At Bhishma’s gentle urging, Satyavati, radiant and steadfast, climbed into his chariot, and together they journeyed to Hastinapura. Upon their arrival, Bhishma recounted to King Shantanu all that had transpired. The gathered kings, having heard of Bhishma’s remarkable feat, praised him for accomplishing such a difficult task. Speaking among themselves and to others, they declared, “This indeed is Bhishma!” The tale of his resolute action spread, and all marveled at his strength and devotion. Yet, when Shantanu learned of all that had occurred, he was filled with sorrow for many days and nights, O Bharata. Still, his heart swelled with pride for his son’s selfless deed. In gratitude and affection, Shantanu granted Bhishma a boon: he bestowed upon him the power to choose the time of his own death. “Death shall not overpower you as long as you wish to live,” said the king. “Only with your permission, O sinless one, shall death approach you.” Knowing that Satyavati, the daughter of the king of Chedi, had been raised by a humble fisherman-king, Shantanu arranged her marriage according to the sacred rites. After the marriage was solemnized, he brought Satyavati, beautiful and serene, into his royal household. In time, Satyavati bore Shantanu a son named Chitrangada, a mighty and heroic prince among men. Thereafter, she gave birth to another son, Vichitravirya, a great archer destined for glory. Before Vichitravirya had reached adulthood, the wise King Shantanu, bound by the law of time, departed from this world. With Shantanu’s passing, Bhishma, ever dutiful and following Satyavati’s counsel, installed Chitrangada, the subduer of foes, upon the Kuru throne. Chitrangada, proud of his strength, challenged all the kings of the earth and found none his equal among men. Emboldened, he even challenged gods and asuras. Hearing of his might, the king of the Gandharvas—who bore the same name—came forth and addressed him: “You and I share the same name, prince. Give me battle, or else take another name. I have come seeking combat; if you refuse, my name shall not remain yours.” Thus provoked, the two warriors went to the banks of the river Hiranyavati near Kurukshetra. There, three fierce battles raged between the Gandharva and the foremost Kuru prince. In the tumult of clashing weapons, the Gandharva, empowered by his magical arts, slew the heroic Chitrangada. Having accomplished his purpose, the Gandharva ascended to the heavens, leaving the Kurus bereft of their valiant prince. Bhishma, steadfast and sorrowful, performed the funeral rites for his fallen brother. Then, though Vichitravirya was still a boy, Bhishma installed him on the Kuru throne, guiding him with wisdom and care. Vichitravirya, abiding by Bhishma’s counsel, ruled the ancestral kingdom with diligence and respect. After Chitrangada’s death, Bhishma, ever loyal to Satyavati’s wishes, protected the kingdom for his young Kaurava brother. When Vichitravirya, nurtured in comfort and luxury, attained the vigor of youth, Bhishma, foremost among the wise, set his mind on arranging his brother’s marriage. News reached Bhishma that the king of Kashi’s three daughters, famed for their beauty and grace, were to choose their husbands in a grand svayamvara. With Satyavati’s blessing, Bhishma, resolute and alone, set out in his chariot for the city of Varanasi. Upon his arrival, Bhishma saw the assembled kings from all directions, as well as the three radiant maidens. The kings of Kashi, Kosala, Vanga, Pundra, and Kalinga, all intoxicated by desire for the princesses, had gathered there. As the names of the kings were proclaimed, Bhishma, solitary and aged, stood among them. Seeing his gray hair and lined face, the maidens withdrew in anxiety, wondering why this venerable elder had come. “Old, supremely righteous, bearing wrinkles and gray hair—what reason has this bull among the Bharatas come here, shamelessly?” they whispered. “What will people say of Bhishma, who is famed as a celibate? Is his reputation in vain?” Hearing the scornful words of the assembled Kshatriyas, Bhishma’s righteous anger was kindled. With the voice of thunder, he declared before all the kings that he would take the maidens for his brother, for the wise praise the giving of maidens to the worthy. He placed the three princesses on his chariot and spoke of the many ways a maiden may be given in marriage: some give her with adornments and wealth, even with a pair of cows; some win her by paying a price, others by force or with her consent; some approach her when she is unwary, and some win her by their own prowess. Others, following the Rishi marriage rite, obtain wives; and the eighth, the wealth-marriage, is also approved by the wise. The royal class honors and accepts the svayamvara, but the righteous declare that seizing her by force is the highest. Thus, Bhishma, steadfast in duty and unshakable in resolve, brought the princesses of Kashi to Hastinapura, fulfilling his vow and securing the future of the Kuru line.