Bhishma's Terrible Vow (Mahabharata Series 7)

<<Mahabharata Series 6

Bhishma's Terrible Vow – The Birth of a Legend

In the heart of Hastinapura, Devavrata, the valiant son of King Shantanu and Goddess Ganga, was disturbed. His father, once radiant and cheerful, had sunk into a silence so deep that it cast shadows over the royal palace. The prince, concerned and curious, approached the wise royal minister and inquired about the cause of Shantanu's sorrow.

The minister, bound by loyalty, revealed the truth: On the banks of the Yamuna, Shantanu had encountered a beautiful maiden – Satyavati, the daughter of the fisherman-chief Dasharaja. Her fragrance had captivated the king, but when he sought her hand in marriage, her father set a firm condition: only the son born to Satyavati would inherit the throne of Hastinapura.

Shantanu, though in love, was unable to betray his noble son Devavrata, and thus, returned heartbroken. This silent suffering of the king deeply moved Devavrata.

Taking his father's happiness as his own duty, Devavrata rode to Dasharaja's hut. He respectfully requested Satyavati's hand in marriage on behalf of his father. Dasharaja, though respectful, voiced his concern: "You are a mighty warrior. Even if you renounce the throne today, what if your future sons challenge my grandson's claim to it?"

Hearing this, Devavrata, standing tall amidst sages and elders, declared a vow that would shake the heavens: "From this day forward, I shall remain a lifelong Brahmachari. I shall never marry, nor have children. The son born to Satyavati shall be the future king."

The heavens paused.

Sages gasped. Devas and Apsaras showered flowers from above. The sky echoed with divine voices proclaiming him "Bhishma" – the one who took the terrible vow.

Dasharaja, overwhelmed and filled with reverence, agreed to the marriage. Bhishma escorted Satyavati to Hastinapura with royal honors. On reaching the palace, he recounted the entire event to his father.

King Shantanu, deeply moved by his son's unparalleled sacrifice, blessed him with a boon:

"Death shall never claim you until you wish it. Only upon your command shall death touch you, O sinless one."

Thus, with divine blessings and the greatest sacrifice known in Bharata's history, the wedding of Shantanu and Satyavati took place.

And with it, was born a legend – Bhishma, the eternal guardian of the Kuru dynasty.

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