MAHABHARATA – 3. Bhishma’s Vow

Devavrata crowned as the heir, the Yuvaraja; the people did rejoice as did the maharajah

But human life is slave to an invisible hand; Satanu grew troubled, music and cheer left the land

For by the banks of the Yamuna, a divine fragrance; drew him to a fair maiden with inexorable trance

He an empty shell since his beloved Ganga left him; this girl with her boon, drew his human weakness within

He asked her to be his wife, and to her father she did send him; the old man sought a promise, the son of their union to be king

The throne he could not give without shame incurring; Santanu did grow depressed for his love pining

Devavrata saw his father agonise; he could not the old man’s demon recognise

Father, can you not share your sorrow, he wondered

Come hear my problem, son, which I have long pondered

Preoccupied with your prowess in martial mores; this fickle world births uncertain outcomes of war

Though equal to a hundred, you are but one; scripture says one is the same as having none

Our bloodline hangs by one thread though strong; hear ancestors cry, once broke, it’s gone

Wise Devavrata knew there was more to his father’s misery; making enquiries, about the maiden, he made discovery

On behalf of the king, Devavrata entreated her hand; the maiden’s father did decline, as he was an astute man

When pressed, her father said his daughter ideal for the King; can her son not, born of such a union, be perfect to king

Though young in age, the Hastinapura heir brimmed with sapience; he favoured the unborn and disavowed his inheritance

Devavrata’s sons, in time will they not, the father petitioned; as mighty progenies challenge to put aside this condition

Devavrata this question did comprehend; though from mouth of man, t’was not the word of man

The Son of Ganga did make a terrible vow to meet his destiny; marital bliss he forsook for a life of pure unbroken chastity

These words of renunciation to secure their fulfilment; reached the devas in heaven who flowered exclamations

With cries of “Bhishma” the gods did shower; blessings for fulfilment on the vower

Ascended the maiden Satyavati as queen of Hastinapura; she beget for her King two sons, Chitrangada and Vichitravirya

When time took the older, ascend the throne did Vichitravirya; blessed he by two sons from his queens, Ambika and Ambalika

First born, Dhritarashtra sired a hundred Kauravas; younger Pandu’s sons five, were known as the Pandavas

The world witnessed the divide and the divine; good and Evil are Daughters of one Sublime

Bhishma, lived a long and glorious life as foretold by the sage Vasishtha; his mortal being released in the epic, Battle of Kurushestra.