

According to legend, Sudama once persuaded his wife to convince him to journey all the way to Dwarka with a small gift for Lord Krishna despite his tremendous financial hardship. He did it more as a memento to remember their everlasting bond. Sudama’s wife packed a modest amount of rice for his beloved friend despite not having enough food for her own children.

Lord Krishna was overjoyed to see his childhood friend. The rice was tasty, and he thought it was the best thing he had ever had. The customary practise of Lord Krishna and Sudama is the exchange of gifts. Shri Krishna sold Sudama’s rice in exchange for which Sudama was given a Golden City.

Takeaway: True friendship is a priceless treasure that no amount of money can buy.

Teacher for Life: Arjuna and Krishna

Their relationship, which is typically described as a ‘teacher-disciple’ one, is famed for its ‘friend-philosopher-guide’ viewpoint and Arjuna’s unwavering commitment to their heavenly link. The relationship between Krishna and Arjuna is a subject of several legends. To the outside world, it appeared to be a teacher-student relationship, yet there is much to be learned from this amazing partnership. The epic narrative of the Srimad Bhagavad Gita is made up of the verses spoken between Arjuna and Krishna while they were at the mighty war.

Their relationship teaches us the importance of friendship and mentoring. Sermons delivered by Krishna to Arjuna during the 18-day conflict between the Pandavas and Kauravas serve as a useful tool for teaching the most important lessons about virtue and evil.

Takeaway: A good friend always teaches you something, even if the lesson isn’t easy.

Unfathomable Connection: Draupadi and Krishna

The basis of Draupadi and Krishna’s friendship, according to legend, was their unbreakable bond as ‘Sakha’ and ‘Sakhi.’ This tale of fraternity and respect is frequently cited as the origin of Rakshabandhan. Shishupal allegedly sliced his finger when Krishna threw the Sudarshan Chakra at him. When Draupadi saw this, she wrapped a piece of her sari over Krishna’s finger to stem the bleeding. This touched Krishna, and he vowed to protect Draupadi forever. When the Pandavas lost the game and gambled Draupadi, for no other reason than this, could she think of anybody else but Krishna.

Takeaway: A friend in need is a friend indeed.

Underrated Camaraderie: Duryodhana And Karna

Legend has it that Duryodhan wanted to befriend Karna for his own reasons, but their alliance ended up becoming one of the most well-known examples of cooperation. Duryodhan chose Karna as the King of Anga in the midst of an encounter between Arjuna and Karna, breaking rules and practises at the time. Hastinapur was once beset by the prejudice and caste-based social stigma. Despite Karna’s brilliance, Kripa scoffed at him when she found out about his caste because he had the right family to back him up.

This was acknowledged by Duryodhana, who made him the new King of Anga and therefore Arjuna’s equal in the conflict. Duryodhana never imagined that he would grow to have such admiration and regard for his friend Karna, who supported him through good times and bad. They gave up everything, including their lives, for friendship, which is the most undervalued aspect of friendship.

Takeaway: Friendship is selfless love, care, respect, and honor not a profitable opportunity.

Of Revenge and Mercy: Dronacharya and Drupad

They were childhood buddies. Drupad was the prince of Panchal. He said that he will give half of Panchal to his friend Drona. After some years, Drupad was made king of Panchal and Drona was married to Kripi and they had a son, Ashwatthama. They were financially weak. Drona remembered Drupad’s promise, so he went to Panchal and demanded half of Panchal as vachanpurti. Drupad was adamant and said he won’t give anything to Drona as he was lower in standards and friendship is between people of same standards.

After hearing this, Drona was really hurt. He then went to Parashuram and learnt all the weapons and every martial art. He then went on to become Hastinapur’s rajguru. As gurudakshina, he asked the princes to defeat Drupad and win the entire Panchal. The Pandavas succeeded and Ashwatthama became the king of Panchal. Thought Drona still gave half of Panchal to Drupad.

Takeaway: “If you’re in a position to lift your friend off the ground;
i. Say nothing about what it cost you to
ii. Don’t remind them that they were once on the ground
iii. Don’t be the one to take them back to the ground”