Devavrata Becomes Bhishma

"I'm worried about your safety and well-being," Shantanu lied. "If something bad happens to you, I will not have a successor." He had already announced that he would not remarry.

Devavrata easily realized that the actual issue was something different, so he requested the king's attendant to reveal the truth.

"He wishes to marry a fisherman's daughter," replied the attendant.

"Well, what's the problem with that?" asked Devavrata.

"The fisherman will consent to the wedding only on one condition: that his daughter's future son will be crowned prince."

Devavrata pondered momentarily before instructing the attendant to accompany him to the Yamuna riverbank.

Devavrata approached Dasharaja and requested that he allow his daughter to marry King Shantanu. With folded hands, Dasharaja reiterated his stipulation: "You are the king's eldest son," he said. "How can another child ascend the throne while you're around?"

"I give you my word," replied Devavrata solemnly, "that your daughter's son will be crowned king."

"I believe you will honor your promise," said Dasharaja. "But what about your children? They will certainly fight for the throne."

"Then, I swear I will never marry; I will remain a lifelong bachelor." After making this vow, Devavrata became known as Bhishma, which means 'one who has taken a terrible oath.'