Devavrata Learns the Cause and Secures Satyavati for His Father
Devavrata notices his father's deep sorrow and learns the true cause: Shantanu's desire for Satyavati, blocked by the fisherman's condition. To secure his father's happiness, Devavrata rides to the fisherman and makes two vows — renouncing the throne and lifelong celibacy — that remove every obstacle forever.
Shantanu returned home and sat with his sorrow. He stopped eating properly. He meditated in silence.
His son Devavrata noticed. He asked his father, “Everything is peaceful. All the kings obey you. Why are you always sorrowful, as if in pain? You sit immersed in your own thoughts and do not utter a word.”
Shantanu gave a vague, paternal reason. “You are my only son. I sorrow because of the impermanence of life. If anything happens to you, our lineage will cease. Those learned in dharma say that having one son is like having no son at all. You are brave and always armed. There is every possibility of you being killed in battle. That is the reason for my sorrow.”
Devavrata heard this but was not satisfied. He went to an old adviser, always concerned for his father’s welfare, and asked him the true reason. The adviser told him everything: about the woman on the Yamuna, her fragrance, and the fisherman’s single, impossible condition.
Devavrata did not hesitate. He took many elderly Kshatriyas as witnesses and rode to see the king of the fishermen. On his father’s behalf, he asked for Satyavati’s hand.
The fisherman received him with honour. “You are an adequate protector for Shantanu,” he said. “How can I say anything against your words? But as the girl’s father, there is something I must say. There is one strong objection. You are mighty. Whoever is your rival will not live happily if you are angry. This is the only fault with the marriage.”
Devavrata understood. In the hearing of all the kings, he uttered his first vow. “The son born from her will be the king. I renounce my right to the throne.”
The fisherman acknowledged this but pressed further. “O mighty-armed one, I have no doubt your vow will never be violated. But I do have great doubts about the sons who will be born to you.” If Devavrata had children, they might one day fight Satyavati’s children for the throne.
Knowing what was in the fisherman’s mind, and wishing only to bring pleasure to his father, Devavrata made his second promise. “O king of fishermen, hear what I have to say for my father’s sake. I have already relinquished the kingdom. I will not destroy the doubt about my sons. From today, I take the vow of brahmacharya (celibacy). Even if I die without a son, I will attain the eternal world of heaven.”
When he heard these words, the fisherman’s body hair stood on end with delight. He agreed to give his daughter.
From the sky, apsaras (celestial dancers), gods, and rishis rained down flowers. They gave the prince a new name: “He is Bhishma” — from *bhishana*, meaning “terrible,” for the fearsome nature of his vow.
Bhishma brought Satyavati home on his chariot and told his father all that had happened. All the kings praised him for this difficult feat, repeating, “He is Bhishma.” Witnessing what his son had accomplished for his sake, Shantanu was profoundly pleased. He granted Bhishma a boon: that he would only die when he himself so willed.