The Story of Bhishma's Vow

The Story of Bhishma's Vow Bhishma, originally named Devavrata, was one of the central characters in the Mahabharata and a key figure in the Kuru dynasty. His story revolves around a solemn vow he took, which earned him the name "Bhishma," meaning "the one with a terrible oath." Devavrata was the son of King Shantanu and Ganga, the river goddess. As a young prince, he was known for his exceptional valor, wisdom, and devotion to his father. One day, King Shantanu fell in love with Satyavati, a fisherwoman, and wished to marry her. However, Satyavati's father had a condition: the throne must go to Devavrata's offspring, and he must never become king himself. Devavrata, out of deep love for his father and devotion to the kingdom, agreed to the condition and took a vow of lifelong celibacy, sacrificing his right to the throne. He pledged that he would never marry or father children, ensuring that the future of the Kuru dynasty was secure. Devavrata's unw...