Prelude to Shantanu’s Birth (Mahabharata Series - 1)

"Having bowed to Narayana, the Supreme Being, and to Nara, the noblest of men, and having invoked the grace of Goddess Saraswati, may this tale of victory now be told."

congregation in Brahmaloka

In the illustrious Ikshvaku dynasty, there once reigned a noble and righteous king named Mahabhisha—a monarch famed for his truthfulness and valor. With immense devotion, he had performed a thousand Ashwamedha Yagnas and a hundred Rajasuya sacrifices, thereby pleasing the celestial king Indra himself and earning entry into the exalted realms of Svarga (heaven).

Once, during a grand congregation in Brahmaloka, where gods, sages, and celestial kings gathered to worship Lord Brahma, King Mahabhisha too was in attendance. At that very moment, an ethereal presence graced the court — Goddess Ganga, adorned in white robes and radiating a divine glow akin to moonlight, entered the assembly.

As fate would have it, a sudden gust of celestial wind caused Ganga’s garment to shift. All present, out of reverence and restraint, bowed their heads. But Mahabhisha, overcome by earthly desire, lifted his eyes upon her with unabashed longing. Though seated amidst divine beings, he succumbed to sensuality — a lapse in sacred conduct.

Witnessing this breach, Lord Brahma pronounced judgment:

“O Mahabhisha, this is a realm attained by those free from desire. Yet you, with impure intent, have gazed upon Ganga with carnal yearning. You are no longer worthy of this divine court.Return to the mortal world, live out your passions, and only then may you return, purified. As for Ganga — she too shall be born upon Earth and, as your companion, will commit acts displeasing to you. You will endure them, bound by desire. Only when you protest in anger shall my curse be lifted.”

Distressed by the curse, Mahabhisha pondered deeply over his next birth. He chose to be born in the Chandravamsa (Lunar Dynasty), as the son of King Pratipa, a noble descendant of Pratishravas.

Meanwhile, Ganga, reflecting upon Mahabhisha with unspoken affection, descended toward Earth, her heart drawn to the same destiny.

As she journeyed, Ganga encountered a group of divine beings — the Vasus, celestial spirits, descending sorrowfully from Svarga. Their forms had dimmed, and their faces bore signs of distress. Ganga questioned them:

“O noble Vasus, why do your radiant forms appear diminished? What sorrow has befallen you?”

Two among them replied with humility:

“Divine Lady, while Sage Vasishtha was immersed in his rituals, we, in mischief, stole his sacred cow. Enraged, the sage cursed us to be born on Earth. We pleaded that you be our mother in that mortal existence.”

Moved by their plea, Ganga consented. She also recognized the man destined to be her earthly consort — Mahabhisha, now to be born as Shantanu, son of King Pratipa.

The Vasus, however, wished not to dwell long upon the Earth. They implored Ganga:

“Let us be freed from our curse the moment we are born. Cast us into the waters at birth. But allow one of us, in whom we will invest our collective power, to remain. He shall serve Shantanu loyally but will not continue his lineage on Earth.”

Ganga agreed. Thus, the divine will aligned — the Vasus would be born through Ganga, their earthly bonds short-lived, and one son would remain — noble, wise, and destined to be the glorious Bhishma.

So, the cosmic plan unfolded. The descent of the gods had begun. The world awaited the birth of Shantanu, the king through whom destiny would flow, setting the stage for the grand epic of the Mahabharata.