Bhishma, the mighty son of King Shantanu, who was renowned for his wisdom and righteousness, brought the daughters of the King of Kashi as daughters-in-law for the royal house, and as sisters for his younger brother, acting with utmost virtue. Having accepted these princesses as his own daughters, Bhishma journeyed to the court of the Kurus, motivated by love for his brother, Vichitravirya. These maidens, each possessing every noble quality, were given by Bhishma to Vichitravirya, his younger brother, for marriage, having won them through his own prowess. Bhishma, ever mindful of dharma, had accomplished a deed that surpassed ordinary human ability, and began to make preparations for Vichitravirya’s marriage. Together with Satyavati, his stepmother, Bhishma made a firm decision regarding the marriage of the Kashi king’s daughters. As arrangements were underway, the eldest among the princesses, steadfast in truth, spoke out. She declared that the lord of Saubha, King Salva, had been chosen by her in her heart as her husband, and that he too had chosen her, with her father’s approval. She explained that Salva was to be her chosen one at the svayamvara, and requested Bhishma, who knew righteousness, to act according to the true principle of dharma. Hearing these words in the assembly of Brahmins, Bhishma reflected deeply and fittingly on his actions. He realized that the eldest maiden, Amba, was attached to another. Though he had won her and auspicious words had been spoken, since she was designated for another, she must be relinquished, for her thoughts were elsewhere. With Vichitravirya’s consent, Bhishma decided to act accordingly. Consulting learned Brahmins accomplished in the Vedas, Bhishma, who knew righteousness, consented to release the eldest daughter of the King of Kashi. He then gave Ambika and Ambalika, the younger princesses, to Vichitravirya as wives, performing the act as prescribed by law. Vichitravirya, proud of his beauty and youth, took the hands of Ambika and Ambalika. Though righteous, he felt no desire for Amba. Amba spoke, saying that improper desire is fruitless, and enjoyment under another’s control should not be urged. She acknowledged the continuation of Shantanu’s line and, acting without desire, affirmed Bhishma’s view. Bhishma then addressed Amba with words in accordance with law, releasing her: “Go, blameless one, wherever you wish.” He explained that he could not command his brother against his will, nor should anyone keep in their house a woman who desires another. Bhishma declared he would not appoint her, as she desired another, and reminded her of his own vow of celibacy. Thus addressed, Amba departed, surrounded by her companions, and made her way slowly toward the city of King Salva. Upon reaching Salva, Amba honored him and spoke: “Once chosen for you, I have come, abandoning Devavrata and his younger brother, the bull among the Bharatas. Accept me, as I come to you in accordance with law.” Salva laughed and replied, “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 approached Bhishma, saying, “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.” Bhishma replied again and again, “I am vowed to celibacy.” Amba pleaded with him to honor his promise, and for six years, she followed Bhishma, the lotus-eyed woman, seeking justice. Bhishma explained, “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. Why did you declare yourself for another before, being attached elsewhere? One should not house a bride or maiden who is devoted to another. I will not marry you, nor will I give you to my younger brother, Vichitravirya. Go wherever you wish.” Amba once again approached Salva, pleading, “O king, accept me.” Salva replied, “I do not accept one won by another,” and rejected her. Bhishma, declaring his vow of celibacy, also rejected her. Thus, Amba went again and again between Bhishma and Salva, seeking acceptance from both, but found none. For six years, Amba endured this cycle, shedding tears upon the ground and grieving deeply. She was noble-minded, her body adorned with full, high breasts, broad hips, wide eyes, and a shining face like the full moon. Her hair, like the kadamba tree in the rain, trembled restlessly. Then, for twelve years, Amba undertook severe austerity by the river, near the beautiful Himalayas. She restrained her actions, steadfast in vows, and stood on her big toe, so intense was her tapas that the gods themselves trembled. Witnessing her extraordinary austerity, which disturbed the gods, one among them—amazed and delighted—resolved to grant her favor. Anantasena, the blessed Kumara, lord and granter of boons, honored the princess and gave her a beautiful garland.