The Birth of King Shantanu (Mahabharata Series - 2)

Among the noble kings of the Kuru lineage, there lived a righteous and virtuous monarch named Pratipa, who constantly sought the welfare of all living beings. For many years, he had renounced worldly pleasures and taken refuge in penance at an ashram near the holy waters of Gangadwara.

One day, while the sage-king was immersed in his japa (chanting), Goddess Ganga, adorned in a divine feminine form, rose from the waters and gracefully seated herself on his right thigh. Without any agitation or desire, King Pratipa addressed her with composure:

"Devi, what is your wish? What do you seek of me?"

Ganga replied with divine calm:

“O King, I have come here seeking you. I desire you to accept me as your consort. It is improper for a noble man to reject a woman who approaches him with love and longing.”

But King Pratipa, who was beyond worldly desires, said:

“O Devi, I do not look at other women with lustful intent. I have vowed to marry only a woman of my own caste and lineage.”

Ganga, ever pure and divine, countered his words, saying:

“Though I may not belong to your caste, I am no ordinary woman. I am chaste and revered in all the worlds. No one can ever question my purity.”

She then humbly requested:

“Please accept me. I am a celestial maiden of a lineage even superior to yours.”

King Pratipa smiled and replied wisely:

“O Divine One, your actions contradict your request. Sitting on a man’s right thigh is reserved for daughters or daughters-in-law. A wife should sit on the left thigh. This gesture of yours clearly signifies that you are destined to be my daughter-in-law, not my wife. I accept you as the future wife of my son.”

Ganga, pleased with the king’s words, said with reverence:

“O righteous soul, so be it. I shall become your son’s wife. Out of respect for your virtue and honor, I shall become the daughter-in-law of your glorious lineage. The Kuru race is revered for its nobility, generosity, and dharma. It will be my privilege to be part of this divine lineage.”

She then laid down a condition:

“Whether my actions please your son or not, he must never question or oppose me. If he agrees to this condition, he will enjoy great happiness with me, gain virtuous offspring, and in the end, attain the bliss of heaven.”

King Pratipa agreed to this condition, and with a gentle smile, Goddess Ganga vanished.

At that time, King Pratipa was still without children. Since he had promised Ganga that she would be his daughter-in-law, it became essential that he have a son. To fulfill this, he performed penance along with his queen, Sunanda Devi, seeking a child.

As a result of their penance, the aged royal couple was blessed with several sons (some versions mention three, others say four). The youngest among them was born as a divine soul — the reincarnation of King Mahabhisha, now known as Shantanu.

Born during a time when the lunar dynasty was beginning to decline (shānta = calm or halted), or perhaps because he was born when his father was immersed in deep austerity and peace, the child was named Shantanu. As Shantanu grew, he was devoted to righteousness and good conduct. His mere touch could heal the sick, and his presence alone shielded the healthy from disease. He became a beacon of virtue.

Due to personal reasons, his elder brothers — including Devapi — renounced the throne of Hastinapura. After King Pratipa retired to the forest, the youthful and noble Shantanu ascended the throne and ruled the kingdom with utmost dharma.