The story of Bhishma's vow, known as "Bhishma Pratigya," is one of
the most iconic tales from the Indian epic, the Mahabharata. It is a tale of
duty, sacrifice, and unwavering dedication. Here's a comprehensive retelling of
the story:
Bhishma Pratigya: The Vow of Bhishma
Introduction.jpeg)
.jpeg)
The Mahabharata is an ancient Indian epic that narrates the story of the
Kuru dynasty and the great war of Kurukshetra. Among its many profound tales,
the story of Bhishma and his vow stands out as a testament to the principles of
duty, sacrifice, and selflessness. Bhishma, originally named Devavrata, was the
son of King Shantanu and Ganga. His life took a dramatic turn due to a promise
he made, which earned him the name Bhishma, meaning "the one who
undertakes a terrible vow."
The Birth of Devavrata
King Shantanu, the ruler of Hastinapura, was a wise and just king. He fell
in love with Ganga, the goddess of the river Ganges, who agreed to marry him on
one condition: he would never question her actions, no matter how strange or
cruel they seemed. Shantanu agreed, and they were married. They had eight
children, but Ganga drowned each one in the river immediately after birth. When
the eighth child was born, Shantanu could no longer restrain himself and
questioned Ganga. She then revealed her true identity and explained that their
children were the eight Vasus, cursed to be born as mortals. She was merely
releasing them from their mortal lives quickly. Ganga left, taking the eighth
child with her, but later returned the boy to Shantanu, naming him Devavrata.
The Rise of Devavrata
Devavrata grew up to be a mighty warrior, mastering the arts of warfare and
statecraft. He was a devoted son, always seeking to make his father proud.
Recognizing his capabilities, Shantanu appointed him as the heir to the throne
of Hastinapura.
Shantanu's New Love
Years passed, and one day, while hunting in the forest, King Shantanu met
Satyavati, the beautiful daughter of a fisherman. Enchanted by her beauty, he
wished to marry her. However, Satyavati's father laid down a condition: her
children must inherit the throne. This placed Shantanu in a dilemma, as he had
already declared Devavrata as his heir.
Devavrata's Sacrifice
Seeing his father's distress, Devavrata approached the fisherman and vowed
to renounce his claim to the throne, ensuring that Satyavati's children would
become the rulers of Hastinapura. This was a significant sacrifice, but it was
not enough to convince the fisherman, who feared that Devavrata's descendants
might later contest the throne. Determined to fulfill his father's desires,
Devavrata made an even more severe vow. He pledged to remain celibate for his
entire life, thereby removing any possibility of his lineage challenging the
succession.
This vow, taken by Devavrata on the banks of the Yamuna River, shocked the
heavens and earth. The gods showered flowers upon him and named him Bhishma,
signifying his terrible vow. King Shantanu, moved by his son's unparalleled
sacrifice, granted him the boon of Ichcha Mrityu, the ability to choose the
time of his own death.
Bhishma's Life of Duty
True to his vow, Bhishma led a life of unwavering duty and service to
Hastinapura. He became the regent and guardian of the kingdom, guiding its
rulers with wisdom and valor. He fought in many battles, displaying
unparalleled prowess and earning the respect and admiration of all.
The Kuru Dynasty
Satyavati bore Shantanu two sons, Chitrangada and Vichitravirya. Upon
Shantanu's death, Bhishma ensured the smooth succession of Chitrangada to the
throne. Unfortunately, Chitrangada was killed in battle, and Vichitravirya, the
younger son, ascended the throne under Bhishma's guardianship.
The Princesses of Kashi
When it was time for Vichitravirya to marry, Bhishma attended the swayamvara
(a ceremony where a princess chooses her husband from among assembled suitors)
of the princesses of Kashi. He won the three princesses, Amba, Ambika, and
Ambalika, in a contest and brought them back to Hastinapura. However, Amba
revealed that she was in love with another prince, Shalva, and requested to be
released. Bhishma, respecting her wishes, allowed her to leave, but Shalva
rejected her due to her stay in Hastinapura. Heartbroken and humiliated, Amba
sought revenge against Bhishma, eventually becoming a significant character in
the Mahabharata's later events.
The Mahabharata and Bhishma's Role
The Mahabharata's central narrative revolves around the conflict between the
Pandavas and the Kauravas, two branches of the Kuru dynasty. Bhishma, bound by
his loyalty to the throne, sided with the Kauravas, despite his deep affection
for the Pandavas. His role in the Kurukshetra war is one of the epic's most
poignant aspects.
During the war, Bhishma served as the commander of the Kaurava forces.
Despite his age, he fought valiantly, causing significant losses to the
Pandavas. However, he was invincible as long as he held his weapons. On the
tenth day of the battle, Arjuna, guided by Krishna, used Shikhandi (the
reincarnation of Amba) as a shield, knowing Bhishma would not fight a woman.
This allowed Arjuna to bring Bhishma down with a barrage of arrows. Bhishma,
however, did not die immediately. Utilizing his boon, he chose to remain on the
bed of arrows until the auspicious time of Uttarayana, imparting valuable
teachings to Yudhishthira and the Pandavas during this period.
Conclusion
Bhishma's vow is a story of unparalleled sacrifice and duty. It highlights
the complexities of dharma (righteousness) and the immense personal costs often
associated with upholding it. Bhishma's life, marked by his vow, serves as a
profound lesson in selflessness and the pursuit of duty above personal desires.
His legacy in the Mahabharata is a testament to the enduring power of
commitment and the sacrifices made for the greater good.
No comments:
Post a Comment