Bhishma’s Vow

Five thousand years ago, the land we now call India was very different. Sages, holy men, gods with divine sight, and great kings walked upon this very earth. Among the line of King Bharata, after whom ancient India was named, the greatest king was Shantanu. Under his rule, the kingdom of Hastinapur rose to the height of glory in every way. Even today, our land of India still carries that glory.

So this is not some made-up tale at all. It is true that modern India does not directly match that Hastinapur, yet no age can separate itself from this story.

How do I know this? Because I had to learn all this. I am both a witness to this story and its creator. Who am I? I will tell you later. For now, let us go to King Shantanu.

Though he was a famous king, deep sorrow lived in his heart. In his eyes there was always a restless thirst, as if he were searching for someone.

One day, by the waters of the Ganga, he saw a young warrior of astonishing power.

"Who is that boy?" Shantanu murmured to himself. "What strange power! Can anyone stop arrows in the waters of the Ganga like this? I am such a great archer, King Shantanu myself, and even I have never done this. This boy is truly amazing me. I must know who he is, I must know who he is. Let me go a little closer to the water."

He stepped forward and called out, "Hey, young warrior, who are you? What is your name? Are you some prince? Your identi—"

But before he could finish, the boy vanished.

Shantanu stared in shock.

"What is this! Where did he go? How did he vanish? Did he disappear into the Ganga? Then is it... is it really what I thought? Is this my eighth son? I must know. Ganga, only Ganga can answer this."

Then, with a heart full of pain and longing, he cried out in Bengali, "হে গঙ্গে, হে ভদ্রে, হে শান্তনুম মহিষী গঙ্গে, আমার পুত্রকে আর একটি বার দেখতে দাও। একবার ওকে দু চোখ ভরে দেখি আর একবার।"

At once, Ganga appeared before him.

"Ganga! Maharaj Shantanu, accept my greetings."

Then she said gently, "Yes, Maharaj, you have guessed right. Devavrata is truly your and my only living son. After the death of the other seven, this is our eighth child."

Shantanu's sorrow burst forth.

"The other seven did not simply go away, Ganga. You yourself threw them into the water as soon as they were born. My seven sons, and today I have no one, Ganga, no one. Why did you do this? Why? Even today I cannot forget the happiness of those seven sons, Ganga, I cannot forget it."

Ganga replied, "Maharaj, be calm. Such emotion does not suit you. You know that they were not meant to stay as anyone's children. Because of a curse from heaven, they were born on earth only for a few moments, and then they returned again. Their curse has ended, Maharaj. That is why I threw them into the water as soon as they were born. They are the eight Vasus of heaven. The seven have gone back. But why are you so restless, Maharaj? I have raised the eighth one into a worthy heir for you. His name is Devavrata. A little while ago, it was he whom you... he is your own son, Maharaj."

"Devavrata? My... my son?"

"Yes, Maharaj. This Devavrata is the eighth of the fallen eight Vasus. In his past birth, his curse was greater, so he must stay in this world for a long time and do penance."

Shantanu looked at her in wonder. "What are you saying, Ganga? Devavrata is your son. In this world all sins are washed away in your name, and yet your son Devavrata must finish the unfinished work of a past birth! What are you saying?"

Ganga answered, "Yes, Maharaj. This is the time for Devavrata to suffer the result of his actions. In this birth he has done no sin, but the sinful deed he did in a past birth has no forgiveness, Maharaj. Devavrata stole Kamadhenu from the ashram of Sage Vashistha. Of course, then he was not yet Devavrata. His name was Dyu Vasu. Among the eight Vasus, he was the greatest. He went to the sage's ashram with others, and at his wife's request he stole that divine cow. When the sage came to know this, he cursed them all. By the sage's curse they were born as human beings. And because of the crime of theft, the eighth Vasu received greater punishment. He must stay long in this world. Still, Vashistha has said that in the science of weapons this Devavrata will be the best on earth. In dharma, wisdom, and knowledge, no one will equal him. But this son will never know the happiness of a wife."

