Though she was thus addressed, the queen, taking her child in her arms, was eager to depart. The king, his heart torn with anguish, called out to her, “O most sinful one, what am I to do today? Do you not fear the torments of hell?” Yet, his plea was met with calm resolve. She replied, “Go or stay as you wish, but let my son remain with me.” As the king spoke these words, she gathered the infant close, her intentions unwavering. “Desiring a son, I will raise this child of yours,” she said, “having gone to the forest.” Then, revealing her true identity, she declared, “Know me as Ganga, who has come here for the sake of the gods’ work. Let me, troubled in mind, go and dwell in a human womb.” She continued, “Having granted them a boon, O best of kings, I was born as your wife. Your seven sons, O Vasava, have been released from the curse of the sage. Now take this son, given by Ganga, for yourself, O Shantanu. This son of Ganga, O greatly fortunate one, will become exceedingly powerful. O king, after raising him until he reaches youth, I shall give him to you.” Having spoken thus, Ganga disappeared, taking the boy with her. King Shantanu was left to suffer the sorrow of separation from his wife and the wonder and longing for his son. As time passed in this way, the king sought solace in the hunt. One day, he arrived at the bank of the Ganga. There, to his astonishment, he saw a young boy releasing many arrows with incredible skill. The king was amazed and could not comprehend what he was witnessing—even the boy’s swiftness with arrows seemed superhuman. Overwhelmed, the king asked, “O sinless one, whose son are you?” But in that very moment, the boy vanished from sight, leaving the king troubled and anxious. Standing there with a focused mind, the king offered heartfelt praises to Ganga. As he did so, Ganga herself appeared before him, beautiful in every limb. Seeing her, the king spoke with deep emotion. Ganga addressed him, saying, “I now place this son of Ganga, great in austerity, into your hands. He will bring fame to this lineage and will be devoted to you. This son of yours has been raised in the divine hermitage of Vasishtha. What Jamadagni knew of the Vedas, your son knows as well.” Having spoken thus, Ganga vanished, entrusting the son to the king. With joy and relief, the king embraced his son and smelled his head in affection. He then returned to Gajahvaya, where he held a splendid festival. Gathering all the people and his auspicious ministers, he made his son—endowed with all virtues—the crown prince. Thus was told the birth of Gangeya, the origin from Jahnavi, and the sacred descent of Ganga, as well as the origin of the Vasus. This holy and pure narrative has been recounted, O best of sages. The glorious Bhagavata, sacred and filled with various stories, has been told. For those who listen, it destroys all sins, brings auspiciousness, and gives happiness. Now, the description of Devavrata’s vow shall be told. The sages said: The origin of the Vasus has been recounted, caused by a curse, and likewise the birth of Gangeya has been narrated by Lomaharshana. Tell us, then, of Vyasa’s mother, wise in dharma, named Satyavati—virtuous and fragrant—how did she become the wife of Shantanu? Tell us in detail how the daughter of a ferryman was accepted by the king, foremost in dharma; resolve this doubt for us, O virtuous one.