As Bhishma was returning from the svayamvara, having seized the princesses of Kashi, the powerful King of Shalva, driven by desire for the maiden and guided by her scent, closed in upon him. With a voice ringing with challenge, Shalva called out to Bhishma, “Stop, stop!” His mighty arms tense and his heart ablaze with anger, the king of Shalva confronted Bhishma, the tiger among men and destroyer of enemy hosts. Stirred by Shalva’s words, Bhishma’s anger flared like a smokeless fire. His brow furrowed, he seized his great bow and, resolute in his duty as a warrior, turned his chariot back to face Shalva, fearless and undaunted. The assembled kings, witnessing this turn, became eager spectators, sensing the gravity of the impending battle between these two mighty men. Like two roaring bulls in the midst of the herd, Bhishma and Shalva advanced toward each other, displaying their formidable strength and valor. Then, O best of men, Shalva unleashed a torrent of arrows, showering Bhishma, son of Shantanu, with hundreds of thousands of shafts. The kings watched in astonishment as Bhishma was first pressed hard by Shalva’s assault, exclaiming in admiration, “Well done! Well done!” Delighted by Shalva’s swiftness and skill in battle, they praised him with words of wonder. But Bhishma, hearing the acclaim of the Kshatriyas and stung by the challenge, called out in anger, “Stop! Stop!” Filled with wrath, he commanded his charioteer, “Drive to where that king is; today I shall slay him as Garuda slays a serpent.” With determination, Bhishma invoked the Varuna weapon and struck down the four horses of King Shalva. He countered Shalva’s weapons with his own, felling both his charioteer and his excellent steeds, and for the sake of the maiden, used the Indra weapon to ensure his victory. Having triumphed, Bhishma spared the life of King Shalva, who then returned to his own city, defeated. The other kings, too, departed for their own realms, each returning to his kingdom after witnessing the contest at the svayamvara. Thus, with the princesses won by his prowess, Bhishma set out for Hastinapura, where the righteous King Vichitravirya, son of the Kauravas, ruled. Just as his father Shantanu had once done, Bhishma, lord among men, in a short time subdued forests, rivers, mountains, and the treasures of the earth. Unharmed, he destroyed his foes in battle, his valor immeasurable. With righteousness, the son of the ocean-going king brought the daughters of the King of Kashi as daughters-in-law for his house, and as sisters for his younger brother. Having accepted the maidens as his own daughters, Bhishma returned to the Kurus, motivated by love for his brother. He bestowed all the virtuous princesses upon his younger brother Vichitravirya, having won them through his own strength. Knowing the path of righteousness, Bhishma accomplished a deed beyond ordinary human power, and began preparations for Vichitravirya’s marriage. Having resolved with Satyavati, Bhishma, ever self-controlled, was arranging the marriage of the Kashi king’s daughters when the eldest among them, steadfast in truth, addressed him. She spoke: “The lord of Saubha, King Shalva, was chosen by me in my heart as my husband, and he too had chosen me. This was also my father’s wish. Shalva was to be my choice at the svayamvara. Knowing this, O knower of righteousness, act according to the true principle of dharma.” Thus addressed in an assembly of Brahmins, Bhishma, the heroic son of Shantanu, entered into deep and appropriate reflection on his actions. “This maiden is attached to another; the eldest, Amba, was won by me, given by word and by mind, and auspicious words were spoken. But since she was designated for another, she must be relinquished, for her heart belongs elsewhere.” Having said this, and with his brother’s consent, Bhishma resolved to act according to dharma. Carefully considering the matter with Brahmins accomplished in the Vedas, Bhishma agreed to release the eldest daughter of the King of Kashi. He gave Ambika and Ambalika, as wives, to his brother Vichitravirya, performing the act as prescribed by law. Vichitravirya, filled with pride in his youth and beauty, took the hands of the two princesses, but though righteous, he felt no desire for Amba. Amba herself spoke: “This is the fruit of sin; desire that is improper is futile. Enjoyment under another’s control should not be urged upon me. The line of Shantanu, whose descendant you are, continues, father. Acting without desire, righteous one, I consider your view to be good.” Having spoken thus, Bhishma addressed Amba with words in accordance with law: “You are released; go, blameless one, wherever you wish. I cannot command my dear brother against his will, nor would anyone keep in his house a woman who desires another. Therefore, I will not appoint you; you desire another—go. I too am one who has taken the vow of celibacy, withdrawn from the duties of marriage.” Thus addressed, Amba departed, surrounded by her companions. Directed thus, O King, she slowly made her way toward the city of King Shalva. Upon arrival, Amba honored Shalva and spoke to him, seeking the fulfillment of her heart’s desire.