When Vicitravirya was coming of age, Bhishma and Satyavati began to think about his eventual marriage.
They learned that the three beautiful and virtuous princesses of Kashi, Amba, Ambika, and Ambalika had reached the right age for marriage and that the king, their father, intended to consider the proposals put forward by the numerous contending princes. In those days the princesses used to choose their spouses among the bravest, and for this purpose tournaments called svayamvara were organized.
After extensively discussing it with Satyavati, Bhishma decided to go to Kashi replacing Vicitravirya to conquer the princesses.
Bhishma entered the arena of the capital of Kashi when the tournament was about to begin. When the famous warrior appeared there was a loud murmur of surprise.
“Could it be that Ganga’s son has been captivated by the beauty of the three young women and decided to abandon his vow of celibacy? I see no other reason why he is here today,” somebody said.
“There is no other explanation for his hasty and unannounced arrival at this tournament, where his mastery in the use of weapons will certainly give him the victory,” added someone.
But still others seemed to guess the truth.
“No, we don’t believe it. Bhishma would never betray his vow. Rather, he will want to get the princesses for the young Vicitravirya, who is still too weak and inexperienced to hope for a victory against such valiant knights.”
This is a section of the book “Maha-Bharata As It Is vol. 1 of 2”.
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