M112 - Bhishma Abducting Princesses of Kashi
As days passing Vichitravirya reached the age of marriage, Satyavathi called bhishma and said, "O Prince, You have been the bedrock of our kingdom. My son and I are very much indebted to you for the protection that you have afforded us from our foes. I feel that my son is now old enough to marry. It is time that we sought a suitable alliance for him. What is your opinion?" Bhishma replied, "O Mother. I made a vow that I will protect you and your sons and establish their right to rule over the Kurus. I made this vow to forward my father's happiness. You owe me nothing. I do agree that it is time that my brother got married. I have just now heard that the King of Kashi is holding a Swayamvara gathering in which eligible suitors will be present. Either the princess chooses her husband out of her own free will, or her hand is awarded to the king who fulfills a challenge laid forth in the proceedings). His daughters are reputed to be very beautiful. They will make ideal wives for my brother."
Satyavati said, "It would be best if you went to this Swayamvara and espoused the cause of my son. He is too young to undertake such a task for himself. I am sure that your words will carry a lot more weight. Go to this Swayamvara and bring back my daughters-in-law."
According to his step-mother's suggestion, Bhishma went to the Swayamvara, being held at the court of Kashi. Many of his fellow kings were surprised to see him there, as his vow of celibacy was very well known. Some of them thought that he had merely come to take part in the festivities, as a Swayamvara was accompanied by a week long celebration in which there would be many feasts, performances of dance and music etc. Some of them thought that he was planning to discard his vow, and had come to seek a wife among the princesses of Kashi.
The day of the Swayamvara arrived at last. Once the king of Kashi had performed the introductions, Bhishma stood up and addressed the king telling him about the eight kinds of marriage and pointed out to him that sages had said that if a woman was considered a prized possession, a king could take her by force. He challenged the kings present to a trial of strength, if any one wished to challenge his brother's claim. After uttering his challenge, he took the three maidens in his chariot and proceeded towards his kingdom. The monarchs took up arms and began to fight Bhishma. It was a very unequal combat. Although the kings ranged against him were many in number, and were no mean warriors, Bhishma was infinitely superior to them all. However, Bhishma chased them away after destroying their weapons and inflicting injuries on them. The only king to stand up to him to a certain extent was King Salya. Indeed, they were quite well matched in battle,. King Salya was not willing to give up and challenged Bhishma for a fight. Other kings witnessing the fight as spectators. Salya was a very skilled archer and sorely harassed Bhishma. Bhishma was very much impressed with his opponent. He decided to end the battle quickly and therefore drew the indra arrow, which had been given to him by Indra, and with it destroyed the horses and chariot of Salya. Bhishma humbled Salya in the fight but refrained from killing him. Salya went back to his country.
Bhishma brought the three Kashi princesses named, Amba, Ambika and Ambalika to his step mother Satyavathi and went away to make preparations for their wedding with his brother, the king Vichitravirya.
Satyavati said, "It would be best if you went to this Swayamvara and espoused the cause of my son. He is too young to undertake such a task for himself. I am sure that your words will carry a lot more weight. Go to this Swayamvara and bring back my daughters-in-law."
According to his step-mother's suggestion, Bhishma went to the Swayamvara, being held at the court of Kashi. Many of his fellow kings were surprised to see him there, as his vow of celibacy was very well known. Some of them thought that he had merely come to take part in the festivities, as a Swayamvara was accompanied by a week long celebration in which there would be many feasts, performances of dance and music etc. Some of them thought that he was planning to discard his vow, and had come to seek a wife among the princesses of Kashi.
The day of the Swayamvara arrived at last. Once the king of Kashi had performed the introductions, Bhishma stood up and addressed the king telling him about the eight kinds of marriage and pointed out to him that sages had said that if a woman was considered a prized possession, a king could take her by force. He challenged the kings present to a trial of strength, if any one wished to challenge his brother's claim. After uttering his challenge, he took the three maidens in his chariot and proceeded towards his kingdom. The monarchs took up arms and began to fight Bhishma. It was a very unequal combat. Although the kings ranged against him were many in number, and were no mean warriors, Bhishma was infinitely superior to them all. However, Bhishma chased them away after destroying their weapons and inflicting injuries on them. The only king to stand up to him to a certain extent was King Salya. Indeed, they were quite well matched in battle,. King Salya was not willing to give up and challenged Bhishma for a fight. Other kings witnessing the fight as spectators. Salya was a very skilled archer and sorely harassed Bhishma. Bhishma was very much impressed with his opponent. He decided to end the battle quickly and therefore drew the indra arrow, which had been given to him by Indra, and with it destroyed the horses and chariot of Salya. Bhishma humbled Salya in the fight but refrained from killing him. Salya went back to his country.Bhishma brought the three Kashi princesses named, Amba, Ambika and Ambalika to his step mother Satyavathi and went away to make preparations for their wedding with his brother, the king Vichitravirya.
Comments
Post a Comment