O greatly fortunate one, the son born of Ganga was destined to become exceedingly powerful. Ganga herself assured King Shantanu that, after nurturing the boy until he reached youth, she would return him to the king. Having spoken these words, the radiant Ganga vanished from sight, taking the young child with her. Left behind, King Shantanu was overwhelmed by sorrow from his separation from his beloved wife, and he was filled with wonder and longing for his son. Time passed in this way, with the king’s heart weighed down by these thoughts. Eventually, seeking solace, he went out to hunt. On one such occasion, as Shantanu wandered, he arrived at the sacred banks of the river Ganga. There, to his astonishment, he saw a young boy performing extraordinary feats: the youth was releasing countless arrows with remarkable speed and precision. The king was utterly amazed, unable to comprehend what he was witnessing, for the boy’s skill with the bow was truly superhuman. Marveling at this, Shantanu approached and asked, “O sinless one, whose son are you?” But as soon as he spoke, the boy vanished from his sight, leaving the king troubled and lost in anxious thoughts. Standing there by the river, Shantanu composed his mind and began to praise Ganga with deep devotion. In answer to his prayers, Ganga herself appeared before him, her beauty radiant in every limb. The king addressed her with reverence, and Ganga spoke kindly, saying, “I now place this son of Ganga, great in austerity, into your hands. He will bring fame to your lineage and will be devoted to you. Your son has been raised in the divine hermitage of Vasishtha. All that Jamadagni knew of the Vedas, your son knows as well.” Having thus spoken, Ganga entrusted their son to Shantanu and then disappeared. Overcome with joy, the king embraced his son and affectionately smelled his head as was the custom of fathers. Filled with happiness, Shantanu returned to his city, Gajahvaya, and held a splendid festival. He gathered all his people and his auspicious ministers, and there, he made his son—endowed with every virtue—the crown prince. Thus, the birth of Gangeya, the son of Ganga, and his divine origin from Jahnavi have been told. The sacred descent of Ganga and the origin of the Vasus have also been recounted. This holy and pure narrative, O best of sages, has now been related. The glorious Bhagavata, sacred and filled with wondrous stories, has been spoken. For those who listen with devotion, it destroys all sins, brings auspiciousness, and bestows happiness. Now, the sages inquired further: “The origin of the Vasus, caused by a curse, and the birth of Gangeya have been narrated by Lomaharshana. But Vyasa’s mother, wise in dharma, was 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, the foremost in dharma. Resolve this doubt for us, O virtuous one.” Suta replied: Shantanu, the royal sage, was ever fond of hunting and often went to the forest, pursuing deer, buffaloes, and antelopes. For four years, the king enjoyed happiness with his son, just as Shiva delights in his child. Once, while shooting arrows and hunting boars and wild pigs, Shantanu entered a certain forest and reached the river Kalindi, the best of streams. There, the king was suddenly enveloped by an indescribable, excellent fragrance. Curious and enchanted, he wandered through the forest, seeking its source. He mused, “This fragrance is not of mandāra flowers, nor of deer musk, nor of campaka, nor of mālatī, nor of ketakī—so delightful is it! Never before have I experienced such a pure and fragrant breeze. From where does this wind come, so bewildering to my sense of smell?” Thus reflecting, Shantanu, overcome by desire to find the source of this fragrance, followed the scented wind through the forest. There, on the riverbank, he saw a woman of lovely appearance, modest and beautiful, standing firm and dressed in soiled garments. Her dark, enchanting eyes captivated him, and the king realized with certainty that the wondrous fragrance emanated from her very body. Her form was exceedingly beautiful, and the fragrance that surrounded her was esteemed by all the world. She was of fresh youth, and seeing her, the king was truly amazed.