Vyasa, overwhelmed by grief upon witnessing the departure of his son from the world, resolved to leave as well. In his sorrowful state, his thoughts turned to his virtuous mother, the Nishada maiden, who now dwelled peacefully on the banks of the Jahnavi, freed from sorrow. Remembering Satyavati, Vyasa decided to leave the lofty mountain where he had been residing. The great sage, radiant with energy, journeyed to his birthplace. Upon reaching the island, Vyasa inquired about the beautiful-faced woman, his mother. The Nishadas informed him that the maiden had been given to the king. The King of the Dashas, upon seeing Vyasa, received him with deep affection and reverence, honoring him with joined palms. He spoke with joy, declaring that his birth had truly borne fruit and his lineage was purified, for even the gods rarely witness the presence of such a sage. He offered everything at Vyasa’s disposal—his wives, wealth, and sons—asking the illustrious sage to state his purpose for visiting. On the beautiful banks of the Sarasvati, Vyasa established a hermitage. There, absorbed in austerities, he lived with a focused mind. When the two sons of Satyavati—descendants of Shantanu, radiant and noble—were born, Vyasa, considering them brothers, dwelled contentedly in the forest. Chitrangada, the eldest, handsome and a subduer of foes, became the king’s son, possessing all auspicious marks. The second son, Vichitravirya, was also born, endowed with every virtue and bringing happiness to Shantanu. The first among them was Ganga’s son, a mighty hero of superior strength; and the two sons born to Satyavati were also exceedingly powerful. Seeing his sons endowed with all auspicious marks, Shantanu, great of mind, felt invincible even among the gods. In due time, Shantanu, righteous in soul, relinquished his body according to the natural course, as one casts off worn-out garments. After the king’s departure, Bhishma performed all the funeral rites and charitable acts as prescribed. Bhishma then installed the valiant Chitrangada in the kingdom, but he himself did not assume the throne, thus Devavrata became known as Bhishma. Chitrangada, son of Satyavati, pure and powerful, became reckless in his strength and brought suffering to others. Once, surrounded by a great army, Chitrangada roamed the forest, hunting deer and antelopes. There, the Gandharva named Chitrangada, seeing the king traveling along the path, descended near him in a splendid aerial chariot. A great battle arose between the two, equal in valor, at the sacred field of Kurukshetra, lasting three years. Struck down in battle by the Gandharva, Chitrangada swiftly attained Indra’s realm. Bhishma, upon hearing this, promptly performed his funeral rites. Though stricken with grief, Ganga’s son Bhishma, surrounded by ministers, installed Vichitravirya as king. After being advised by the ministers and noble teachers, Satyavati, though afflicted by grief for her son, became satisfied upon seeing her own son ascend the throne. Satyavati, radiant in beauty, was exceedingly pleased, and Vyasa too rejoiced upon hearing that his brother had become king. Satyavati’s virtuous son, having reached full youth, gave Bhishma cause to consider arranging a marriage for his younger brother. The three daughters of the king of Kashi, endowed with all auspicious marks, were presented by their father for marriage in a svayamvara ceremony. Kings and princes by the thousands were invited and honored, all assembled desiring to win the svayamvara. There, the mighty Bhishma seized the maidens by force, overcoming all the assembled kings with his single chariot and valor. Having defeated all the rulers, the great chariot-warrior, radiant with the strength of his arms, took the maidens and reached Hastinapura. Thinking of them as a mother would, or as a sister or daughter, he brought the three lovely-eyed maidens together. He swiftly reported to Satyavati and called for learned Brahmins and astrologers, inquiring about an auspicious day. When all the arrangements for the marriage were made, he prepared to wed his righteous brother, Vichitravirya, to the maidens. Then, the eldest of the maidens, her eyes dark and downcast with modesty, spoke to Bhishma, son of Ganga, in the presence of the others. “O son of Ganga, best of the Kurus, knower of dharma, lamp of the lineage, in my heart I have chosen King Shalva as my husband at the svayamvara. I was chosen by that king, my heart filled with love; do what is proper today, O subduer of foes, for the sake of this family. I was previously chosen by him, and you are foremost among the upholders of dharma; you are mighty, O son of Ganga—do as you see fit.” Thus addressed by the maiden, the delight of the Kurus consulted the aged Brahmins, his mother, and the ministers. Having learned the opinion of all, Bhishma, best knower of dharma, said to the maiden with a lovely face, “Go as you desire.” Released by him, she went to the abode of Shalva and spoke to that king, her chosen one, who delighted her heart: “Freed by Bhishma, I am yours in heart and by dharma; I have come, great king—take my hand today.