During the reign of King Shantanu, the land flourished under the highest righteousness. In his kingdom, O ruler, there was no slaughter of cattle, boars, deer, or birds. Shantanu, self-controlled and impartial, ruled all beings equally, free from desire and passion. He was a king of remarkable presence: his eyes shone like those of a chakora bird, his mouth had a coppery hue, and his gait was as majestic as a lion or a bull. Though youthful in appearance, he was endowed with incomparable virtues and noble qualities, possessing a deep and rich spirit, and his face radiated like the full moon. In those days, all rites for the gods, sages, and ancestors were faithfully performed, and no living creature was harmed unjustly. For the unhappy, the destitute, or those born in animal forms, Shantanu became a father to all, extending his care and protection. While this foremost of the Kurus, lord among kings, ruled, truth was ever present in speech, and minds were devoted to charity and righteousness. Animals were only created for sacrifice, and union was solely for the sake of offspring. For sixteen, eight, four, and yet another eight years, Shantanu refrained from seeking pleasure with women, living as one who roamed the forest in restraint. Such was his form, conduct, character, and learning. His son, known as Devavrata and also called Vasu, was born of the river goddess Ganga. This son was skilled in all weapons and the arts of kingship, mighty in strength, spirit, and valor—a great chariot-warrior. One day, after striking a deer, Shantanu followed the river Ganga and came upon the Bhagirathi, noticing that she now carried only a little water. Wondering why this best of rivers did not flow as before, the king sought the cause. There, he saw a handsome youth, tall and radiant, wielding a divine weapon and standing in the midst of the Ganga, surrounded by sharp arrows, like Indra himself. The river Ganga was filled with arrows near him—a feat beyond human capacity—which astonished Shantanu. Wise as he was, Shantanu did not recognize in this youth the son he had once seen at birth, nor could he recall him as his own child. The youth, seeing his father, bewildered him with his power of illusion and, having deluded Shantanu, vanished from that very spot. Filled with wonder and longing for his son, Shantanu called out to Ganga, “Show him to me.” Ganga then appeared, adorned with ornaments and spotless garments, holding the beautiful youth by his right hand. Though Shantanu had seen her before, he did not recognize her in her divine form. She spoke to him, saying, “O tiger among men, the eighth son whom you once begot in me—he is this one, supreme among those skilled in all weapons. Take this son, great king, whom I have raised; receive him and bring him home.” She continued, “He has learned the Vedas and their branches from Vasishtha, is accomplished in weapons, a supreme archer, and equal to the king of the gods in battle. He is esteemed among gods and asuras; whatever knowledge of weapons Ushanas possesses, he knows entirely. Likewise, whatever the son of Angiras knows of the science of arms, all that is established in him. In your son, mighty-armed and great-souled, is complete and detailed knowledge. The sage Jamadagni, unconquerable by others, is matched by his energy. Whatever weapon Rābha knows, that too is established in him. This great archer is skilled in royal duties and the pursuit of wealth.” Having spoken thus, the radiant Ganga vanished. Permitted by her, Shantanu joyfully took his son. Shining like the sun, Shantanu returned to his city, which was as splendid as Indra’s own. Feeling he had attained all he could desire, he appointed his son as the protector of the kingdom among the Pauravas. The illustrious Devavrata, endowed with virtue and a great soul, installed his father as crown prince among the Pauravas. The king delighted his people by his conduct, and, enjoying the company of his son, the lord of the earth was pleased. For four years, Shantanu lived in restraint and contentment. One day, he journeyed to the forest near the river Yamuna. There, he perceived an indescribable, excellent fragrance and, seeking its source, wandered all around. He came upon a maiden of the Dashas, divine in form, and, seeing her, questioned the dark-eyed girl, “Whose are you? Who are you? And what do you intend, O gentle one?” She replied, “I am the daughter of a Dasha; I ferry people across for the sake of righteousness and livelihood, by command of my father, the great-souled king of the Dashas.” Endowed with beauty, sweetness, and fragrance, she was truly divine. Desiring her, Shantanu approached her father and sought her hand in marriage. For the sake of his son, he questioned her father, who replied, “My daughter, radiant as a celestial, is to be given to a suitor as soon as she is born. But, O lord of men, hear the desire that is in my heart. If you, O sinless one, seek this maiden as your lawful wife, then make a vow to me by truth.” Thus, the story of Shantanu’s righteousness, the return of his illustrious son Devavrata, and his encounter with the maiden of the Dashas unfolded, each event marked by virtue, restraint, and the interplay of destiny.