The Swayamvara of the Princesses of Kashi and Amba’s Vow : Episode 5

Bhishma Seeks Vyasa’s Counsel

Bhishma rides to Sage Vyasa’s hermitage seeking guidance on the kingdom’s future. Outside, Vyasa is addressing his students: “Dharma varies from person to person. A Brahmin serves through knowledge and selflessness. A Kshatriya is known not by birth but by strength — strength used for the welfare of his people. He must act without being swayed by personal likes or dislikes.”

Bhishma bows. “Revered sage, you know the state of Hastinapura. One brother is dead; the other cannot continue the line. Our kingdom has no heir. The year of mourning for Chitraṅgada ends soon, and enemies may strike at any time. We must crown Vichitravīrya — but for that, he must wed. Yet no Kshatriya king offers his daughter.”

Vyasa asks calmly, “And what does the queen propose?”

“The king of Kashi is holding a swayamvara. The queen wishes that I bring those princesses for Vichitravīrya.”

Vyasa’s eyes gleam. “Is that not Kshatriya dharma?”

Bhishma hesitates. “Perhaps, if the prince himself went. But I — in his place — would it be right? Do those girls have no dreams, no will of their own? Can abduction ever serve dharma?”

Vyasa nods gravely. “It is wrong to overpower the weak with might. Yet you know the shastra — what does it say of Kshatriya duty?”

Bhishma answers, “A Kshatriya must lay down his life for his land. He sacrifices his personal happiness for his country. So too a Kshatriya maiden — her duty lies beyond her own desire. Bringing brides from afar for the good of the country is permitted, but forcing them is not.”

Vyasa smiles faintly. “You think both as a warrior and as a common man. That is your conflict.” He turns back to his students. “Tell me, when a starving lion kills a cow — is it sin? It may seem so, but it is dharma by the lion’s nature.”

The words strike Bhishma like an arrow. He understands the message, bows silently, and rides away.

The Swayamvara of Kashi

Kings from many lands assemble in the royal court of Kashi. Bhishma enters, radiant in his white armour. The court falls silent in awe. The king of Kashi grows tense.

The three princesses — Amba, Ambika, and Ambalika — enter with garlands. Amba, the eldest, steps forward to choose King Shalva, her heart already pledged. Just then, Bhishma’s deep voice echoes through the hall.

“Stop! Has no one remembered the law of swayamvara? All gathered kings must first agree to the contest’s terms. If even one Kshatriya dissents, he must be defeated before the ceremony proceeds. I, Bhishma of the Kuru line, claim this right. I shall take these princesses for Hastinapura. Let any who dare, stop me!”

A stunned murmur rises. Shalva challenges him — a fierce duel ensues, but Bhishma’s might overwhelms the king of Saubha. Shalva falls, humiliated. Bhishma leaves with the three princesses.

Amba’s Defiance

Outside the city, Bhishma halts the chariot to let the princesses rest. Amba turns to her sisters. “I cannot go to Hastinapura. I love King Shalva, and I will marry none but him.”

Her sisters plead, fearing Bhishma’s wrath, but Amba walks straight to him. “I do not consent to this abduction. Let me go.”

Bhishma’s tone hardens. “I cannot permit that.”

Amba flares. “Who are you to permit or deny me? You may have defeated kings, but you hold no power over my mind or body. No one does. If anyone tries, I will end my life — I swear by the holy Ganga.”

At her words, Bhishma’s expression softens. “Ganga — my mother! Amba, I too am bound by duty. Like you, I am but a pawn in a game of politics. Come, at least for now, to Hastinapura.”

“No,” Amba replies firmly. “My path leads to Shalva.”

Bhishma sighs. “Do as you wish. You are young yet — you will learn how cruel politics can be.”

Amba departs. Bhishma takes Ambika and Ambalika to Hastinapura. Satyavati welcomes them with joy, hoping their arrival will bring prosperity. But the princesses remain cold and withdrawn.

Shalva’s Rejection

In Saubha, King Shalva speaks with his minister. “I have shown my valour against Bhishma and avoided a ruinous war. That should satisfy honour.” Just then, a messenger enters. “The princess of Kashi, Amba, has come — alone.”

The minister frowns. “Be cautious, my lord. Attachment clouds duty. Could this be Bhishma’s design?”

Shalva receives Amba coldly. She pleads, “I never went to Hastinapura. I returned only to you, whom I love. I am not a prize to be carried away. I came of my own will.”

Shalva averts his gaze. “Bhishma has humiliated me before all kings. If I now marry you, he will see it as defiance — and Hastinapura’s wrath will destroy Saubha. I cannot endanger my people.”

Amba stares in disbelief. “So this is the man I loved — a king who cannot stand for love or honour! I am ashamed, Shalva.” She leaves in anger and despair.

Satyavati’s Persuasion

In Hastinapura, Satyavati speaks gently to Ambika and Ambalika. “Your beauty and virtue will bring new life to our kingdom. The people already sing your praises. Do not fear Vichitravīrya’s health — the best physicians will attend him. A Kshatriya wife must think beyond herself, for the good of the realm. Even my son has sacrificed his happiness for duty. The choice is yours.”

Her tone is soft, but her intent unyielding.

Amba Returns to Kashi

Amba returns to her father’s court. “Father, I have come home,” she says hopefully. But the king’s face is stern. “You should have sent word, Princess of Hastinapura, before entering Kashi. We were unprepared to honour a royal guest.”

“Don’t mock me, Father! Shalva rejected me. I have nowhere to go.”

“And what comfort can the princess of a great kingdom find in this humble land?” he asks coldly. The queen steps forward, but the king restrains her. “Do not endanger our realm for affection. Amba belongs to Hastinapura now.”

Amba bows her head. Alone and resolute, she walks away from Kashi — her heart burning with the fire of destiny.

Note: King Shalva, ruler of the kingdom of Saubha near the western seas, is known for his friendship with shishupala of Chedi and Jarasandha of Magadha. Proud and valiant, he stands for Kshatriya honour but is politically cautious. His bond with Princess Amba of Kashi later becomes one of the most tragic love stories in the Mahabharata — a tale that ultimately leads to Bhīshma’s downfall.