Ganga Leaves Shantanu : Episode 2

Kuru dynasty

The Kuru dynasty was named after the legendary and illustrious King Kuru, an ancestor of the main characters in the Mahabharata. King Kuru was a renowned and righteous king in the Lunar Dynasty (Chandravansh), born in the lineage of the great Emperor Bharata, after whom India is sometimes called "Bharatavarsha". In the broader sense of the Mahabharata, both the Pandava brothers and their cousins, the hundred sons of Dhritarashtra, are descendants of King Kuru and are therefore technically all Kauravas.

However, in common usage, and for the purpose of distinguishing between the two warring factions in the epic, the term "Kauravas" is generally used to refer specifically to the elder line of descendants through King Dhritarashtra, while the five sons of Pandu are referred to as the Pandavas.

King Shantanu's Early Life

Shantanu was a prominent king of the Kuru Kingdom with his capital at Hastinapura. In his previous birth, Shantanu was Mahābhisha, the noble son of Ikshvāku. During an assembly in Brahmaloka, his lingering gaze fell upon the radiant river goddess Gaṅgā. Offended by this breach of decorum, Brahmā cursed both of them to be born on earth — Mahābhisha as King Shantanu, and Gaṅgā as his destined wife.

King Shantanu was born to King Pratīpa of the noble Kuru lineage. He ascended the throne in his youth — around his late teens — after his father’s passing. he Kuru realm then faced unrest and border skirmishes after years of decline. Through his courage in battle and wise governance, Śantanu restored peace, strength, and the lost prestige of the Kuru throne.

Shantanu's Marriage With Ganga

Until he met Gaṅgā, King Shantanu had not considered marriage — his life revolved around duty and restoring the Kuru glory. One day, while walking along the banks of the river, he beholds the celestial beauty of Gaṅgā, the river goddess in human form. Enchanted by her grace and serenity, he is instantly captivated and desires to make her his queen, unaware that this divine encounter would shape the destiny of his lineage.

King Shantanu introduces himself. The woman introduces herself as Bhāgīrathī — daughter of the noble Bhagiratha, who had brought Gaṅgā to earth. Drawn by her charm, Śantanu proposes marriage.

Ganga readily agrees to marriage, but under one condition.

Ganga

: If I become your wife, you should never object to whatever I do. Even if my actions are contemptible, despicable, against the law or against your wishes and likes, you should not question me. If you do, I would leave you that very instant. This is my condition. If you agree to this, we can marry.

The king agrees, and places a ring upon Gaṅgā’s finger. Together, they circumambulate a Śiva Liṅga, sealing their sacred union in reverence.

Shantanu's Shock

King Shantanu leads a happy life with Ganga. But the joy soon turns to horror — when their first child is born, the jubilant king follows Gaṅgā, only to see her carry the newborn to the river and gently drown it in the flowing waters. The king remembers the promise he made to the queen that he would never question her actions even if they were atrocious; hence he remains quiet.

This heart-wrenching act is repeated with six more children, each consigned to the river without a word of explanation.)

Torn between love and helplessness, Śantanu waits, hoping to save at least the next child. When the eighth is born, he speaks tenderly of the life he dreams for their son — a veiled plea born of despair and devotion.

Once again, the king receives the news of the birth of the young prince. Once again, he finds his wife just about to lay the baby on the water. This time, the king is unable to control his anger and frustration.

Shantanu

: Are you a demon, or has a mother’s heart turned to stone?

Queen

: Oh, King! You are now governed by love for your son. You don't need me any more.

Shantanu

: Don't talk like a fool! The baby is a symbol of our love. What is the justification for killing this child? What sin has the baby committed? This river Ganges never goes dry. Has your heart turned dry?

Queen

: Oh King! Whatever fate has decreed has come to pass. You may not remember the curse we once shared. In Indra-loka, long ago, our love defied celestial order, and we were sent to earth. On our way, the eight divine Vasus begged us to be their parents so they might be freed from a sage’s curse. To fulfill that vow, I released seven of them back to the heavens. The eighth, their leader, must remain on earth — probably, the destiny holds another purpose for him. That is why he has stayed back here instead of going to the heaven. Our son Devavrata will henceforth remain the protector of Kuru country just as you wished. I am taking him now with me. I would educate him and make him a great warrior as per your wish and then entrust him to you. Give me the permission to leave you now.

Ganga Hands Over Devavrata to Shantanu

Eight years pass. Devavrata, radiant and strong, has mastered every branch of knowledge and warfare. The time has come for Gaṅgā to return him to his father.

One day, while riding his chariot by the river, Śantanu’s horse halts abruptly before a breach in the stream. As he releases an arrow to stem the flow, another arrow counters his move. The two archers exchange shafts in swift mastery until Gaṅgā appears — revealing that the young warrior opposing him is none other than his own son, Devavrata. Overwhelmed with joy, father and son embrace.

Ganga

: As desired by you, Vasishtha has imparted education to Devavrata, and Parashurama has taught him the methods of warfare and made him a great warrior. In the entire land of Bharata-varsha, there is no one to equal him in delivering justice and no one to rival him in valor. But I have to part from you all.

Gaṅgā blesses them both and departs once more into her divine realm, leaving behind the son who would soon become Bhīṣma — the guardian of the Kuru throne.