Scene 1 Shantanu is touched deeply by Devavrata's incomparable sacrifice and hugs him. The next day, Devavrata calls for a special meeting presided by Sages Vasishtha and Parasurama. He tells them of the oath of life-time celibacy he has taken and abdicates the crown as the future king of Hastinapura. In front of a packed audience, he invokes his mother Ganga and all the gods, and swears he would never accept any official position throughout his life. Sage Parasurama extols his renunciation as a virtue of the highest order. Sage Vasishtha blesses him and bestows the appellation of Bhishma on him. The court resounds with the reverberations of 'Bhishma as gods from the sky chorus 'Bhishma' and those assembled in the court join the chorus. Parasurama reminds Bhishma of his duties toward Hastinapur as its custodian. He hands over to Bhishma a sword he had received from Lord Vishnu. Shantanu meets Bhishma in his private chambers. He expresses his anguish over the many pleasu...
Sun TV Mahabharatham Translated Into English