Hearing the fisherman’s concerns about the giving and withholding of his daughter, the wise Bhishma—son of Ganga—stood before the gathered kings and replied with words befitting the occasion and his father’s honor. “Know this,” he declared, “there is no one equal to me in speaking for my father; none has been born, nor is being born, who can match me in this.” He assured the fisherman that he would act exactly as requested: the son born to Satyavati would become king. But the fisherman, intent on securing his lineage’s future, pressed further. “O radiant one,” he said, “you alone have come as protector for Shantanu and my daughter. You are the master of righteousness and the lord in the matter of the gift. Yet, hear my word and my duty, for I must speak according to the conduct of maidens. What you have promised for Satyavati’s sake is fitting, but there remains great doubt concerning your own offspring.” Understanding the fisherman’s concern, Bhishma—ever devoted to truth and righteousness—accepted the challenge, wishing above all to please his father. “Proclaim your vow aloud,” the fisherman urged, “in the presence of all—sages, gods, and hidden beings. Let everyone hear: there is no one equal to you in this matter. O king of the fishermen, listen well.” Then, in the hearing of all the assembled kings, Bhishma made his solemn declaration: “For my father’s sake, I have already renounced the kingdom. Even for the sake of offspring, today I make this resolve: from this day forward, I will observe lifelong celibacy. Even without a son, my place in heaven will not be diminished, for I have never spoken a falsehood. As long as life remains in me, I shall not beget a child. Give me the maiden for my father. I renounce the throne and all union with women entirely; I shall remain ever-celibate. I speak the truth to you.” The fisherman, overwhelmed with joy and awe, his hair standing on end, replied, “I will give her.” At that moment, the heavens rejoiced. The Apsaras, gods, sages, and kings who witnessed this tremendous vow showered flowers upon Bhishma and praised him, declaring, “He is Bhishma!” For his father’s sake, Bhishma then turned to Satyavati and gently said, “Climb into the chariot, Mother, let us go to our home.” He placed the radiant maiden upon the chariot and brought her to Hastinapura. Upon arriving, Bhishma recounted all that had transpired to King Shantanu. The assembled kings, marveling at the difficulty of Bhishma’s deed, praised him, saying together and apart, “This is Bhishma.” Yet, though Shantanu was sorrowful for many days and nights, he was deeply pleased by his son’s sacrifice. In gratitude, he granted Bhishma a boon: “Death shall not overpower you as long as you wish to live. Only with your permission, O sinless one, shall death have power over you.” Knowing that Satyavati, the daughter of the king of Chedi, had been raised by the fisherman-king, Shantanu arranged her marriage according to sacred rites. After the ceremony, he settled the beautiful Satyavati in his own household. From Satyavati, the wise Shantanu had a heroic son named Chitrangada, a mighty lord among men. In time, she bore another son, a great archer named Vichitravirya. But before Vichitravirya reached adulthood, the wise King Shantanu passed away, departing according to the law of time. After Shantanu’s passing, Bhishma, following Satyavati’s counsel, installed Chitrangada—subduer of foes—on the throne. Chitrangada, proud of his valor, challenged all the kings and considered no man his equal. So great was his prowess that even among gods, men, and asuras, he found no rival. But then, the powerful king of the Gandharvas, who bore the same name—Chitrangada—approached him. “You bear my name, prince,” he called. “Give me battle, or else take another name. I have come seeking combat; if you refuse, the name Chitrangada shall no longer be yours.” After these fierce words, the two warriors met on the banks of the Hiranyavati, and a great battle erupted in Kurukshetra. There, three terrible combats took place between the Gandharva and the foremost of the Kurus. In that tumultuous clash, filled with a rain of weapons, the Gandharva, empowered by his magical might, slew the heroic Kuru chief. Having accomplished his purpose, the Gandharva ascended to heaven, leaving Chitrangada—subduer of foes—fallen upon the battlefield.