King Shantanu’s heart was heavy with sorrow, and he confided in his son Devavrata the reason for his unrest. “My son,” he said, “now you understand the cause of my grief and the doubts that trouble me, for I do not see how peace can come to me.” Having learned the full measure of his father’s distress, Devavrata, wise and discerning, pondered deeply upon the matter. Moved by his father’s words and the unspoken yearning for a worthy heir, Devavrata, afflicted at heart, summoned his father’s charioteer once more. At Devavrata’s command, the charioteer, loyal and skilled, came before him. Addressing this trusted friend, Devavrata spoke with gentle gravity: “You are my father’s charioteer and a friend to me as well. You know the ways of the world. Tell me truly, in whose heart does the king’s affection rest?” The charioteer replied, “O best of the Kurus, the king’s heart is fixed upon the daughter of the ferryman.” He continued, “The king wished to marry her, but the ferryman laid down a condition: ‘The son born of her must be made king after you.’ Your father did not wish to grant this boon, and the ferryman would not yield his daughter on any other terms.” Understanding now the nature of his father’s dilemma and the steadfast will behind it, Devavrata resolved to act. With careful thought, he set out toward the banks of the Yamuna, accompanied by noble Kshatriyas of old, all devoted to righteousness. There, he sought out Ucchaihshravas and approached the ferryman, seeking the maiden Satyavati on behalf of his father. The ferryman welcomed Devavrata with due honor and seated him in the royal assembly. With respect, he addressed him, “A royal bride-price must be given for this maiden, and the son born of her must become king after her father. O mighty-armed one, you are the glory of Shantanu’s line and the foremost of warriors—what more can I say? Yet, for the sake of my daughter’s future, I must speak plainly: who would desire such a union, so fraught with difficulty and blame, and not regret it? Even Indra himself would hesitate before such a choice.” He went on, “The son born of this noble lady, Satyavati, will be your equal in virtue. Your father, the king, has often praised her, and he is truly worthy to wed her. Yet, as her father, I must express my concern. I see only the danger of rivalry here, for whoever stands as a rival to you—be he Gandharva or Asura—would not survive your wrath. This is the only fault I see, O king; there is no other. Know this, and may all be well with you.” Devavrata, son of Ganga, replied before the assembled kings with words befitting the occasion and his father’s honor. “Hear me: there is no one equal to me in speaking for my father, none born before or now. I shall act as you have spoken—the son to be born of Satyavati shall be king after my father.” The fisherman, intent on securing his daughter’s future and the kingdom’s stability, pressed further. “O radiant one, you alone have come as protector for both Shantanu and my daughter. You are master of righteousness and lord of the gift. Yet, listen to my duty as her father: what you have promised is fitting, but we still have doubts concerning your own offspring. This is our only concern.” Hearing these words, Devavrata, ever devoted to truth and righteousness, accepted the challenge, determined to please his father. “Proclaim your vow aloud in this assembly, whether sages, gods, or hidden beings are present,” the ferryman urged. “Let all bear witness to your resolve.” In the presence of the assembled kings and all who had gathered, Devavrata spoke with unwavering resolve: “For my father’s sake, I have already renounced the kingdom. Even for the sake of offspring, I make this vow today: from this day forward, I will observe lifelong celibacy. Even without a son, my place in heaven will not diminish, for I have never spoken a falsehood since my birth. As long as I live, I will not beget a child. Give me the maiden for my father. I renounce both the throne and all desire; I shall remain ever-celibate. This is my solemn truth.” Hearing these words, the fisherman, filled with joy and awe, replied with hair standing on end, “I will give her.” In that moment, the heavens rejoiced. The Apsaras, gods, sages, and all the kings who witnessed this difficult and noble act showered flowers upon Devavrata and praised him, declaring, “He is Bhishma!” Thus, for the sake of his father, Bhishma spoke to the illustrious maiden Satyavati, having fulfilled his vow with steadfast heart.