Bhishma's Vow

Some years later King Shantanu went to the bank of the Yamuna. A wonderful fragrance filled the air. Following it, he came upon a young woman who ferried people across the river by boat. Her name was Satyavati, and she was the daughter of Dasharaj, chief of the fishermen. Shantanu was captivated and went to her father to ask for her hand.

Dasharaj said, 'King, I will give my daughter to you, but on one condition: Satyavati's son must be king after you.' Shantanu could not promise this. How could he take away the right of a worthy son like Devavrata? He returned home in silence, but sadness settled on him.

Devavrata noticed his father's sorrow. Learning the whole story from a minister, he went to Dasharaj himself and said, 'I give you my word: I will not take the throne. Satyavati's son shall be king.' Still Dasharaj worried. 'You have given it up, but your sons may one day claim their right.'

Then Devavrata looked up to the sky and said, 'From today I will never marry. I will live in brahmacharya all my life.' At once flowers rained from the sky and the gods cried, 'Bhishma! Bhishma!', meaning one who has taken a terrible, almost impossible vow. From that day Devavrata was called Bhishma.

Devavrata brought Satyavati to his father in his own chariot. When Shantanu heard what his son had given up for his happiness, his eyes filled with tears. He blessed Bhishma: 'Death will not touch you until you yourself choose it.' This was the boon of ichchha-mrityu.