The Birth of Ganga’s Son – Bhishma (Mahabharata Series 3)

<<Mahabharata Series 3

👑 King Shantanu’s Divine Encounter

The valiant King Shantanu, radiant like Indra, often wandered through the forests, immersed in hunting. One day, as he walked alone by the banks of the sacred River Ganga, he beheld a divine woman — dazzling like moonlight, adorned in heavenly ornaments, with the grace of Goddess Lakshmi herself.

Her face, radiant and lotus-like, shone with a pearly smile. Clad in luminous garments, she stood alone, a vision of celestial beauty. Shantanu’s heart filled with joy and wonder. Spellbound, he gazed at her with admiration. She too was struck by his divine presence. Their eyes met — and love bloomed in silence.

🗣️ “O lady of divine beauty! Are you a goddess, a nymph, a Gandharvi, or a human? Please become my queen and accept me as your husband,” he asked.

🌸 Ganga’s Condition

The woman — Ganga Devi — smiled and replied gently:

“O King, I shall accept you and become your wife, but on one condition.”

“No matter what I do — whether you like it or not — you must never question me, never stop me, never speak a word against me. If you do, I shall leave you at once.”

Shantanu, overcome by her charm, agreed without hesitation. Thus began their divine union.

👩‍👦 The Children of Ganga

Years passed in joy. To this blessed couple, eight children were born. But each time a child was born, Ganga would say:

“Tvām priṇāmyaham — I bless you for your good,”and then gently cast the newborn into the River Ganga.

One by one, seven sons were taken by the waters. Though Shantanu was grief-stricken, he remained silent, bound by his word and fearful of losing her.

❗ The Eighth Son — A Turning Point

When the eighth child was born, and Ganga once again walked toward the river, Shantanu could bear it no longer. With a heavy heart, he cried out:

“Stop! Do not kill this child. Who are you? What is your lineage? Why destroy your own children? Is this not a great sin? Though you look divine, your actions are like those of a demoness!”

🌺 Ganga Reveals the Truth

Unmoved by his accusations, Ganga gently said:

“O King, you have broken your vow — and so I must now leave you. But fear not. I shall not drown this child. I will raise him, educate him, make him a master of all scriptures, and then return him to you.

Know that I am Ganga, daughter of Sage Jahnu, also called Jahnavī. The children I bore you are no mortals — they are the eight Vasus, cursed by Sage Vasishta to be born on Earth. Only you and I were fit to be their parents. They did not wish to remain long in the mortal world, and so I released them back to their heavenly abode.

This eighth child is different. He shall live, grow into a mighty hero, and uphold dharma. Know him as Ganga Datta, born of Ganga — your son.”

With those words, Ganga disappeared into the river, taking the child with her — leaving behind a father’s longing and a promise of greatness.

✨ Legacy

This child would return as Devavrata, later known to the world as Bhishma — the embodiment of sacrifice, dharma, and valor, a pillar of the Mahabharata.