Vichitravirya's Marriage, Pleasure, and Untimely Death
Bhishma secures the lineage by marrying his brother to two princesses. Vichitravirya, proud of his youth and beauty, loses himself in pleasure with his wives for seven years, until he is attacked by a wasting disease that no physician can cure.
Bhishma had done his duty. He had secured brides for his brother and navigated the matter of Amba’s prior pledge. Vichitravirya, who had dharma in his soul, accepted the hands of Ambika and Ambalika.
But once married, his youth and beauty took over. He was proud of them. His wives were tall, with blue-black curled hair, red pointed nails, and heavy breasts and hips. They felt they had obtained a husband who was their equal in beauty, and the fortunate ones worshipped Vichitravirya. He matched the Ashvins in beauty, was the equal of the gods in prowess, and was capable of stirring the hearts of all women.
The lord of the earth pleasured with his wives for seven years.
Then, though young, he was attacked by consumption — a wasting disease. His friends consulted physicians, trying every cure they knew. But no remedy worked. Like the setting sun, the Kourava went to Yama’s abode.
In accordance with his mother Satyavati’s wishes, Bhishma, together with the priests and the chiefs among the Kurus, performed the funeral rites for King Vichitravirya. The heir was gone, the throne was empty, and the future of the lineage, so carefully arranged, was suddenly in crisis.