Shantanu said, "What are you saying? Then Devavrata... Devavrata is not human?"

"In this birth he has been born as a human, Maharaj," Ganga said. "In truth, this world needs him greatly. In the coming generations Devavrata will leave an example of knowledge, bravery, courage, and courtesy. I have raised him in that very way. Devavrata studied the Vedas with Sage Vashistha. He learned other scriptures from Brihaspati, the guru of the gods, and Shukracharya, the guru of the demons. Whatever kinds of weapons the great sage Jamadagni knew, he taught them all to Devavrata. In archery and in the duty of kings, none can compare with Devavrata, Maharaj. This son has now become the true heir of Hastinapur. Now you may take this eighth son with you to the royal palace, Maharaj."

Shantanu's voice trembled. "Will I be able to see my son's face? You say I can take him back with me to the kingdom, Ganga?"

"Of course you can, Maharaj. Devavrata's education is complete. Now he can go with you to the palace of Hastinapur. I am calling him right now. Come, Devavrata."

A noble young prince came forward and said, "At your command, Mother."

Ganga turned to him. "The king standing here, shining like the sun, is the great King Shantanu of the noble Kuru line of Hastinapur. Child Devavrata, he is your father. Bow to him. Now you must return to Hastinapur with the Maharaj."

Devavrata bowed low. "My respects, Maharaj. Your command is on my head, Mother. I will surely go. But if ever there is any danger..."

"You will face no danger, child," said Ganga. "With the rare education you have received, you will be able to overcome every danger. Even then, if ever you feel unsure about your duty, come to me. If you come to the riverbank and remember me, you will see me."

"As you command, Mother. So it shall be. Bless me."

"Stay on the path of dharma, and always be victorious."

At this, the face of Shantanu, father of the great hero of the Kuru line, became full of joy. Though he had been father to eight sons, his royal palace had remained empty all this time. He had neither wife nor child. Since Ganga had gone away, Shantanu had never married again.

I am Krishna Dvaipayana Vyasa. Through the ages people have known me as Vedavyasa. Even though I am that timeless seer, I have rarely seen a king as self-controlled as Shantanu.

Shantanu truly loved Queen Ganga. That is why he suffered deeply in her separation. Perhaps he did not understand that Ganga would give him such a great punishment for breaking a small promise. No, Shantanu did not want to call it breaking a promise. To him, it was cruelty. What mother can throw her own newborn child into a river with her own hands? Ganga had done exactly this, not once, but seven times.

As promised before marriage, Shantanu had silently accepted everything Ganga did. Even when his heart broke, he said nothing. But with the eighth child he could not bear it anymore. If all his children were to drown like that, then who would carry his family line and his kingdom? Who would be his heir? Must he suffer such injustice to a father's heart just because he loved Ganga?

No, Shantanu could not remain silent any longer. He forgot his promise. At the birth of the eighth child, he begged Ganga to let at least this son live. Ganga kept his wish, but because he had broken the condition, she left him forever. She took the baby with her. That child is this Devavrata. Today his education is complete. Ganga has shaped him into the worthy heir of Hastinapur. And now she herself has returned that son to Shantanu.

Devavrata was going back to his kingdom with his father. What a person thinks for himself, and what fate writes for him, are not always the same. Joy, sorrow, anger, pain—none of these suit me. I only watch like a witness. My work is only to arrange the endless stream of time into pictures, one after another. That alone is my freedom. All the rest is fate. I am no one else.

For now, let us move along the road of King Shantanu toward Hastinapur. There will be celebration there today, because the heir to the kingdom is coming.

As father and son traveled together, Shantanu spoke with overflowing joy.

"Child Devavrata, I cannot tell you how happy I am today. My empty palace will now be full. Across earth and underworld the drums of joy will sound today. Child, I am King Shantanu. Gods, humans, yakshas, and rakshasas all obey my word. In my kingdom everyone receives justice. I want to see you too become such a brave, heroic, and caring king. Child, make the Kuru line shine bright, prince."

Devavrata answered humbly, "As you command, Maharaj. To honor you, I will not fail in my effort, I promise."

