In the last episode, we saw how Shantanu had broken his promise to Ganga and why there was no death for Devavrata after he was saved by Shantanu. This episode unfolds the story of Devavrata becoming Bhishma.
One day while chasing a wild animal wounded by his arrow, King Shantanu found himself at the banks of the sacred Bhagirathi Ganga. But the mighty river, usually flowing in divine rhythm, now seemed diminished. The king, disturbed, stood silently wondering, why is this celestial stream not as full and forceful as before? Driven by concern, he walked further and encountered a youth of radiant beauty and great stature, practicing archery with such mastery that he had held back the entire flow of the Ganga with his arrows.
Stunned by this divine feat, Shantanu observed closely. The youth resembled the very gods. But despite the resemblance, the king could not recognize the youth. Well, how could he? He had only seen this son once—at the time of his birth—before Ganga had taken him away. But the youth, aware of his father’s presence, used illusion (maya) to enchant the king and disappeared before his eyes.
But a father is a father. Doubt crept into Shantanu’s heart, and he turned to Ganga and pleaded, “O Devi! Show me our son.” And then—she appeared, clad in a sparkling sari, adorned with celestial jewels, her beauty beyond earthly recognition. She then revealed the truth to Shantanu. “O King, this is the eighth son you fathered with me. I raised him with care and wisdom. Now he is yours to claim. He has mastered all four Vedas, the Vedangas, and celestial scriptures. He is unmatched in archery. He knows Rajdharma and Arthashastra in their deepest forms. Both devas and asuras respect him. He is equal to Parshuram in weapons and Brihaspati (celestial guru of the Devs) in wisdom.”
Thus, Shantanu returned to Hastinapur—this time not alone but with the apple of his eye, Devavrata. The city rejoiced with joy, and soon Devavrata was appointed as the Yuvraj (the crown prince). For four blissful years, this father-son duo ruled Hastinapur together, until destiny intervened again.
One day while walking near the Yamuna River, some fragrance caught Shantanu’s attention. As he followed it, he saw a beautiful fisherwoman, dark-complexioned, graceful like the celestial nymph, rowing a boat. Intrigued, enchanted, and overtaken by desire, he asked her who she was. She said, ”I am Satyavati. I am the daughter of the Nishad King. I row a boat as per my father’s wish.” Being captivated by her mere presence, Shantanu proposed marriage to her, to which she replied, “I will only marry according to the will of my father.” With that, Shantanu approached Nishadraj with a proposal of marriage. The king of fishermen said, “O king, I have just one wish. If you wish to marry my daughter, then her sons, and only her sons, should inherit your throne.”
How could Shantanu grant this? Devavrata was his pride, his legacy, and his heir. Although the king’s heart was burning with unfulfilled desire, a father never wished to betray his son. Silently, he turned back—desire was denied because of love and duty.
Everyone who read the story of Mahabhisha (Read it here) knows how desire trapped him and made him fall to a lower realm. But see the beauty of the universe. How beautifully his desire was again tested in this realm. But this time his soul had learned his lesson, and thus his inner conscience resisted snatching the right of his son and the rightful and learned heir of Hastinapur.
Here is where you will see magic unfolding before your eyes. The universe beautifully weaves a tale that accommodates Mahabhisha’s reward and Dyu, the Vasu’s punishment in this mortal world. In the coming part, you will realize how this story is a perfect example of cosmic justice. It is here that we see that Mahabharat is not merely a story of battles or an account of our ancient history. It is the experience of realizing the cosmic balance. An experience to let you know how cosmic energies are never wasted Every action, every curse, and every longing is recycled into something meaningful. In the silence of life, a test will be slowly passed on to you by the cosmos and, your reaction in that very moment is all that matters.
Journaling Prompts
- Has your father sacrificed something for you even when he was dearly wishing to own or have it?
- Have you ever had to give up something you truly wanted simply because your deeper responsibility would not let you have it?
Interesting Reads
A section where we give you one interesting book recommendation daily.
Maybe it was a grandparent, or a teacher or a colleague. Someone older, patient and wise, who understood you when you were young and searching, and gave you sound advice to help you make your way through it. Maybe, you lost track of this mentor as you made your way, and the insights faded. Wouldn’t you like to see that person again, ask the bigger questions that still haunt you? A magical chronicle of rekindled a relationship that turned into one final ‘class’: lesson in how to live.
Discover it here : Discover it here.
