Amba Demands Justice from Bhishma : Episode 6

The Illness of Vichitraveerya

Vichitraveerya marries the two Kashi princesses, Ambika and Ambalika, as Queen Satyavati and Bhishma look on with joy. Ahead of the nuptial night, the young king suddenly falls ill. Physicians begin intense treatment, while prayers and offerings are made across temples for his recovery.

Amba Confronts the Court of Hastinapur

Queen Satyavati sits on the throne, with Bhishma by her side. Suddenly, Amba storms into the royal court demanding justice.

Amba:

Does anyone here still know what dharma is?

Satyavati:

Who are you, woman? Hastinapur is a land of dharma. What complaint do you bring?

Amba:

I am Amba, princess of Kashi.

Satyavati (sarcastic):

Oh! The one who spurned Hastinapur’s throne and went chasing her lover?

Amba:

That was past. Let’s talk of the present now.

The heated exchange grows sharper as Amba questions whether Kshatriya dharma can override compassion and truth. When she taunts Bhishma directly, he maintains silence.

Amba:

You took a false oath of celibacy, entered a swayamvar hall, and dragged girls by force! You call that dharma?

Bhishma:

When I learned of your love for King Shalwa, I sent you back. Only you know why he refused to accept you.

Amba (furious):

You speak of dharma yet mock a woman’s heart!

The argument explodes. When Bhishma tells her that captives of Hastinapur must either go to the royal chambers or the servants’ quarters, Amba lunges at him in rage.

Amba (screaming as she’s dragged away):

Bhishma! Your death will come through me! History will say — Bhishma was slain by Amba!

Amba’s Vow and the Boon of Subramanya

Amba wanders through forests and mountains — hungry, barefoot, determined. Finding a shrine of Lord Subramanya under a tree, she sits in meditation. The Lord appears and asks her wish.

Amba:

Grant me the power to destroy Bhishma.

Subramanya blesses her and gives a divine garland: “He who wears this garland shall kill Bhishma.”

Amba travels to kings across Bharat, begging them to wear the garland and avenge her. But no one dares oppose Bhishma, revered as nearly invincible. Even King Drupada of Panchala receives her kindly but refuses to help, advising her to let go of vengeance.

Vichitraveerya’s Decline

Six months pass. Despite all treatments, Vichitraveerya remains frail. Queen Satyavati, weary from fasting and prayer, visits him. The physicians fear that even a moment of excitement could be fatal. Vichitraveerya decides to face his fate bravely, saying it is better to die as a warrior than live in fear.

The Return to Subramanya’s Shrine

Disheartened and alone, Amba returns to the same shrine where she received the boon. Placing the garland back on the Lord’s spear, she weeps in despair. There, she meets the royal preceptor of Kashi, sent secretly by her grieving father.

The guru listens to her tale and explains that her boon was imprecise — she had asked for Bhishma’s death but not by whom or when. Therefore, someone else wearing the garland will fulfill it in time.

He advises her to seek Sage Parashurama, Bhishma’s own revered teacher, saying, “Only he can compel Bhishma to fight — and only through him can destiny unfold.”

Next Episode Preview

Episode 7 — The Guru and the Disciple

Amba reaches Parashurama’s hermitage and pleads for justice. The great warrior-sage rises in wrath, and destiny prepares for the battle of Bhishma — against his own guru.