"Good, this is how the prince of Hastinapur should speak. Come, child, we have reached the gates of Hastinapur. King Shantanu of the Kuru line welcomes you to the kingdom of Hastinapur. Listen there, can you hear it? How loudly the cries of victory are rising!"

From the city came the thunder of voices.

"Victory to the king of Hastinapur! Victory to the great king! Victory to the Maharaj!"

The chief minister hurried forward and bowed.

"Maharaj, is all well? There was no trouble on the way, was there?"

"What trouble are you speaking of, Chief Minister?" said Shantanu. "Today is a day of great joy for me. The heir of Hastinapur has returned to his own kingdom today. My son Devavrata. Look, this is the future crown prince of the Kuru line. There will be celebration in the kingdom today. Arrange it as quickly as possible, Chief Minister."

"That will certainly be done, Maharaj. Truly, today is a full and blessed day. Prince Devavrata, accept the greetings of the Chief Minister of Hastinapur. Where is the city guard?"

"Give your command, Chief Minister."

"Here, city guard, inform all the court members that Prince Devavrata has arrived. Send word to the royal dancers. Begin the preparations for the great festival. Listen, arrange for the people of the city to welcome the prince."

"It shall be done, Chief Minister. I am arranging everything at once. Victory to King Shantanu, lord of the Kuru line! Victory to Prince Devavrata!"

All through Hastinapur, trumpets, drums, and horns sounded. After a long time, there was a great festival in the kingdom. The whole kingdom could not hold its joy on receiving Prince Devavrata.

And the prince was as handsome as he was brave and fearless. Like King Shantanu himself, he cared for all the joys and sorrows of the people. He was truly the worthy heir of the Kuru line. On an auspicious day, Shantanu made Devavrata the crown prince.

With the help of ministers, officers, trusted men, and court members, Devavrata now managed most of the affairs of the kingdom. King Shantanu no longer involved himself much in these things.

As the days passed, four years went by.

Freed from duty, King Shantanu returned to the passion of his youth, the passion for hunting. He began to spend most of his time outside the kingdom. King Shantanu loved hunting deer. And who does not know that in this world, the charm of a deer is one of the strongest charms of all?

Caught in that charm, one day King Shantanu chased a young deer and came to the bank of the Yamuna. No friend or companion was with him. He was driving his chariot alone.

Just then he caught a wonderful scent.

That fragrance seemed to have enchanted the whole place. He had never smelled anything like it before.

This was not the smell of musk. Then what was it?

Searching for the source of the fragrance, King Shantanu moved ahead for quite some distance. There, on the bank of the Yamuna, he saw a beautiful young woman. That fragrance was coming from her body. The king had never seen such a thing.

In answer to the king's question, the girl said that she was the daughter of the fisher chief. She ferried people across the Yamuna.

The king was enchanted by the sight of her. At once he went to the fisher chief.

"King Shantanu! What great fortune is mine!" said the fisher chief. "I cannot believe my own eyes. What need could you possibly have of me, Maharaj?"

"The need is very serious, and you can fulfill it."

"Command me, Maharaj."

"I saw your daughter on the bank of the Yamuna. She is truly very beautiful. I wish to marry her. I have come to you with that proposal."

The fisher chief bowed and said, "It is the great kindness of the Maharaj. But in the matter of Satyavati's, that is, my daughter's marriage, I too have some conditions."

"What condition? What condition is that?"

"The son born to you through Satyavati will be the crown prince of Hastinapur. Do you agree to this condition, Maharaj?"

Shantanu was troubled at once. "Shantanu, how can that be possible? My eldest son is to be the crown prince of Hastinapur, and I believe him to be fully worthy."

"Forgive me, Maharaj. If you wish to marry Satyavati, you must accept this condition. Please think about it."

The words of the fisher chief may make him seem greedy. It may seem that he wanted to use the king's weakness to secure the kingdom for his future generations. But that is not the truth.

This girl was not truly from a fisher family. The fisher chief was indeed a fisherman, though called king among his people. But Satyavati was truly a princess. Even if no one else knew this, he knew it well. She was born from the seed of King Uparichara Vasu of Chedi.

