Shantanu, Ganga, Devratha(Bhisma)

Shantanu was the youngest son of Pratipa of the King of Hastinapur. The eldest son Devapi suffered from leprosy and abdicated his inheritance to become a hermit. The middle son Bahlika devoted his life to conquer the old Aryan territories near Balkh, hence Shantanu become the King of Hastinapur. One day when Shantanu was hunting near River Ganga he saw a beautiful woman near the banks of Ganga River. She was Ganga in human form. Shantanu asked her to be his queen. He offered for her love, his kingdom, and his wealth.

Ganga agreed to marry Shantanu with one condition. Neither the king nor anyone should ever ask who she is and whence she comes. Shantanu would not ask anything whatever she does. Shantanu gave the promise. They married and soon Ganga gave birth. But Ganga drowned the child. Shantanu could not ask because of his promise. She gave birth six more children, each newborn baby she took to the Ganga and cast into the river. When she was about to drown the eighth Shantanu could not hold his curiosity and asked, ' why you are bent on the murder of your newborn babies.'

Ganga replied, 'Vashista cursed eight vasus should be born in the world of men. I was to be their mother. This was how the Vasus came to incur Vashista's curse. When they went to the forest with their wives, they saw Nandini, the cow owned by Vashista. One of the ladies asked her husband to secure it for her. Her husband at first refused. When his wife insisted he yielded. All the Vasus joined together and took the cow and calf away with them. When Vashista came to know of this and he cursed them that they should be born into the world of men. Vasus prayed me to become their mother and asked me to throw into the water as soon as they are born and liberate them from the curse. I have thrown seven babies into the river. When I was about to throw the last one you have restrained me. You have broken your promise. I shall not kill this child. I shall bring up this last child of yours and return it to you as my gift.'

After saying this she disappeared. After Ganga left Shantanu gave up all sensual pleasures. One day while he wandering along the banks of Ganga he saw a beautiful boy. Ganga appeared and said, ' O King this is your eighth child. His name is Devavrata. He has mastered the art of arms. Vashishta taught him the Vedas and vedantha. He is well versed in arts and sciences. He is a great archer. You may take back you this child.'

Saying this she disappeared.

It was this child who later became famous and called Bhisma.

Bhisma