M110 - Devavrata's Vow to Dhusharaj

As Santhanu becoming listless day by day, Devavratha have been alarmed by these signs. The prince was very much troubled when he saw that some care was weighing heavily upon Shantanu's mind. Being the soul of tact, he did not want to ask his father directly. He was sure that his father would have confided in him, had confidence been possible. Instead, he questioned the charioteer and ministers of his father who accompanied to the places his father had visited recently. He at once perceived that among the places that his father had been recently, the only unusual place was that of the chief of the fishermen, Dhusharaj. He went there himself and upon beholding Satyavathi, immediately perceived that this maiden must be the cause of his father's listlessness. What he could not understand was that having fallen in love with this woman, why his father had not been able to take her as his wife. He met the Satyavathi's father and enquired as to why the marriage was not taking place. The fisherman chief related the story of Satyavathi's birth and the prophecy concerning her children. The fisherman chief said, "O Prince, I set forth the condition that only the children of Satyavathi should inherit the throne of Hastinapura kingdom after your father. Your father could not bear the thought of disinheriting you, and hence the marriage shall not take place."

Prince Devavratha loved his father more than he loved the thought of becoming a king. He said, "If this is the only objection to the match. I would be glad to remove it. I assure you that I shall renounce my claim to the throne, paving the way for Satyavathi's children to inherit the kingdom. Now you would be able to agree to this match and make my father very happy."

On hearing this, the fisherman replied: "O Prince. All of us know that once you have uttered a promise, it is inviolate. I now have full confidence that the sons of Satyavathi will inherit the throne, as you have promised it. However, I fear that your children (for you will marry soon and have issue), will not be similarly reticent. They will stake a claim to the kingdom, and my grandchildren will know no peace. This is my main objection to the match."

Devavratha thought for a while and said, "What you say is definitely true. For myself, I can assure you that I have renounced the throne, but I might not be in a position to control the actions of my children. Therefore, to forward the cause of my father's happiness. I vow that I will remain a celibate all my life. I shall never marry, never have any children who can rival your grandchildren for the throne of my father's kingdom."


The moment Devavratha uttered his terrible vow, the Devas appeared in the sky and praised his actions. There was a shower of flowers on him and the air was scented with a divine fragrance. All the Gods praised his action of supreme renunciation, and sang the praises of his devotion to his father. From this day onwards, Devavratha was named as Bhishma by celestials, which means one who had made a terrible vow. The fisherman consented immediately to the marriage, and Bhishma escorted his step-mother-to-be to his father's palace. 

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