Shantanu Marries Satyavati : Episode 4

Devavrata’s Vow

Shantanu is joyous to see Satyavati being brought to the palace by Devavrata. He asks how he was able to convince the fisherman to send his daughter to the palace.

Devavrata details how he made the promise of renouncing the throne and of lifelong celibacy.

Shantanu is overwhelmed. He recalls how one of their forefathers, King Yayati, was similarly aided by his son Puru.

The Birth of ‘Bhishma’

The next day, Devavrata calls for a special gathering presided over by Sages Vasishtha and Parashurama. He announces before the assembly his vow of lifelong celibacy and renounces all claim to the throne of Hastinapura.

In front of a packed court, he invokes his mother Ganga and all the gods as witnesses, swearing that he will never marry nor accept any royal position throughout his life.

Sage Parashurama extols this renunciation as the highest form of virtue. He reminds Devavrata of his duties as the protector and custodian of Hastinapura and presents him a sword once received from Lord Vishnu.

Sage Vasishtha blesses him and declares, “From this day forth, you shall be known as Bhishma — the one of terrible vow.”

The court resounds with cries of “Bhishma!” as the gods echo the name from the heavens.

The Passing of Shantanu and Rise of the Young Princes

Shantanu marries Satyavati, and for a time, the palace rejoices in harmony.

Two sons are born — Chitrangada and Vichitraveerya. Bhishma oversees their education in all branches of warfare and dharma.

When they are still young, King Shantanu passes away. Satyavati now rules as queen regent, while Bhishma continues to guide and train the princes.

Bhishma warns the elder son, “Your greatest enemy is not outside — it is your anger. Conquer that, and victory will follow you.”

The Death of Chitrangada

When Chitrangada grows older, marriage proposals pour in from neighboring kingdoms. Portraits of eligible princesses line the queen’s chamber — yet most are for Chitrangada, not for his frail younger brother Vichitraveerya.

One day, while hunting in the forest, Chitrangada strays into a region ruled by a Gandharva, also named Chitrangada. The celestial being asks the prince to bow in respect, as custom demands. The prince mocks him instead and arrogantly asks him to change his name.

The Gandharva withdraws, foreseeing the prince’s doom, but the enraged Chitrangada pursues him and forces a duel.

When Bhishma arrives upon hearing the news, the battle is over. The prince lies mortally wounded.

With his last breath, Chitrangada says, “I should have listened, my brother — anger was indeed my downfall.”

Queen Satyavati mourns her son in grief that echoes through the palace halls.

Satyavati’s Decision and Bhishma’s Dilemma

To overcome the gloom that grips the kingdom, Satyavati proposes marriage for Vichitraveerya. Bhishma agrees, though Vichitraveerya himself is hesitant, aware of his frail health.

Satyavati insists, “A king must be married at coronation — it is the law of the land and the need of the hour.”

When no proposals arrive, she grows angry at the king of Kashi, who had mocked Vichitraveerya’s condition. She tells Bhishma, “The king of Kashi is holding a swayamvara in two days. His three daughters — Amba, Ambika, and Ambalika — are worthy of Hastinapura. What is not given must be won.”

Bhishma objects that abducting brides is against dharma.

Satyavati retorts, “This is kshatriya dharma! A warrior must win his bride in battle if denied by pride.”

Bhishma says quietly, “That may be kshatriya dharma, Mother — but it is not my swa-dharma.”

Satyavati presses harder. “Then you must choose — either break your vow and rule as king, or bring the brides for your brother.”

The scene closes with Bhishma’s face turning grim and resolute — a silence that foretells the storm to come.