Shantanu and Yojanagandhi – The Dilemma of Royal Dharma (Mahabharata Series 6)

Shantanu – The Reunion with Devavrata (Mahabharata Series 5)

King Shantanu, the shining jewel of the Bharata dynasty, was basking in contentment. His son Devavrata had taken over the affairs of the kingdom with competence and grace. The king, now relieved of worldly duties, spent his days in quiet reflection and joy.

One day, while strolling along the banks of the Yamuna River, Shantanu was struck by an enchanting fragrance carried by the breeze. It was a scent unlike anything he had ever experienced. Drawn by curiosity, the king followed the wind until he came upon a boat. Standing at its helm was a radiant young maiden holding a bamboo pole, ready to ferry passengers across the river.

Her divine fragrance had led him here. The king, captivated by her beauty and the gentle gleam of her moonlike smile, approached and asked, "Who are you, fair one? Whose daughter are you, and what are you doing here?"

"Victory to the king," she replied respectfully. "I am Satyavati, daughter of the fisherman king Dasharaja. I ferry people across the river, as per my father's command."

Spellbound, Shantanu found himself overwhelmed with desire and longing. He requested her hand in marriage. Satyavati, however, humbly told him to speak with her father, who held the decision.

Shantanu, upholding dharma, did not attempt to take her by force. He went to Dasharaja and asked for Satyavati's hand. The fisherman king replied, "O mighty ruler, it is an honor. But I have one condition. I have sworn that the son born to my daughter will become the future king. If you agree to this, I shall give her in marriage."

The king was shattered. Devavrata, his son, was the perfect heir—noble, wise, and powerful. How could he deny his rightful inheritance? Despite his love for Satyavati, Shantanu returned to Hastinavati in silence, unable to accept the condition.

The pain of separation and unfulfilled longing consumed him. He stopped attending court, ceased his usual outings, and withdrew from his people and his son. He said little, his health declined, and he became a shadow of his former self.

Devavrata, ever attentive to his father's moods, noticed the change. Initially thinking it was a passing illness, he soon realized the king was troubled by something deeper. Concerned, he approached his father, bowed before him, and asked, "Father, everything in the kingdom is well. Our allies are loyal, the people are prosperous. Why then are you so worried?"

Receiving no answer, Devavrata asked again, "You have withdrawn from your royal duties. You hardly speak, even to me. Please, tell me what is troubling you."

Moved by his son's love and persistence, Shantanu embraced him and spoke with tears in his eyes. "Devavrata, you are like a hundred sons to me. I have no doubt of your worth. But the wise say that having only one son is as good as being childless. Fate is uncertain. What if you perish in battle? Our lineage would end. That fear haunts me."

He continued, "The Vedas and Shastras declare that having a son brings the highest heavens—far beyond what rituals and sacrifices can offer. It is for this reason that I wish for another heir."

With those words, Shantanu fell silent again, lost in sorrow. Devavrata left his father's chamber, the weight of the words "You need brothers" echoing in his heart, determined to fulfill his father's unspoken desire.