Shantanu - Shantanu and Satyavati

Shantanu and Satyavati

When Shantanu's son Bhishma had grown into a young prince, Shantanu came across Satyavati, an adopted daughter of a ferryman on the Yamuna river), and fell in love with her. The ferryman agreed to the marriage on condition that, the son Satyavati bore the king would inherit the throne.

King Shantanu was unable to give his word on accession as his eldest son Bhishma was the heir to the throne. However, Bhishma came to know of this and for the sake of his father, gave his word to the ferryman that he would renounce all his claims to the throne, in favour of Satyavati's children. To reassure the skeptical ferryman, further he also vowed lifelong celibacy to ensure that future generations borne of Satyavati would also not be challenged by his offspring.

Shantanu and Satyavati went on to have two sons, Chitrāngada and Vichitravirya. After Shantanu's death, Satyavati continued to rule the kingdom with her two sons, with help of Bhishma.

Preceded by
Pratipa
King of Hastinapura Succeeded by
Chitrāngada

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