When the Gandharva struck down Chitrangada in battle, the prince swiftly departed this world and ascended to Indra’s celestial realm. Bhishma, upon learning of his brother’s passing, promptly performed all the proper funeral rites, honoring his memory with due reverence. Though overwhelmed with grief, Bhishma, son of Ganga, gathered himself and, surrounded by wise ministers, installed his younger brother Vichitravirya as king of the Kurus. Satyavati, their mother, though still mourning her lost son, was counseled by the ministers and revered teachers. Their words, and the sight of her own son Vichitravirya seated upon the throne, brought her a measure of comfort and satisfaction. Satyavati shone with renewed radiance and joy, her beauty undiminished by sorrow. News of Vichitravirya’s coronation reached Vyasa, her eldest son, who too rejoiced at his brother’s rise to kingship. As Vichitravirya grew into the fullness of youth, Satyavati’s virtuous son became the focus of Bhishma’s concern—he saw the need to arrange a suitable marriage for his younger brother. At this time, the king of Kashi announced a grand svayamvara for his three daughters, maidens adorned with every auspicious mark. Kings and princes from far and wide, numbering in the thousands, gathered to compete for their hands, each honored and eager to win the prize. Amidst this assembly, the mighty Bhishma arrived. With unmatched prowess, he overcame all the assembled kings, seizing the three princesses by force upon his single chariot. Victorious, Bhishma, radiant with the strength of his arms, brought the maidens safely to Hastinapura. Treating the princesses with the respect and care of a mother, sister, or daughter, Bhishma gathered them together and reported to Satyavati. He summoned learned Brahmins and astrologers, seeking their guidance for an auspicious day for the marriage. With all arrangements made, Bhishma prepared to wed his righteous brother Vichitravirya to the three princesses. But then, the eldest maiden, her eyes downcast in modesty, addressed Bhishma in the presence of all: “O son of Ganga, best of the Kurus, knower of dharma, lamp of your lineage—my heart has already chosen King Shalva as my husband at the svayamvara. I was chosen by him, and my heart is filled with love. O subduer of foes, do what is proper for your family today. You are foremost in upholding righteousness, O mighty one—do as you see fit.” Hearing her words, Bhishma, delight of the Kurus, consulted the aged Brahmins, his mother Satyavati, and the ministers. After learning their opinions, Bhishma, ever steadfast in dharma, gently told the maiden, “Go as you desire.” Thus released, the princess journeyed to Shalva’s abode and spoke to the king who held her heart: “Freed by Bhishma, I am yours by heart and by righteousness. I have come, great king—take my hand today. I wish to become your lawful wife, for I have desired you before, and there is no doubt in my mind.” But King Shalva replied, “O beautiful one, Bhishma seized you before my very eyes and placed you upon his chariot. I cannot accept your hand. Who, possessing wisdom, would take a maiden who has been touched by another? I cannot accept one abandoned by Bhishma, as if she were my own mother.” Rejected and heartbroken, the maiden wept and lamented. She returned to Bhishma, crying, and pleaded, “Shalva will not accept me, O hero, since you have released me. Accept me yourself, you who know righteousness, O fortunate one, or else I shall die.” Bhishma replied, “How can I accept you, O beautiful one, when your mind is set on another? Go swiftly to your father, lovely one, and do not distress yourself.” Thus addressed, the maiden departed for the forest. There, in a supremely pure holy place, she performed austerities alone. Meanwhile, Vichitravirya, the king, had two wives—Ambika and Ambalika, the auspicious daughters of the king of Kashi. With them, he enjoyed the pleasures of life, both in the palace and the gardens. For nine years, Vichitravirya delighted in their company, but then he fell ill with a wasting disease and passed away. Satyavati, stricken with grief at the loss of her son, had his funeral rites performed by the ministers. In her sorrow, she approached Bhishma in solitude and pleaded, “Take up the kingdom, O fortunate one. You are the son of Shantanu, your father. Take your brother’s wives and preserve the lineage, so the dynasty does not perish—just as the line of Yayati was once preserved.” But Bhishma replied, “Mother, you know the vow I made for my father’s sake. I will not rule the kingdom, nor will I take a wife.” At this, Satyavati grew anxious, wondering how the family line would continue. The charioteer, too, felt no happiness with the kingdom left without an heir. Bhishma then comforted Satyavati: “Do not worry, O beautiful one. Let a son be born to Vichitravirya by means of a kshetraja. Call a noble Brahmin and appoint him together with the wives; there is no fault in this, even according to the Vedas, for the protection of the lineage. Thus, by producing a grandson, grant him the kingdom, O pure-smiling one, and I will govern according to his command.” Hearing these words, Satyavati thought of her own son, the sage Vyasa, born of the sage Parashara. As soon as she remembered him, Vyasa, the ascetic and sinless sage, appeared before her, bowing respectfully to his mother as he stood before her, radiant and ready.