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 onc...