Satyavati Persuades Ambika to Accept the Arrangement
Satyavati goes to her daughter-in-law Ambika in private. She explains that the Bharata lineage is on the brink of extinction and that Bhishma himself has advised a desperate measure to preserve it. The fate of the dynasty now rests on Ambika's consent.
The queen mother went to her daughters-in-law in private. She spoke to Ambika, also called Kousalya, telling her what was in accordance with dharma (righteousness) and artha (prosperity), and for the sake of the kingdom's welfare.
"O Kousalya! Listen to what I have to say. This is in accordance with dharma," Satyavati began. "On account of my misfortune, the Bharata lineage is about to become extinct." She described her misery at the prospect, and how the wise Bhishma, seeing it, had advised her on what must be done to preserve the dynasty and protect dharma.
"O daughter! But whether it can be done, depends on you," she said, placing the burden directly on the young widow. "Accomplish it and revive the lost lineage of the Bharatas. O one with the beautiful hips! Bear a son who is equal in radiance to the king of the gods. He will bear the heavy burden of our lineage and this ancestral kingdom."
It was a plea grounded in duty, lineage, and survival. Satyavati, the fisherman's daughter who had become queen, somehow managed to obtain the concurrence of that virtuous woman to the proposal, since it was presented as in accordance with dharma. The consent was reluctant, but it was given.
With the queen's agreement secured, Satyavati turned to the preparations. She feasted Brahmanas, devarshis (divine sages), and guests, setting the stage for the ritual act to come.