One day King Uparichara Vasu went hunting. Thinking of his beautiful wife, desire rose strongly within him. Because of that thought, his seed fell. He sent that fallen seed to his wife through a bird. But on the way it fell into the Yamuna and entered the belly of a fish. By the power of the king's seed, that fish became pregnant.

Ten months later, when that fish was caught in a fisherman's net, the fisherman was astonished to see two human babies inside its belly. One was a girl and the other was a boy. When he brought them to King Uparichara Vasu, the king gave the girl to the fisherman. That girl was Princess Satyavati, and the fisherman became this fisher chief.

From that day Satyavati became the daughter of the fisher chief. Because she lived among fishing people, she was called Matsyagandha. But the fisher chief never forgot that this foster daughter of his was truly worthy of becoming a queen and a queen mother. So he had made the right demand for his daughter before King Shantanu.

But King Shantanu knew none of this. Full of worry, he returned to his palace. He could not even think of making anyone other than Devavrata the crown prince. Devavrata was worthy in every way to become king of Hastinapur. On the other hand, he could not remove Satyavati, the fisher chief's daughter, from his heart. But if he accepted the fisher chief's condition, then it would be unfair to Devavrata and to his people.

So Shantanu found no peace at all. There was no smile on his face, and his mind was no longer cheerful. He did not wish to admit it, but he could not focus on the work of the court either. All the time he remained sad and worried.

But Devavrata could not understand what Shantanu was thinking. One day, after bowing to his father, he asked, "What has happened to you? All day you seem distracted. What are you thinking about so much?"

Shantanu said slowly, "Child Devavrata, you are my only son. You alone are equal to a hundred sons. I have no doubt about your knowledge of weapons and scriptures. You... you are my worthy heir."

"Then why are you so worried? Can I lessen some of your worry?"

"Child, after I received you, I never even thought of marrying a second time. But son, now my mind has truly become very restless. The sages say that having one son and having no son are almost the same. Because, because if some misfortune happens to that one son, then the kingdom has no heir. May God protect you. But... but son, the thought of what will happen to my kingdom if you are not there has taken hold of me."

Devavrata was wise. He understood that the cause of his father's worry was hidden deeper than this.

So he went to the chief minister of Hastinapur and asked about the king. From him he learned about Satyavati, the fisher chief, and his condition.

The next day Devavrata himself went to the fisher chief. Seeing the crown prince of Hastinapur, the fisher chief welcomed him with respect.

In answer to Devavrata's question, the fisher chief said, "Gentle prince, I am not Satyavati's real father, I am her foster father. Satyavati was truly born from the seed of a great king named Uparichara Vasu. King Uparichara Vasu himself told me many times that King Shantanu would be the worthy husband for Satyavati."

"But I still do not understand the reason for your objection, fisher chief."

"It is not objection, but fear. My fear is about you, Prince. The sons born from Satyavati's womb will never be able to defeat you in rivalry, Prince. So they will never be happy."

Devavrata replied at once, "Oh, is that all? I promise that I will never sit on the royal throne of Hastinapur. The child born from your daughter's womb will be king of Hastinapur. I give my word that I will protect that king and that throne."

The fisher chief folded his hands. "Blessed are you, and blessed is your line. But you are the only support of the Maharaj. Even if you do not become king, your sons may still become claimants to this throne."

Then Devavrata spoke the words that would shake the three worlds.

"Listen, fisher chief. I promise, with the sky, the earth, the gods of heaven, and my ancestors as witness, that I will never sit on the throne as king. And I will never have any children, because I will not marry. No one in this world till today has taken such a terrible vow. I have taken it. And I will keep it. You may rest without fear."

The fisher chief said with great emotion, "I know, Prince, that you always speak the truth. Your word will never become false, Prince. Today I truly feel peace. I have no objection now to giving Satyavati in marriage to the Maharaj."

It was a moment beyond belief. In heaven, on earth, and in the underworld, voices rose in praise. Hearing of such a terrible vow, I, Krishna Dvaipayana Vyasa, remained bowed in respect myself.

