After some time, Satyavati bore a second son, Vichitravirya, who, like his elder brother Chitrangada, was endowed with every virtue and brought great happiness to King Shantanu. The first among Shantanu’s sons was Bhishma, born of Ganga, a mighty hero of superior strength; yet the two sons born to Satyavati, Chitrangada and Vichitravirya, were also exceedingly powerful and radiant. Seeing his sons blessed with all auspicious marks, Shantanu’s heart swelled with contentment. He felt invincible, even among the gods, so great was his joy and pride in his virtuous progeny. But in the course of time, as all beings must, the righteous Shantanu relinquished his mortal body, departing from the world as one casts off worn-out garments. When the king thus departed, Bhishma, ever devoted and dutiful, performed all the funeral rites and acts of charity as prescribed by tradition. Thereafter, he installed the valiant Chitrangada upon the throne, yet he himself did not assume kingship, remaining steadfast to his vow. Thus, Devavrata became renowned as Bhishma. Chitrangada, son of Satyavati, pure and powerful, became reckless in his strength, and his actions brought suffering to others. Once, surrounded by a great army, he roamed the forests, hunting deer and antelopes. It was there that the Gandharva named Chitrangada, upon seeing the king traveling along the path, descended before him in a splendid aerial chariot. Between these two, equal in valor, there arose a great battle at the sacred field of Kurukshetra. The fierce contest raged for three years, witnessed by ascetics and sages. In the end, Chitrangada was struck down in battle by the Gandharva and swiftly ascended to Indra’s realm. When Bhishma heard of his brother’s death, he promptly performed all the necessary funeral rites. Though stricken with grief, Bhishma, surrounded by ministers, installed Vichitravirya as king. Satyavati, though afflicted by sorrow for her lost son, found solace in seeing her younger son ascend the throne, following the counsel of wise ministers and teachers. She became exceedingly pleased, her beauty radiant with joy, and Vyasa too rejoiced upon hearing that his brother had become king. As Vichitravirya reached the fullness of youth, Bhishma began to consider the matter of his brother’s marriage. At that time, the king of Kashi announced a svayamvara for his three daughters, all endowed with auspicious marks. Kings and princes by the thousands were invited and honored, each hoping to win a maiden’s hand. Bhishma, mighty and resolute, entered the assembly and, with singular valor, overcame all the assembled kings. He seized the three maidens and returned with them to Hastinapura, having defeated all rivals. Treating the maidens with the respect and affection of a mother, sister, or daughter, he brought them together and reported swiftly to Satyavati. Learned Brahmins and astrologers were consulted to choose an auspicious day for the marriage. When all arrangements were in place, Bhishma prepared to wed his righteous brother Vichitravirya to the three princesses. Then, the eldest maiden, her eyes dark and downcast with modesty, spoke to Bhishma in the presence of all: “O son of Ganga, best of the Kurus and knower of dharma, in my heart I have chosen King Shalva as my husband at the svayamvara. He too chose me, and my heart is filled with love for him. Do what is proper today, O subduer of foes, for the sake of this family, for you are foremost in upholding righteousness.” Hearing her plea, Bhishma consulted the aged Brahmins, his mother Satyavati, and the ministers. Having learned their opinion, Bhishma, ever devoted to dharma, addressed the maiden gently: “Go as you desire.” Thus released, she went to the abode of King Shalva and spoke to him, her chosen one: “Freed by Bhishma, I am yours in heart and by dharma. I have come, great king—take my hand today. I have desired you before, and there is no doubt about this.” But Shalva replied, “O beautiful one, you were seized by Bhishma before my very eyes and placed upon his chariot. Who, possessing wisdom, would accept a maiden who has been touched by another? I cannot take as wife one abandoned by Bhishma, as if she were my mother.” Rejected and weeping, the maiden returned to Bhishma and cried, “Shalva will not accept me, O hero, since you have released me. Accept me yourself, you who know righteousness, or else I shall die.” Bhishma replied with compassion, “How can I accept you, O beautiful one, when your mind is set on another? Go swiftly to your father, O lovely one, without distress.” Thus addressed, she departed to the forest and performed austerities in solitude at a supremely pure holy place. Meanwhile, Vichitravirya married the two younger princesses, Ambika and Ambalika, the auspicious daughters of the king of Kashi. With them, the mighty Vichitravirya enjoyed many delights, both within the palace and in the gardens. For nine years, the king lived in happiness and pleasure. But in the end, afflicted by a wasting disease, Vichitravirya too departed from this world.