As Satyavati recounted her past, she told of a fateful day when she was ferrying the revered sage Parashara across the sacred Yamuna. During their journey, the sage approached her with gentle and sweet words, full of desire. He revealed to her the truth of her birth and lineage, telling her that she was not truly the daughter of a fisherman, as she had believed. Bound by fear—of a curse from the sage and of her father’s wrath—Satyavati could not refuse Parashara, even when he asked for difficult boons. As they reached the far shore, she saw illustrious sages standing along the riverbank, shining with the brilliance of blazing fires. In the east, the young sun rose, clothing the sky in radiant red, making it appear vast and splendid. At that moment, Parashara, steadfast in truth, created a dense mist upon the island in the middle of the Yamuna. Enveloped by his spiritual power, Satyavati felt herself overcome, as if the whole world had been plunged into darkness. The sage, with his energy, brought her under his control as easily as one guides a boat. Satyavati remembered with pain the strong fishy odor that had always clung to her—a scent she herself found repugnant. Yet, the sage, moved by compassion, removed this odor and blessed her with a delightful fragrance instead. After she had conceived his child, Parashara promised her that she would remain a maiden, untouched, even after this union. Gladly, the wise ascetic granted Satyavati perpetual maidenhood. Witnessing the power of the sage, she was both amazed and troubled. Yet, surrendering to fate, she allowed Parashara, pleased with her, to beget a son in her on that very island. Their son was born immediately—a great yogi and mighty sage, named Dvaipayana. Because he was born on an island (dvīpa), he was called Dvaipayana; and due to his dark complexion, he became known as Krishna. This blessed sage, through his austerity, would later divide the four Vedas and earn the name Vyasa. Krishna Dvaipayana Vyasa was truthful, self-controlled, ascetic, and free from sin. The moment he was born, he departed with his father, Parashara. Yet, Satyavati and Bhishma both knew that Vyasa was destined to preserve their family line, should the need arise. Before leaving, Vyasa told his mother, “Remember me in times of hardship.” Satyavati assured Bhishma that, if he so wished, she would call upon Vyasa to beget sons for the family, especially for Vichitravirya’s widowed queens. Bhishma, with joined palms, agreed, saying, “You know the proper place and time; let it be done for the fulfillment of our purpose.” He reflected on the importance of righteousness, purpose, and wise decision, recognizing that Satyavati’s counsel was for the welfare of their family. Thus resolved, Satyavati remembered her son. Wise Vyasa, sensing his mother’s thoughts even as he expounded the Vedas, appeared before her in a moment, unseen by others. Satyavati performed the proper rites of welcome for her son, embracing him with tears of joy after so many years apart. Vyasa, sprinkling water and offering respects to his distressed mother, spoke gently: “I have come for what you desire. Command me, knower of righteousness, and I will do what pleases you.” The family priest performed the appropriate worship for Vyasa, and the sage accepted it with proper rite and mantra. Pleased by their reverence, Vyasa sat, and Satyavati inquired after his welfare. Then Satyavati explained their predicament: “O sage, sons are born equally from both mother and father. By birth, you are my eldest son, and Vichitravirya is my younger. Bhishma is a son of Shantanu, as you are of me. As you consider yourself a brother to Vichitravirya, so too is Bhishma your brother. Yet Bhishma will not act to produce heirs or rule the kingdom. Therefore, for the sake of our family’s line, you must consider this duty.” She continued, “By the words of Bhishma, by my command, and out of compassion for all beings, you must beget sons with the wives of your younger brother, who are as radiant as goddesses. They are youthful, beautiful, and desire sons according to righteousness. You alone are capable of fulfilling this need, to continue our family and ensure heirs are born.” Vyasa replied, “My mind is fixed on righteousness; at your command, I will act for the sake of dharma. This ancient practice is known to me, and I will give sons to your brother, equal in virtue to Mitra and Varuna. Let the two queens observe the vow I prescribe for one year, as is proper, and then they will be purified and ready.” Thus, as the two queens prepared themselves, Vyasa stood ready to fulfill his mother’s wish, ensuring the continuation of the royal line in accordance with dharma.