After taking this vow, Devavrata bowed to Satyavati and greeted her as mother. Then he took her into the chariot of Hastinapur. From sky and air and space, the gods began to shower flowers. The gods declared that because of this fearful vow, from that day Devavrata would be known as Bhishma. The world to come would remember him by the name Bhishma.

Along flower-strewn roads, Devavrata returned to the kingdom with Satyavati. Then he went to King Shantanu and told him the whole story.

Hearing everything from the prince's mouth, King Shantanu, full of joy and emotion, blessed him and said, "Child Devavrata, I grant you the blessing of choosing the time of your death. You will live as long as you wish. Death will not touch you against your will."

"My respects, Maharaj. I accept this blessing on my head."

"May you live long."

Satyavati became the queen of Hastinapur. She lived very happily with King Shantanu. After Prince Devavrata, two more heirs came to Hastinapur. One was named Chitrangada, and the other Vichitravirya. Both were the children of Shantanu and Satyavati.

But no one can remain happy forever.

When Vichitravirya was still a small child, Shantanu passed away.

Bhishma would not sit on the throne of Hastinapur. He would only protect the throne and the royal line. So, as Queen Satyavati wished, Bhishma accepted her elder son Chitrangada as king.

At that time Chitrangada's bravery was greater than that of other kings. But along with that, he was very proud. He feared no man, god, yaksha, or demon, and respected none of them either.

Seeing his arrogance, one day the king of the Gandharvas decided that he must be punished. That king's name was also Chitrangada. He came to the king of Hastinapur and said, "Chitrangada, I am the king of the Gandharvas. Both you and I have the same name, Chitrangada. Either you change your name, or fight with me."

The king of Hastinapur answered proudly, "Who dares to be so bold? Do you know who I am? You ask me to change my name? Never. I will kill you and remain the only Chitrangada. Come, let us fight."

On the bank of the Hiranyavati River in Kurukshetra, a terrible battle began between the king of Hastinapur and the king of the Gandharvas. That battle went on for many days. But the king of the Gandharvas was far stronger than Chitrangada of Hastinapur. In the end, the king of the Gandharvas killed King Chitrangada and returned.

Chitrangada had no children. At the time of his death, his younger brother Vichitravirya was still a minor. So he was declared king, and according to Satyavati's wish, Bhishma took charge of ruling the kingdom on his behalf.

In this way several years passed. Before long, Vichitravirya came of age and sat as the true king.

Vichitravirya was not proud like his elder brother, nor was he strong. He was a worshipper of beauty. He did not have the qualities needed to be king. But Bhishma had no choice. There was nothing to do except accept Vichitravirya as the king of Hastinapur.

Instead, Bhishma began to think about his marriage, so that in the next generation a strong king might be born.

To discuss this matter, one day he went to Satyavati.

"My respects, Queen Mother."

"Live long, be famous. Have you come for some special need?"

"Yes, Queen Mother, the need is serious. King Vichitravirya now sits on the throne. Now Hastinapur needs a queen. The throne needs an heir."

"I too was thinking of this. We must look for a princess worthy of our Kuru line. Do you know of any such girl?"

"Yes. The king of Kashi has called a swayamvara for the marriage of his three daughters. Those three daughters are Amba, Ambalika, and Ambika. In every way these three daughters of the king of Kashi can become worthy queens of our Hastinapur. What if all three are married to the Maharaj?"

"Wonderful, this is a very good proposal. Then let Vichitravirya go to the swayamvara. Arrange everything."

Bhishma bowed slightly and said, "Please do not take offense, Queen Mother, but I am thinking of this matter in a somewhat different way."

"What are you thinking? Speak without fear."

"There is no need for the Maharaj to go to that swayamvara assembly. Many strong kings from many lands will come there. If the Maharaj loses in a test of strength, it will not be good for Hastinapur, Queen Mother. Besides, it may happen that the three princesses do not choose the Maharaj."

Satyavati looked at him carefully. "I understand what you mean. Then... then what do you want to do, Devavrata?"

