Enraged by the fierce contest, Bhishma spoke sharply to his charioteer, commanding, “Drive straight to that king; today I will slay him as the king of birds slays a serpent.” With resolute skill, the Kaurava hero invoked the mighty Varuna weapon and, unleashing its power, struck down the four noble horses of King Shalva. Not stopping there, Bhishma, that tiger among kings, expertly countered the weapons hurled by Salva, and with another well-aimed shot, felled Salva’s charioteer. For the sake of the princesses, Bhishma, son of Shantanu, invoked the weapon of Indra and brought down the excellent horses once more. Having thus conquered, Bhishma, ever righteous, released Salva alive, allowing him to return to his own city, his honor intact. At that time, the kings who had come to witness the svayamvara, each following the path of righteousness, returned to their own kingdoms, as did the other conquerors of cities. With the three princesses won, Bhishma, foremost among warriors, set out for Hastinapura, the seat of the Kaurava king, righteous Vichitravirya, who ruled the earth. In all this, Bhishma followed the example of his father, Shantanu, best of kings, acting swiftly and wisely. Unharmed, he subdued forests, rivers, mountains, and the treasures of the land, destroying his foes in battle with immeasurable valor. Thus, the son of the ocean-going king brought the daughters of the king of Kashi as brides for his younger brother, and as sisters for the royal family, all in accordance with righteousness. Accepting them as his own daughters, Bhishma journeyed to the Kurus, motivated by love for his brother. All the maidens, adorned with every virtue, Bhishma gave to Vichitravirya, having won them by his prowess. Knowing the path of righteousness, Bhishma had performed a deed beyond the power of ordinary men and began preparations for his brother’s marriage. Together with Satyavati, he made a firm decision and began arranging the marriage of the Kashi king’s daughters. At that moment, the eldest maiden, steadfast in truth, spoke out. She said, “The lord of Saubha, Salva, was chosen by me in my heart as my husband, and I was chosen by him as well—this was also my father’s wish. It was Salva whom I intended to choose at the svayamvara. Knowing this, O knower of dharma, act according to the true principle of righteousness.” Thus addressed by the maiden in the assembly of Brahmins, Bhishma entered deep and fitting thought about his actions. He reflected, “This maiden is attached to another; the eldest, Amba, was won by me, given by word and mind, and auspicious words were spoken. But since she was designated for another, she must be relinquished, for her thoughts are with another.” Having said this and obtained his brother’s consent, Bhishma acted according to his will. After careful consideration, and in consultation with Brahmins learned in the Vedas, Bhishma, who knows righteousness, consented to release the eldest daughter of the King of Kashi. He gave Ambika and Ambalika as wives to Vichitravirya, performing the act as prescribed by law. Vichitravirya, proud of his beauty and youth, took the hands of the two princesses, but, though righteous, he did not desire Amba in any way. Amba herself declared, “This is only the fruit of sin; desire that is improper is futile. Enjoyment under another’s control, noble one, you ought not to urge upon me. The line of Shantanu, your ancestor, continues, father. Acting without desire, righteous one, I consider your view to be good.” Having spoken thus, Bhishma looked upon Amba and addressed her in accordance with law: “You are released; go, blameless one, wherever you wish. I am not able to 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 have taken the vow of celibacy, withdrawn from the duties of marriage.” Thus addressed, Amba departed, surrounded by her companions. She made her way to the city of Salva, and, upon arrival, honored the king and spoke: “Once chosen for you, I have come, O noble-faced one, abandoning Devavrata and his younger brother, the bull among the Bharatas. Accept me, may good be yours, as I come to you in accordance with law.” Hearing this, Salva laughed and replied, “O beautiful one, you were conquered by Bhishma, who defeated me among the kings. Conquered by another and released by him, I do not accept you; therefore, return there.” Thus rejected, Amba returned to the unrivaled kingdom of the Kurus and said to Bhishma, “I was seized by you by force. Consider the duty of a kshatriya: by law, you are my husband. Whichever man wins a maiden at her svayamvara by his valor—having defeated all the kings, he must certainly marry her. Therefore, you alone are my husband, for I was conquered by you. Marry me, whom you have won in the assembly.” But Bhishma replied again and again, “I am vowed to celibacy.” Amba pleaded, “Do as you have promised.” Thus, for six years, the lotus-eyed Amba followed Bhishma, seeking his acceptance. At last, Bhishma said to her, “I have become one who maintains celibacy, O gentle lady, and have turned away from marriage. Go to Salva, whom you had previously chosen in your heart.