During the reign of King Shantanu, the land flourished in an age of peace and prosperity. The kings, free from sorrow, fear, and affliction, slept peacefully and awoke to days of well-being, their kingdoms thriving under this blessed rule. Society itself was harmonious and disciplined: all the social orders honored the brahmins as supreme, with the kshatriyas looking to the brahmins for guidance, and the vaishyas following the kshatriyas. The shudras served both brahmins and kshatriyas with sincere devotion, and even among animals—cattle, boars, deer, and birds—there prevailed a natural order of respect and service. While Shantanu ruled, needless violence was unknown. Not even the unhappy, the helpless, or those living in animal forms suffered from wanton harm. So righteous was this king that he was regarded as the father of all beings, delighting in the city of Hastinapura and beloved by all the Kurus. In brilliance, he was like the sun; in strength, as mighty as the wind; in wrath, he resembled Death itself, but in patience, he was as steadfast as the earth. Wise and valorous, Shantanu was a true benefactor to his people. He found joy in the beauty of nature, especially the forests and the mountain streams. Fond of hunting, he would roam the wilds, and with his skill, he brought down deer and buffaloes. One day, wandering alone along the sacred Ganga—whose banks were frequented by perfected beings and celestial wanderers—King Shantanu beheld a vision that would change the course of his life. There, on the riverbank, stood an extraordinary woman, radiant and resplendent, as if she were the very embodiment of prosperity. Flawless in every aspect, her teeth shone beautifully, and she was adorned with divine ornaments. She wore delicate, fine garments; her complexion glowed like the heart of a lotus; her body was freshly bathed, her clothes washed pure. Her hair fell loose, and she gently touched her tresses with her hands. In beauty, youth, and grace, she was unmatched, her form perfectly proportioned. Her gestures, her playful glances, the movement of her eyes, the fullness of her hips, the slenderness of her waist, the swell of her breasts—all combined to captivate the beholder. The abundance of her hair, the elegance of her feet, her subtle signs, and her enchanting smile, along with her melodious speech and sweet conversation, surpassed even the beauty of the three worlds. Her voice, her speech, her beauty, grace, and charm outshone even Sarasvati, Parvati, Lakshmi, and all celestial women. She approached with a tranquil presence, dispelling all misfortune. At the sight of her, Shantanu felt his hair stand on end, astonished by her beauty and splendor; he could not have his fill, as if he were drinking her in with his eyes. The woman, too, upon seeing the king—resplendent and noble—felt a surge of affection and warmth. Playfully, she could not look away from him, her eyes darting with desire and joy. Ganga herself, filled with longing, gazed at the king with enchanting glances, like a celestial nymph or a kinnari. Shantanu, overwhelmed with joy at her sight, saw that she surpassed all royal women in beauty. He approached her gently and spoke soothing, pleasing words: “Are you a goddess, a danavi, a gandharvi, or perhaps an apsara? Or are you a yakshi, a serpent maiden, or a human woman of lovely waist? Whoever you are, O one equal to the gods, become my queen, O sinless one. You have captured my mind, and whatever wealth I possess is yours. I beg you, O one born of the gods, be my wife.” Hearing these words, the woman approached Shantanu with a gentle, charming smile, intent on his welfare. She remembered her agreement with the Vasus and, desiring offspring, recalled the words of Pratipa as well. Thinking, “Now is the time,” prompted by the curse of the Vasus, she spoke to the king, delighting his heart with her words. “O king,” she said, “I shall become your queen, obedient to your will. But neither you nor anyone else should ever seek to know my actions. Whatever I may do, whether auspicious or inauspicious, you must not prevent me, nor speak any unpleasant word to me. If, while living with you, I am forbidden or addressed harshly, then without doubt, I shall leave you. This is my condition, O king; accept me as you desire. Your father has pleaded with me; now, lord, be my husband.” Hearing her words, Shantanu was filled with incomparable joy at having won this foremost of women. He pledged to her, “So be it,” and, placing her on his chariot, departed with her by his side. She seemed like another goddess of fortune as she approached Shantanu, who, master of his desires, enjoyed her company as he wished. Remembering her condition, he never questioned her actions, content with her conduct, character, beauty, and noble qualities. By her attentiveness and private affection, Shantanu was deeply satisfied, cherishing her above all. That goddess Ganga, the threefold-flowing, assumed a radiant human form and became the wife of Shantanu, lion among kings, equal in splendor to the lord of the gods, united with him by fortune and desire. With union, affection, skill, and enchanting smiles, she delighted the king as only a beloved consort could. So absorbed was Shantanu in her company that he lost all sense of time; years, seasons, and months slipped by unnoticed. The glorious king, having obtained the best of women, enjoyed pleasures both human and divine, his heart content in her love.