"I will go to Kashi myself. I will bring those three princesses to Hastinapur and have them married to the Maharaj. I came to you to seek your permission for that."

"Very well, let it be so. Go to the kingdom of Kashi as soon as possible."

"Then I will leave tomorrow itself. My respects, Queen Mother."

"Live long."

With Queen Mother Satyavati's permission, Bhishma set out the very next day from Hastinapur in his chariot for the kingdom of Kashi. He went alone.

Reaching Kashi, he saw grand celebration there. The princesses were to be married together. The king had left no lack in the arrangements. The royal hall was crowded with people. Many princes and kings from many lands had come there. All of them wished to marry the princesses of Kashi.

In the swayamvara assembly, the names of the kings were being announced one after another. Along with the young kings, the name of the elder Bhishma too was announced.

Seeing such an aged man, the three daughters of the king of Kashi stepped aside. Among the kings too, laughter began. People mocked Bhishma, the lifelong celibate, and asked why he had come at this age to break his vow.

Bhishma could no longer bear this foolish attempt to insult him.

He rose at once with great force. Looking at the kings, he said in a deep voice like thunder, "Princes and kings, listen. I speak to you all. In this society many kinds of marriage customs are followed. But do you know what is the highest custom for Kshatriyas? To defeat the opposing kings in battle at a swayamvara and carry the bride away is the highest Kshatriya custom. I am Bhishma, bound by my vow. I have not the slightest desire for these princesses. I will not marry. I have come to take these three princesses for the marriage of King Vichitravirya of Hastinapur. I am taking them away right now. If you can, then stop me."

"Leave them! Leave them!" the kings shouted.

Before the eyes of kings from many lands in that full assembly, Bhishma lifted the three daughters of the king of Kashi into his chariot. Then he drove his chariot toward Hastinapur.

The other kings could not bear such insult and such boldness from Bhishma in the swayamvara assembly. In anger they rose and left the hall. Putting aside their rich robes, they put on armor. Climbing into their own chariots, they took up weapons. Together they began to attack Bhishma to stop him.

On one side were all the other kings of many lands, and on the other side Bhishma alone.

Yet in battle with weapons, no one could defeat him. Alone he cut down all their weapons. No one could do even the slightest harm to him. One by one they began to lose before his speed and strength. No one dared even to keep following him.

Only King Shalva chased Bhishma alone with his chariot. Again and again the son of Ganga told him to stop. He threw one weapon after another. But when Bhishma's arrows killed the charioteer and horses of King Shalva, there was nothing more he could do. He too was then forced to turn back.

Meanwhile Bhishma brought the three daughters of the king of Kashi to Hastinapur and cared for them like his own daughters-in-law. From the next day the whole of Hastinapur was full of busy preparation. The marriage of King Vichitravirya was being arranged. Bhishma himself was in charge of this effort.

For some urgent reason Bhishma was going toward the women's palace to meet Queen Mother Satyavati. Just then a maid came, bowed to him, and stood there.

"My respects, Grandfather Bhishma."

"Is there some message for me?"

"Princess Amba of Kashi wishes to see you."

"What need does the princess have of me? Very well, she is my guest. Tell her that I myself am going to the guest house to see her."

"Victory to the great Bhishma."

Soon Bhishma arrived and said, "Go and inform Princess Amba of Kashi that Bhishma has come to see her."

"As you command."

A moment later Amba came and bowed.

"Please accept the greetings of Princess Amba of Kashi, great Bhishma. If you had ordered me, I myself would have come to meet you."

"That would not be proper, Princess. You are a guest of Hastinapur, so it is I who should come to you. Do you have some special need to speak with me?"

Amba answered with quiet pain, "You wish to marry all three of us sisters to the king of Hastinapur. But I beg you, I cannot marry in this way. In my heart I have already accepted King Shalva as my husband, and he too wishes to marry me. Even my father, the king of Kashi, has agreed to this marriage. So I cannot marry anyone else. You never act against dharma. That is why I ask you to uphold dharma now."