King Drupada, holding onto hope, wished for the fulfillment of an ancient prophecy: that someone would take up the garland in his possession and, by wearing it, would become the slayer of Bhishma, who had destroyed Drupada’s righteousness. Yet, fate had its own course, and his daughter’s mind was unmoved by his desires—this was destiny, not human will. Drupada kept the garland for some time, but as his interest waned, he neglected it, letting it lie in silence. Then, his child Shikhandini, disregarding her father’s wishes, boldly took up the garland and wore it. Fearing Bhishma’s wrath, Drupada abandoned his child. Shikhandini, frightened and alone, sought refuge with a Brahmin ascetic performing austerities at the banks of the sacred Ganga. She served him with devotion, and the sage, pleased by her dedication, spoke: “Soon, at the ford of the Ganga, a division will take place. There, strive to propitiate Tumburu, the king of the Gandharvas, who is pleasing to behold. Serve him well. I too will assist you in this matter; do as I say, for he will bring you benefit.” As foretold, a division arose among the Gandharvas at that place, leaving two of equal splendor. One, desiring to become a woman, looked upon Shikhandini and said, “Take this male form; I choose your female form for myself.” Thus, they made an agreement: one would become a woman, the other a man. Shikhandini, destined to destroy enemy heroes, became a man. The Gandharva, now a woman, departed joyfully, and Yajnaseni—Shikhandini—felt immense satisfaction. Traveling to Budbudaka, Shikhandini acquired divine weapons and, radiant with newfound power, returned to his homeland, Panchala. There, he bowed to his father, the mighty archer, and declared, “Bhishma need not be feared by you in any way.” Meanwhile, after Amba had departed, Bhishma, son of Shantanu, arranged for King Vichitravirya’s marriage rites to be performed according to the law. Vichitravirya, proud of his beauty and righteous yet passionate, married Ambika and Ambalika in the presence of fire. Both queens were tall and dark, with curled black hair, adorned with red prominent nails, broad hips, and full breasts. Thinking, “We have obtained a husband worthy of ourselves,” the auspicious maidens honored Vichitravirya. United in affection, he, resembling the twin Ashvins and equal to the gods in valor, captivated the hearts of all women in private. For seven years, the youthful king enjoyed their company, but then was seized by consumption. Despite the efforts of friends and skilled physicians, Vichitravirya departed for the abode of Yama, like the sun setting at the end of the day. Bhishma, the righteous son of Ganga, absorbed in sorrow, performed all the funeral rites for his brother. Following Satyavati’s counsel, and with the help of priests and the foremost Kurus, Bhishma completed the ceremonies for King Vichitravirya. Satyavati, afflicted and pitiable, longing for a son, performed her son’s rites together with her daughters-in-law. She consoled them, who were oppressed by the grief of widowhood, and, after careful consideration of the law of both paternal and maternal lineages, spoke to Bhishma. Overwhelmed by sorrow and sinking in grief, Satyavati said, “In you, O Bhishma, are established the offerings, the fame, and the lineage of Shantanu, ever devoted to righteousness and renowned among the Kurus. Your brother Vichitravirya, who has passed, performed virtuous deeds and surely attained heaven; just as life is certain, so too is righteousness certain in you. You know the laws, O knower of righteousness, both in summary and in detail; you are versed in the scriptures and in all the limbs of the Veda. I observe in you proper conduct and family customs, and your discernment in difficult situations is like that of Shukra and Angiras. Therefore, assured in you, best of the upholders of righteousness, I appoint you to this task; having heard this, you should act accordingly. Your brother, valiant and dear to you, though still young, has gone to heaven without an heir. Here are his two queens, daughters of the King of Kashi, endowed with beauty and youth, longing for sons. By my command, mighty-armed one, you should raise offspring from them for the continuation of our lineage, in accordance with righteousness. Assume sovereignty and rule the Bharatas according to dharma; take wives in accordance with righteousness, and do not let our ancestors’ line be submerged.” Thus addressed by his mother and friends, Bhishma, devoted to righteousness, replied, “Without doubt, mother, you have spoken the highest righteousness; and you know well my supreme vow regarding offspring. You also know, Satyavati, what transpired for the sake of the bride-price in your presence. I swear to you again, O Satyavati, this is the truth. I would renounce the three worlds, or even the kingdom of the gods, or anything greater than these, but never, under any circumstance, the truth.