Bhishma’s Univited Arrival

In the ancient kingdom of Kashi, three beautiful princesses—Amba, Ambika, and Ambalika—were preparing for their swayamvara, a ceremony where they would choose their husbands from a gathering of noble princes. The king of Kashi invited many princes and kings but did not invite Bhishma or anyone from Hastinapura due to old rivalries. Bhishma, the great warrior and protector of the Kuru dynasty, learned about the swayamvara and the lack of invitation.

He decided to attend the event to secure brides for his half-brother, Vichitravirya, ensuring the continuity of the Kuru lineage. Bhishma’s sense of duty and his respect for tradition propelled him to take this bold step. On the day of the swayamvara, the court of Kashi was filled with noble princes and kings, each hoping to win the hands of the beautiful princesses. Bhishma arrived at the venue, radiating confidence and valor. His unexpected presence caused a stir among the attendees, but no one dared to challenge him directly. With his unwavering resolve, Bhishma declared his intention to take the three princesses back to Hastinapura. Many princes and kings were enraged by this declaration, but none more so than King Salva, who had hoped to marry Amba. Determined to defend his honor and win Amba’s hand, King Salva challenged Bhishma to a duel.

Bhishma, being a master warrior, fought fiercely and defeated King Salva, proving his unmatched skills. Salva was humiliated but powerless to change the outcome.

Bhishma then took the three princesses and started the journey back to Hastinapura.

During the journey, Amba approached Bhishma and revealed that she was already in love with King Salva and wished to marry him. Respecting her feelings, Bhishma allowed Amba to leave and go to King Salva. Amba went to Salva, hoping to marry him. But Salva, feeling humiliated by his defeat and Bhishma’s actions, refused her and did not want to marry someone who had been taken by another man. Heartbroken and humiliated, Amba returned to Bhishma and demanded justice and asked Bhishma to marry her. Bhishma, bound by his vow of celibacy, couldn’t marry her.

Desperate for revenge, Amba sought the help of Parashurama, a revered warrior and an incarnation of Lord Vishnu known for his temper and fighting skills.

Parashurama agreed to help Amba and challenged Bhishma to a duel. The battle between Bhishma and Parashurama was intense and lasted many days. Both were evenly matched, and neither could win. Finally, the gods intervened and declared that neither could defeat the other. Parashurama acknowledged Bhishma’s strength and ended the fight. But Amba’s desire for revenge remained. She performed severe penance and was eventually reborn as Shikhandi, a key figure in the great war of Kurukshetra who would play a crucial role in Bhishma’s eventual downfall.

Thus, the tale of Bhishma’s uninvited presence at the swayamvara, his defeat of King Salva, and the ensuing events became a legendary story of honor, duty, and the intricate workings of destiny.