Before Vichitravirya, that best among men, had reached adulthood, King Shantanu, wise and noble, departed from the world, following the law of time. With Shantanu’s passing, Bhishma, ever devoted to duty and guided by Satyavati’s counsel, installed Chitrangada—renowned for his strength and prowess—upon the throne of the Kurus. Chitrangada, filled with valor, considered no king his equal and challenged all the sovereigns of the earth. Not content with subduing only men, he extended his challenge to gods and asuras as well. In response, the mighty king of the Gandharvas, who bore the same name—Chitrangada—came forth to confront him. The Gandharva addressed the Kuru prince, saying, “You bear the same name as I; give me battle, prince. Otherwise, if you will not fight, take another name.” The Kuru Chitrangada replied, “I desire battle with you, and have come for that very reason. If you refuse, my name shall not remain yours.” Thus, with these bold words exchanged, the two mighty warriors journeyed to the bank of the Hiranyavati River, where they engaged in a fierce battle on the sacred field of Kurukshetra. There, three terrible combats took place between the Gandharva and the foremost of the Kurus. Amidst a tumult of clashing weapons and showers of arrows, the Gandharva, empowered with magical might, overcame and slew the heroic Kuru chief, Chitrangada. Having accomplished his purpose, the Gandharva ascended to the heavens, leaving the Kuru prince fallen upon the earth. When that tiger among men, radiant with energy, was slain, Bhishma, son of Shantanu, performed the funeral rites for his departed brother. Thereafter, Bhishma, mighty-armed and steadfast, installed the young and still immature Vichitravirya upon the throne of the Kurus. Vichitravirya, guided by Bhishma’s wise counsel, ruled the ancestral kingdom in accordance with dharma. After Chitrangada’s death, Bhishma, ever attentive to Satyavati’s wishes, protected the kingdom for his young Kaurava brother. As Vichitravirya grew and flourished in comfort, reaching the age of youth, Bhishma—foremost among the wise—turned his thoughts to arranging a suitable marriage for his brother. It was then that Bhishma heard news: the king of Kashi’s three daughters, each radiant and beautiful as celestial nymphs, were to hold a svayamvara, a ceremony where a maiden chooses her husband from among assembled kings. With Satyavati’s approval, Bhishma, that foremost of chariot-warriors, set out alone in his chariot for the city of Varanasi. Upon his arrival, Bhishma saw the kings who had gathered from every direction, as well as the maidens themselves. The kings of Kashi, Kosala, Vanga, Pundra, and Kalinga, all intoxicated by desire for the princesses, had come together to vie for their hands. As the names of the assembled kings were proclaimed, Bhishma, son of Shantanu, stood among them—alone and advanced in years. When the supremely beautiful maidens saw Bhishma, they withdrew in anxiety, thinking only of his age. “Old, supremely righteous, bearing wrinkles and gray hair—why has this bull among the Bharatas come here so shamelessly?” they wondered. “What will people say of Bhishma, who is famed as a celibate? In vain is he so proclaimed on earth.” Hearing the murmurs of the assembled Kshatriyas, Bhishma’s anger was kindled. Then, with the voice of thunder, he declared his intentions to the kings. Bhishma, best among warriors, placed the three maidens upon his chariot, announcing that the wise praise the giving of maidens to the worthy. He explained the various ways of marriage among the Kshatriyas: some give their daughters adorned and with wealth; some marry by paying a bride price; others by force, with or without consent; some win a maiden by their own prowess; some follow the Rishi marriage; and the eighth, the wealth-marriage, is also approved by the wise. The royal class honors the svayamvara, but the righteous declare that taking a bride by strength is the highest form. He concluded, “These are the ways, O rulers of the earth, and by strength I choose to take them. So strive with all your power—win or be defeated.” Having spoken thus to the assembled kings and the king of Kashi, Bhishma placed the maidens upon his chariot and, taking leave, departed swiftly, seizing the princesses. Enraged, all the kings leapt up, grasping their weapons and biting their lips in fury. As they hastily donned their armor and ornaments, great confusion erupted. Like stars scattered across the sky, so were their ornaments and weapons strewn about. With eyes red with anger and brows furrowed in wrath, the heroes mounted splendid chariots, prepared and yoked with fine horses, and equipped with all manner of arms. Armed and determined, they pursued Bhishma as he departed with the maidens. A tumultuous and hair-raising battle arose between Bhishma and the many kings. Ten thousand arrows were loosed at him in unison, but Bhishma, peerless in skill, intercepted them all before they could reach him.